Syllabus

Brigham Young University
Department of Visual Arts
Vapho 170 - Intro To B&W Photography
Instructor: Michael Slade
E-mail: sladephoto@yahoo.com
Phone: 801-703-6919

Syllabus

Introduction:

Photo 1 is designed to introduce the beginning photographer to various concepts that will help them interpret and communicate their world visually using a film-based camera, a darkroom and various presentation techniques. We will build on what you have previously learned in the digital darkroom and will move beyond that.

Seeing and learning how to communicate the things that an individual deems important will be the emphasis of this class. Camera technique and manipulation will be of utmost importance. Learning how to creatively control exposure and composition at the time of initial image making is the primary objective. Commenting on your world accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT allowed.

Equipment:

35mm OR medium format camera. But...let's start with the 35mm camera...it'll be easier.

****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****

Textbook - The Negative by Ansel Adams, The Print by Ansel Adams

Buy them used or check them out from the library. Indispensable for understanding exposure and printing.

Tripod - it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and darkroom, it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do NOT have to be expensive.

****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****

Commitment:

This is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily resolved.

Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to your own learning and success.

Revisions to Syllabus:

The standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced in class.

Disability Accomodation:

Student should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have. Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified documented disabilities.

Attendance:

Please be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and assignments. Excessive absences will have a drastic influence on your grade. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness, doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor via email or phone before you are absent.

If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness. 

Classroom Conduct:

I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography. Any misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an immediate dismissal from the class.

Work/lab days:

Lab days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your assigned lab time.

Critiques:

Critiques are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve. Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may have for the content and form of your work.

Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations

You will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class activities.

There will be additional material posted to the blog. This material will usually be for your profit and learning. Occasionally it will be for fun. It is up to you to check the blog frequently...there may be lecture material that will come from posts on the blog.

TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM

Communication Devices:

The use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone at the beginning of class.

Computers:

Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted, unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

If you would like to make audio recordings of lectures and critiques, please feel free to do so. I would like a copy of all the recorded material at the end of class...it will help me generate material for my first book. It will be titled 'How to Photograph'. You are my guinea pigs for this book. Congratulations! You can thank me later.

MP3 players:

Students are permitted to use mp3 players and other music players during workdays. Use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted.

Grading:

Assessment of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester. Late work can NOT be re-done.

If there are circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then be made to avoid late penalties.

Grading will be determined by the following items:

• Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of prints, presentation
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance (I don't keep roll, but I do pay attention to who is in class...and also who is NOT.)