ART 337
INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: ELLEN LAND-WEBER
COURSE GOALS:
The purpose of this course is two-fold: to improve the understanding of the basics of photographic materials, processes, and techniques, so that they can be used more effectively in one's own work, and to explore in some depth particular ideas, working toward the goal of developing a personal style in photography.
You will be learning some new photographic techniques this semester. Topics may include view camera, alternative processes, digital darkroom, and color printing from color negatives.
ASSIGNMENTS: Exact details for each assignment will be given in class. The most important thing is that you make each assignment work well for you. PHOTOGRAPH WHAT INTERESTS AND PLEASES YOU, not your teacher. Subject matter is usually not specified in any assignment, but rather a photographic idea to work out. Assignments are due on the day of critique for that assignment. Please turn in mounted, spotted, exhibition quality prints.
TEXT: Recommended text is Upton and Upton's PHOTOGRAPHY. This is an excellent reference and source book that can serve you for many years to come. Unfortunately, it is expensive, but it also has very good resale value. Various texts and numerous other excellent books on photography are in the library. Please use them.
GRADES: Grades are based on work turned in for critiques, other assignments, quality of the final portfolio, and class attendance, punctuality, and participation.
LAB PERIODS: Class lab periods are an important part of the course, attendance is expected and is considered as part of your final grade. You will also need to use some of the open lab periods each week to complete your assignments. Budget about six hours outside of class time each week for this course.
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
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Darkroom chemicals are provided. If you decide to do extra color work, you will need to purchase additional color chemistry
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Camera with adjustable focus, aperture and shutter speed, that can be used manually, or in a non-automatic mode--Required item
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Stainless steel film tank, and 2 reels-- there are always a few in the lab, but they tend to be broken in inobtrusive ways. It's best to have your own.
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Dial type photographic thermometer-Optional, but strongly recommended
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Film: T-Max, 400 or 100 speed is recommended- (about 15 rolls).
You will be needing some 4 x 5 sheet film. The most economical way is to split a box of 25 sheets with one or two other students. You will also be needing four or five rolls of color negative film.
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Photographic paper: Kodak Polyfiber F, 8x10, (not resin coated), double weight, OR Ilford Multigrade Fiber base, 8 x 10, double weight glossy, OR Arista FBMG, required item. You can buy RC (resin coated paper if you really need to save money. It is good paper, but sometimes has a slick plastic look and feel to it. You will also need paper for printing from color negatives. Details supplied in class
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32 oz. graduate-optional purchase
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Church key can opener-optional , but cheap and highly recommended
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Small hand towel-Required item
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5 or 6 pieces light proof light weight cardboard about 8"x10"--Required item
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Bicycle spoke (buy at bike shop)- or wooden sishkabob skewer (not a metal one) for dodging tool- Required item
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Plastic binder and plastic negative sleeves to hold 7 strips of negatives with 5 negatives per strip--Required item
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Sturdy box for your prints-Required item
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#3 spotone and #000 spotting brush-Required items, later in the semester.
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Mounting board and dry mount tissue--required later in the semester
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Small sharp scissors-Required item
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Canned air, photo glove and negative cleaner; some combination or ves--required
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Lens cleaner and lens tissue; for your camera
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Grain magnifier--we have these in the darkroom, but it's nice to have your own. Optional
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Tripod would be handy, not required. We have some for check out.
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3 100MB Zip disks for formatted to work on Mac computers.
WHERE TO BUY: Buy where it is cheapest. Keep in mind that mail order is often cheaper, but you need to plan ahead. All of these vendors have websites. Some good mail-order places are:
- Freestyle (Los Angeles): 800 292 6137, www.freestylephoto.biz (cheap, but not always quick)
- Rainier (Seattle): 800-ALL-FILM, www.rainierphoto.com (Takes two days. Very reliable, but usually a bit more expensive)
- Adorama (New York): 800 223 2500 www.adorama.com
- B&H Photo (New York): 800 606 6969 www.bhphotovideo.com
- Local stores:
- Swanlund's, F St, between 5th and 6th, Eureka
- Henderson Photo, Henderson Center., F Street between Henderson and Harris Streets, Eureka
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST: Depending on how carefully you shop and how much you print, you can expect to spend between $200 and $300.
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Ellen Land-Weber