• An introduction and overview of photography with focus on work of the twentieth century; labs are primarily on traditional silver-based film/paper photographic process, techniques of black & white photography, lighting concepts and visual composition.  Color theory is also covered and digital photographic concepts are presented when analogous to lecture topics.

• Covering the basic principles of photography; light, exposure, tonal range and composition.  Visual communication with still images is a focus throughout. Labs explore the power of the still image in visual communication and how to apply photographic and composition technique to convey meaning, emotion and ideas with an image. Analysis of still photography’s relevance to visual communication for marketing and photojournalistic venues in today’s mass media.

• Lab assignments illustrate concepts via hands on practical experience. Starting with very basic photographic concepts; labs build on one another, each successive lab requires use of previous lab techniques in combination.  Beginning with understanding the camera, exposure, how to use available light conditions, an introduction to studio lighting concepts, the knowledge to develop B&W film, create prints and utilize advanced darkroom processes.

• Historical overview tracing the timeline of scientific discoveries, photographic inventions and their relevance to traditional film photography as well as current day digital image capture.

Course Objectives:

• Provide students with the knowledge and ability to capture images and produce quality black & white prints with traditional photographic process. 

• Sharpen student perception of light and its behavior and gain a greater awareness of how its qualities affect the image being captured.

• Prepare students to visualize concepts and create meaningful pictures, by understanding the elements of visual communication, composition technique and how to make a more dynamic image.

• Students gain an ability to find creative photographic solutions based on foundation knowledge and experience via rigorous lab assignments.  Enable students to achieve their desired visual expression with traditional photographic media as well as apply these concepts to digital imaging.

Required Materials:  (B&W chemistry and lab facilities provided by the ECSU Comm Dept)
Discussed during first class.

(estimated. costs)

• Camera: 35 mm capable of manual shutter and aperture settings.

• 1 binder: Three-ring 2” to 3” ring size for negatives, lab prints and work prints.                     ($10.)

• 1 binder: Three-ring ½” to 1” ring size for photo-essay presentation portfolio.                       ($10.)

• Negative and print storage sleeves with holes for three-ring binder.                                    ($26.)

• Film: 12 to 14 rolls 35mm B&W film, on average one per week.                                       ($60.)

• 1 rolls color film C-41 or disposable camera. (including cost to process)                            ($20.)

• 1 roll of 35mm E-6 slide film: 1 daylight 1 tungsten(optional). (including cost to process)  ($18.)

• Photographic Paper: approximately 75 to 100 sheets 8x10 Resin Coated.                          ($65.)

• Frames: At least one for final print exhibition (11x14 frame, mat window for 8x10 print).   ($18.)    

• Recommended:  Film developing tank and reel                                                               ($27.)

  Estimated Student Expense for Required Lab Materials not including camera:     ($160. to $250.)

  Textbook: (required)
  Barbara London and John Upton Photography  9th edition. ISBN-13: 9780131752016

  Recommended reading: Edward Weston: The Last Years in Carmel  ISBN: 0-86559-192-X

                                      Ansel Adams; The Camera(1), The Negative(2), The Print (3).

  The Daybooks of Edward Weston : Mexico & California (out of print, find in library)

  NewsPapers: The Sunday New York Times