Academic Catalog

PHOT 471: THE PHOTOGRAPHIC BOOK NONCREDIT

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 0
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Advisory: PHOT 5 or 405, 6A or 406A, or equivalent experience.
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Non-Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Non-Credit Course (Receives no Grade)
Repeatability: Unlimited Repeatability

Student Learning Outcomes

  • A successful student will construct a book illustrating facility in integrating word processing, graphics and photography.
  • A successful student will demonstrate ability to use electronic imaging software and hardware to create a publication.

Description

Exploration of the book for the display and sharing of photographic imagery, including the history of the photographic book and its uses in fine art, commercial, and documentary photography. Exposure to multiple perspectives on the photographic book as practiced and exploration of contributions by photographers and designers from diverse cultures. Use of appropriate technology for the creation of photographic books, including digital image editing, color correction, graphic design, and typography. Investigation of sequencing and presentation of photographs in book format for communication.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and traditions of reproducing images for the printed page.
  2. Create books utilizing digital image editing and graphic design programs, as well as web-based services.
  3. Assess sequences of own photographs and fellow students' photographs for clear communication and visual and conceptual flow.
  4. Analyze the contributions of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds to the photographic book.
  5. Design and create books that demonstrate awareness of basic photographic, design, and typographic principles, and apply these principles to preparing work for publication.
  6. Demonstrate ability to use digital imaging and publishing software and hardware as tools.
  7. Create hard copy photographs and books for presentation.
  8. Gain facility in integrating word processing, graphics, and photography.
  9. Discuss the significance that the photographic book has had on past and current social concerns and beliefs.
  10. Recognize and appreciate the motivations, concerns, and differences between selected photographers and designers.
  11. Understand how to approach and critique photographs and book projects made by others and formulate intelligent interpretations.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to history and traditions of reproducing images for the printed page
    1. Terminology
    2. History of technology
    3. Uses in documentary/journalism
    4. Commercial uses
    5. Fine art applications
    6. Signatures, bindings, inks, and other book publishing conventions
  2. Introduction to digital image editing and graphic design programs, as well as web-based services
    1. Use of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
      1. Image scaling and resolution
      2. Bit depth and image adjustment
      3. RGB and CMYK color modes
      4. Halftones and dithered patterns
      5. Introduction to color management
    2. Use of Adobe InDesign and Acrobat
    3. Current state of print on demand services and other service bureaus
  3. Computer imaging hardware and its capabilities
    1. CPU requirements
    2. Scanners
    3. Printers
    4. Printing services
  4. Communication in the photographic book
    1. Sequencing of images
    2. Planning for blending of images and text
    3. Role of typography
    4. Use of dummies for planning
    5. Layout of a page
    6. Layout of a book
    7. Design concerns
    8. Cover options
  5. Publishing the photographic book
    1. Commercial printing
    2. Small press printing
    3. Letterpress printing and limited edition fine art books
    4. Print on demand and other options
  6. Marketing issues
    1. The economics of photographic book publishing
    2. Contemporary markets for photographic books
    3. Self-publishing for photographers
    4. Copyright issues
    5. Implications of the market and access to printings for the sharing of diverse stories
  7. Historical development of the medium, including influential photographers and designers from different cultures and backgrounds

Lab Content

  1. Use of photographic and digital laboratory and equipment
  2. Field trips to publishing, book design, and book production locations
  3. Online discussions
  4. Use of Adobe Express and/or Canvas to share work in progress
  5. Use of online book publisher

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. A lecture room equipped with color LCD overhead projector displaying projected computer displays; a desk or workstation for each student; an instructional computer with high resolution monitor, scanner, color printer, and Adobe Creative Cloud software; lighting and wall space suitable for displaying and critiquing hardcopy output.
2. An integrated or separate facility for student computer time.
3. When taught via Foothill Global Access, on-going access to computer with email software and hardware, including Adobe Creative Cloud software; email address.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Participation in critiques with prints or transparencies, digital files on disk, and hard copy computer-generated images
Review of student's participation in discussion and critiques
Participation in laboratory activities
Final project demonstrating skills in sequencing, book design, and photographic image making

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lectures on the techniques of book design and book production related to photography
Lectures and demonstrations on techniques, software, and applications for photographic book design and production
Creation of photographs, book prototypes, and finished books, and discussions of the product in process and at final presentation
Discussion and electronic discussions/chat using the book terminology and photographic/artistic critical feedback
Field trips to visit photographic, artistic, and technical locations

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Himes, Darius D., and Mary Virginia Swanson. Publish Your Photography Book, 3rd ed.. 2023.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Gallery/museum reports.
  2. Review of handouts and relevant reading material.
  3. Research and planning of individual creative projects.
  4. Reading and study of the textbook.
  5. Exchange prototype books and book proposal with a fellow student and write a one-page critique considering their books and their proposal. Include both concerns for production and appropriateness of prototype to stated goals in proposal. Exchange critiques and discuss.
  6. Paper/presentation on a important book artist or book technique.

Discipline(s)

Photography