Academic Catalog

PHOT 7B: DARKROOM II

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 4
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Advisory: PHOT 7A or equivalent experience; this course is included in the Analog Photography family of activity courses; not open to students with credit in PHOT 2.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable
Formerly: PHOT 2

Student Learning Outcomes

  • A successful student will demonstrate the ability to apply intermediate-level photographic and darkroom techniques to communicate complex ideas through analog black and white photography.
  • A successful student will create an intermediate-level portfolio of high quality black and white analog photographic prints.

Description

Intermediate exploration of different film types, printing papers, and appropriate chemistry for desired outcomes; basic Zone System concepts, experimentation with push processing; use of medium format cameras; exploration of personal photographic style and expression. Emphasis on creating portfolios that align with contemporary art and media. Identification and examination of work created by photographers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. More effectively control available light for making dynamic images.
  2. Demonstrate skillful use of cameras, films, tripods, and specialized processing and printing techniques.
  3. Choose films, papers, and chemicals to achieve desired outcomes.
  4. Demonstrate ability to use medium format cameras and accessories.
  5. Recognize and appreciate photographic expression created by contemporary photographers from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
  6. Further explore, describe, and refine personal photographic style and expression.

Course Content

  1. Film types, printing papers, and chemistry for darkroom use
    1. Characteristics of films and developers
    2. Characteristics of printing paper and developers
    3. Papers and printing processes to make archival prints
  2. Intermediate film developing
    1. Matching films with developers
    2. High-speed films and push-processing
  3. Intermediate darkroom printing
    1. Use of filters to enhance or reduce contrast
    2. Choosing papers and chemistry in darkroom printing for desired outcome
    3. Use of toners and other special-purpose chemicals
  4. Presentation of the final print
    1. Matting and over-matting
    2. Hanging and framing techniques for exhibitions
    3. Using archival supplies
  5. Contemporary styles and techniques
    1. Fine art, documentary, photojournalism, media photography
    2. Genres and styles of photography, which include the contributions of photographers from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and creative approaches
    3. Elements of personal style, expression, and presentation
  6. Medium format cameras
    1. Lenses, bodies, films, accessories
    2. Loading and processing medium format films

Lab Content

  1. Visit and review of photography exhibition
  2. Field testing of photographic materials
  3. Use of darkroom facilities
  4. Use of print finishing facilities
  5. Portfolio selection and sequencing
  6. Exhibition sketching, planning, and hanging

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. 35mm and medium format cameras and accessories.
2. Laboratory areas equipped for intermediate developing and printing processes.
3. All required chemistry and facilities and equipment necessary for proper preparation and storage of all chemicals.
4. For all sections of this course, students will need access to a computer with internet connectivity and access to the college's learning management system.

Method(s) of Evaluation

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

The majority of the course grade is based on the technical and aesthetic quality of photographs submitted for specific assignments
The remainder is based on papers, objectively-scored quizzes, final exam, class participation
Demonstration of involvement in the course material through written critiques of projects and assignments, followed by the instructor's evaluation of both the project and the critique

Method(s) of Instruction

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

Lectures on the traditional methods of photography and on creative image production
Discussion and virtual discussions/chat using the language of traditional photographic imaging and photographic/artistic critiques
Demonstrations of traditional photography techniques
Field trips to visit photographic, artistic, and technical locations

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Marquardt, Chris, and Monika Andrae. The Film Photography Handbook, 3rd ed.. 2022.

Instructor-generated handouts covering artistic and historical concepts, film evaluation, intermediate processing and printing techniques, and contemporary photographic genres and practices.

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

  1. Photography exhibition review assignment:
    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. Write a paper discussing the presentation and work found in a photography exhibit, from a gallery or museum found on the instructor's approved list
  2. Photo critique print exchange: Using the language of photography, write a detailed critique and feedback paper on a fellow student's photograph; exchange critiques and discuss

Discipline(s)

Photography