Academic Catalog

PHOT 474C: STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES III NONCREDIT

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2024
Units: 0
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Advisory: Completion of one or more of the following courses: PHOT 72 or 472, 74A or 474A, 74B or 474B.
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

  • Prepare and present a realistic job estimate that demonstrates knowledge and awareness of the logistics, budget and photographic requirements necessary to successfully meet the needs of a client.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of an appropriate lighting scheme and methodology for meeting the challenges of photographing on location

Description

This course follows PHOT 474A and 474B. Emphasis is on acquiring advanced skills and techniques in studio lighting and studio operations. Students work towards the creation of a focused portfolio suitable for employment as a photography assistant, the creation of a small business/sole proprietorship in wedding, portraiture, editorial, advertising, and/or fine art studio photography.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Operate a professional-level camera and related accessories with technical and artistic skill
  2. Operate studio lighting and related accessories with technical and artistic skill with proper safety procedures in mind
  3. Employ artistic and technical skills that effectively communicate the job's requirements
  4. Demonstrate the ability to follow visual layouts and art direction
  5. Operate an incident/reflected/flash light meter and determine appropriate exposures
  6. Assimilate and utilize visual ideas drawn from diverse cultures and backgrounds
  7. Develop a portfolio of images that reflect growing mastery in a specific career path

Course Content

  1. Proper selection of cameras, lenses, and lighting
  2. Implement lighting setups that are appropriate to the subject:
    1. Single light portraiture techniques
    2. Two light portraiture, using main and fill lights
    3. Three light portraiture, using main, fill, and hair light
    4. Techniques for shooting glassware and glossy surfaced items
    5. Illustrating editorial and public service announcements
    6. Advanced product photography techniques
    7. Painting with light techniques
    8. Drag shutter technique
    9. Emulating other styles
  3. Securing equipment in various outdoor or adverse environments
  4. Portfolio styles and the images that best represent student's own abilities and interests
  5. Choosing the proper rental equipment and liability insurance
  6. Working with professional and non-professional talent
    1. Selection of models
    2. Model releases, waivers
  7. Know the proper roles of various members of the creative team
    1. Photographer, assistants, stylists, hair, art director, client, editors, etc.
  8. Developing job estimates, knowing the monetary value of the job
  9. Location scouting and pre-production
  10. Benefits of membership in professional organizations, networking within the creative community, getting work
  11. Guest speakers and/or studio visits

Lab Content

  1. Preparing and arranging set lighting and related equipment in the studio

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. An open-beamed space with high ceiling and room to accommodate lighting equipment, backdrop material, and models. Room should be equipped with many well-placed electrical outlets capable of relatively high amperage draw. Studio should have secure storage areas or easy access to it for props and related studio equipment.
2. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software, media plug-ins, and relevant computer graphics applications and email software; email address.

Method(s) of Evaluation

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

Preparing a portfolio that demonstrates the photographic skills suitable for immediate acceptance of employment by an employer or client
1. Conducting an interview of an active member of the profession and sharing of results with class
2. Presenting a finished portfolio to the instructor and entire class for feedback and ways to improve

Method(s) of Instruction

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

The student will be attending weekly lectures and lighting demonstrations for the upcoming assignment
1. The student will see examples of photography created by professionals, as well as former students, for inspiration and for illustrating specific techniques that will be used in assignments
The student will receive hands-on instruction and guidance for creative use of equipment during the lab portion of the class and to ensure safe and proper use of studio equipment
Students will work in the studio during lab sessions to produce images for their portfolio
While on photography studio or exhibition field trip visits, students will learn how other photographers have developed personal techniques that have influenced current styles of photography in the photography marketplace

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Hunter, Fil, Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua, and Robin Reid. Light—Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting, 6th ed. (ISBN-13: 978-0367860264). 2021.

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

  1. Keep a notebook relating to client job requirements, specifications, and estimates
  2. Read various trade periodicals and equipment manuals
  3. Visits to industry websites

Discipline(s)

Photography