Week by Week Schedule Fall 2019

Week 1  

Aug   27           Course Introduction, Find a Buddy, Syllabus, Begin to read Chapter 1,  Commit and Order Supplies, see list of supplies in Modules. We viewed Cindy Sherman's work, The history of Photography in 5 min, and Aperture Magazine's current exhibition online. 

Aug   29         Building a Camera Obscura in class, Watch Eastman's Before Photography  discussing photo-grams, Assigning Lab Drawers, Introduction to the Lab and your camera and its parts.  Introduction to the 3 Factors : Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO/ASA

Week 2  

Sept 2                 Labor Day holiday no classes Monday

Sept  3                No class on the 3rd, Start to Read Chapters 2-6

Sept  5              Introduction to Framing the shot, Compositions

More discussion on the  3 Factors : Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO/ASA

Lab: Making Photograms 

Introduction to Project 1: Scavenger Hunt, Homework: Shoot 1 roll of film over the weekend, you will need 1 roll of film and a camera. Be ready to develop film on Tuesday Sept 10th

Week 3  

Sept  10           In class instruction about developing film, rolling film, creating contact sheets and enlargers. 

                         Lab and developing film and contact sheets to complete Project 1. 

Sept  12        "Strangers" exhibition at the MJC Gallery, on east campus , artist talk at 6pm, then we will meet back at the west campus lab at 7:30pm for discussion on Project 1 and Intro to Project 2, Bring camera to class and 1 roll of film. 

Homework: Project 2: Bracketing,   Finish 2nd roll of film over the weekend, you will need 2 roll of film and a camera. Be ready to develop film on Tuesday Sept 17th 

Week 4  

Sept  17            Lab-  Film develop, Making the print, Discuss Enlargements made from      contact sheets

Sept  19           Lab Continued- Finish Project 2: 1 contact sheet and  3 enlargements     

Week 5  

Sept  24            Lab and Developing and Enlargements of Project 2- finish

Sept  26           Critique in class of Project 2, Intro to Project 3: Shadows in class

Homework: Shoot 2 rolls of film for Project 3, have it ready to develop by Thursday Oct 3rd

Week 6  

Oct.   1           No class

Oct.   3          LAB FIRST:  Project 3 develop film, make contact sheets, meet back in class 8pm 

Intro to Project 4 

Homework: Start shooting film for Project 4

Week 7  

Oct    8             No class

Oct   10            Lab Finish Project 3: Shadows enlargements 

Homework: Finish shooting film for Project 4     

Week 8  

Oct    15        Project 3: Critique in class 

Lab:  Develop Project 4 film, make contact sheets, choose enlargements

Oct    17              In class: Library visit and Writing Research Assignment discussed. 

Homework: Do your Research Assignments over the weekend, post and be ready  

Week 9  

Oct    22            LAB Project 4: Make enlargements, Finish. 

Oct    24         Critique Project 4 in class

                         Intro to Project 5, and Lighting Basics Lighting Lab- ASSIGNED GROUPS

Homework: Start shooting Project 5 (outside) over the weekend. 

Week 10 

Oct   29             In-Class Presentations from Writing assignment DUE 

Oct  31               No Class-      

Homework: Finish shooting Project 5 (outside) over the weekend. 

Week 11 

Nov 5             Lighting Lab- ASSIGNED, (Group 1)  and Matting Photo demo within Lab processing, Lab for Group 2 

Switch//

Lighting Lab- ASSIGNED ( Group 2)  and Matting Photo demo within Lab processing, Lab for Group 1 

Nov 7th            Lighting Lab- ASSIGNED ( Group 3) and Matting Photo demo (if needed) within Lab processing. Lab for Processing Project 5 for all groups.

Week 12 

Nov 11                Veteran's Day Holiday no class 

Nov 12               Lab Finish Project 5, Intro to Project 6 Lecture

Nov  14               Critique Project 5 due in class 

Homework: Begin shooting Project 6, try and have some rolls ready to process on Tuesday Nov 19th. 

Week 13 

Nov 19.               Lecture and Alternative Process demo and Lab -Project 6

Nov 21              Lab: Project 6 develop and contacts and enlargements

Week 14 

Nov 26-             no class 

Nov 28             Thanksgiving Holiday no class, but you can be working on Project 6- taking photographs!!!

Week 15 

Dec 3               Lab Project 6

Dec 5                Lab Project 6 (Cram Night)

Week 16 - Finals Week

Dec 10              No class

Dec 12            Critique Project 6  Final Due

Welcome to Art 170

Basic Black and White Photography

"If your photographs aren't good enough, its because you are not close enough." — Robert Capa

Photography Course and Lab– Section 

Class Meetings: Tuesday & Thursday 6-8:50 PM – room MADM201, West

Instructor: Chau-Marie Griffiths 
 Email: griffithsc@yosemite.edu



Textbook: 

Black & White Photography: A Basic Manual by Henry Horenstein ISBN:9780316373050


Supplemental Reading also Assigned in class

Course Description: This is a basic course in Black and White Photography for the beginning student. Emphasis will be on practical applications in the use of a manual 35mm camera, basic lens, shutter speed, measuring available light, film processing, and enlarging and mounting prints. (3) Units

Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to provide you with a solid foundation in the basic technical skills associated with photography. Emphasis will be placed on the use of a 35mm camera, and the developing and printing and mastering of black and white film. As part of the enrichment of this course, I will provide an overview of the history of the medium.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, you should be prepared to:

1. Employ an SLR camera and related photographic equipment to execute film exposure control.
2. Produce and judge the quality of negatives, photographic prints and produce an original portfolio of photographs.
3. Apply critical skill in assessing and producing photographs using knowledge of potential sociological, cultural, satirical or aesthetic implications in photographs.

First Things First:

Equipment: You will need a 35mm SLR camera, film, photographic paper, negative sleeves, Manila envelopes, and Matte board, apron, key lock; this is the basics with more discussion in class.


Camera: 35mm SLR--fully manual, with adjustable shutter speeds, f-stops/aperture, and focus. A manual camera will allow you more personal control.


Also Get:

Protective Lens filter--1A UV(haze), Camera Strap, Camera case, Lens tissue and Lens cleaning fluid

Don't Panic!! If you do not have a camera: First place to start looking for a 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Camera is checking with relatives because often people have these cameras, but do not use them anymore because film processing is not easily done, and honestly everyone has switched to digital cameras. We do have some in the Lab to Loan for Single day use if you need something while your camera is coming.

Film: We will be using true black and white film which can be ordered online or at several suppliers, most outside of our area.


Professional B/W Film (12 rolls) Film brands and speed (400 ISO, 100 ISO)

Brands that are acceptable: Ilford Delta, HP5, FP4; Kodak TrX, TMax



Do not buy film that says it must be processed by C-41, this is processed with color chemistry and will not work in our BW lab to process. These films are usually deceptively marked as BW film in grocery or drugstores.




Paper:


Ilford Multigrade RC(resin coated) or FB(fiber based), primarily size 8x10,

Buy 100 or 200 sheet quantity, and share the cost with classmates, you will use it.


Other Supplies:


35mm Negative sleeves (clear, archival polyethylene) 'PrintFile' is a good company


A lock for your darkroom storage drawer, two keys because you will share the drawer



Presentation supplies:


Mat Board 11x14


Manila Envelopes for turning in your work LARGER than 11x14



*Optional Supplies:


3-Ring Binder for the negative sleeves


Lens filters: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, etc..


Tripod


Cable release (8" or 12")


Film Tank - Stainless steel or plastic


Latex gloves(in case chemicals bother your hands)


Apron and towel


Grain Focuser


Masking tape or 3M Blue tape


Canned Air or "Dust off"


White China Marker






SUPPLIERS:

Internet


B&H Photo (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.


Freestyle in LA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.


KEH : For Used camera Equipment (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.




More local and internet


Modesto JC Photo Lab (limited film at the beginning of semester only)


Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley 


Samy's in SF 


Gluskins in Stockton 


Henry Paine Camera Repair and Photography in Stockton 


Seawood Photo in San Rafael


Ulmer Photo in Stockton




Assignments and Grading: Grades will be based on attendance, progress, and improvements, and completion of assignments; and will be based on the point system. Six hours of unexcused absence (lecture and/or lab) may result in a drop from the class. Failure to drop a class you are no longer attending after the 11th week will result in a course grade of F.


It is your responsibility to drop a class you are no longer attending. Each assignment must be turned in on the due date to receive full credit. Points will be deducted each week the assignment is late. Assignments submitted on time may be re-done and re-submitted to raise assignment grade. Please check the schedule for due dates of each assignment; presentation and critique will be done at the beginning of class time on the date scheduled. Lectures will be given only once and students are responsible for any information given in class and all information on the syllabus. The syllabus is subject to change. Total class points are 200.


Photo Assignments must be presented as follows unless otherwise noted:

• Prints must be 8x10” – see the Weekly section for directives 
• Name, class, and assignment # printed on the back 
• A proof (contact) sheet must be printed for every roll of film and reviewed with the instructor 
• Prints must be spotted 

• When required: Mounted on 11 x 14” smooth (not pebble) mount board. Black or White (no color board)

Grading:


Photograms: 10 points


Project 1: 20 points


Project 2: 10 points


Project 3: 10 points


Project 4: 10 points


Project 5: 30 points


Project 6: 60 points


Participation: 30 points


Written paper: 20 points


Total: 200 points






Photography Labs


All Photography classes require lab work outside of our regularly scheduled hours.


Unless you have private access to a full traditional/digital darkroom and printing facilities you are required to access the Photo lab. Lab hours will be given as part of the course but there are also Open Lab hours, check the door for those hours.


Lab Fee: A $28 fee is billed to cover the cost of expendable materials you use in class to create your portfolios such as chemicals and darkroom equipment. This fee is billed directly by MJC




Requirements: You must turn in finished prints to IN box, In Lab or in class, by assignment due date. Prints must be spotted but need not be matted unless specified. Place the prints in a folder or large envelope with your name and lab section number and on the outside.


Assignments will be returned to OUT Box, in Lab, which you are responsible to pick up.

Anything left beyond the semester will be discarded.



Disability Services:

Students who require academic accommodations due to a disability are encouraged to discuss their needs with the professor at the beginning of the semester (first day), furthermore, they should register with the Office of Disability Services to obtain authorized accommodations.

Dive in with No Fear! Steps 1-5

1. GET A FULLY MANUAL CAMERA

The worst thing you can do when you start shooting, whether film or digital, is to shoot automatic. If you’re a bit apprehensive of film you might be tempted to just quickly point and shoot, but no automatic camera can teach you as much as a manual one can. When you play around with aperture, shutter speed and ISO to figure out the current exposure, you tend you learn a lot, not just about exposure but about photography as a whole. And this is even more true with film, as you only have a limited number of shots at your disposal. Most cameras born before the 80’s are fully manual, with hardly any auto functions.

Also be sure to go for a 35mm format as these will be simpler and easier to learn on, and are the best thing for a beginner. Trust me, you might curse at the wind in the beginning but soon you will become so proficient with exposure settings that you won’t even need automatic anymore.

2. READ THE MANUAL

Once you have your camera, it is a good idea to read the manual; I cannot stress enough the importance of this. Even if you know the basics, you need to acquaint yourself with your camera specifications, as fear usually comes out of the unknown. Read through the whole thing, check out the various functions, even if you don’t find them necessary, find out what each button does and all that your camera is capable off so you can take the best use out of it.

While you read it keep the camera with you and give it a complete physical.. I do this with every camera I buy, regardless of how much I know already or how much I’ve shot. Each camera is unique and it doesn’t heard to relearn a few things keeping the new gadget in mind. Figure out how to load, wind and rewind the film, how to change lenses, how the aperture and shutter speed settings work, and any other functions the camera might have. Once you feel like you know the camera, you won’t fear it just as much.

{Photo: Emily Coghlan}

3. SHOOT A LOT. SERIOUSLY. 

It is now time to take it for a spin, and don’t you hold back! One of the first assignments I got as a student of photography was to just shoot; no specification no nothing, just shoot. Once we had a stack of pictures to see what we and our cameras could do, we were able to discuss these and learn so much more!

With film many fear that you only have a few chances so they think too much. While thinking is good, you need to just shoot when you start out.. Basically, you don’t know what your camera, or any film camera, can do, and to see the results you have to take enough shots to get a good idea.
These won’t be amazing shots, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Don’t shoot carelessly, and don’t bracket too much taking multiple shots of the same thing, but go around and have some fun and fill at least 2 rolls of film before you develop. You can then look at these, see what’s good and what’s bad, and work from there onwards. Don’t think of it as wasted film, think of it as the costs of a valuable learning experience.

{Photo: Blossoms}

4. EXPERIMENT WITH FILM

Not every film is created equal, and if you don’t get the results you want from one film, it might just be the film’s fault. Even if it isn’t, you have this amazing wealth of surfaces to record your images in, why not jump in and try them all? That’s the beauty of film; you’re not stuck with one digital sensor, but can actually mix things up.
Different films have different colors and sensitivities to light, and they all work differently with different cameras. Experimenting with many films will help you learn how film works and what factors it influences, and you will get to know which one works best with your camera and which results you like the most. Just going on and on with one film and getting poor results will discourage you and make your fears come true, resulting in disappointment.

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES

One of the things that stand in the way of progress for any beginner in any field is the fear of failing. Ironically this is what usually leads to failure, or mediocrity at the least. My final advice to all beginners is to not be afraid of making mistakes. You are just starting out, you will take some bad photos, it’s only natural, don’t be too hard on yourself. I would actually go as far as to recommend making mistakes. Playing it safe doesn’t make great photographers; you need to screw up in order to improve yourself and progress.

A good way to remove this fear of making mistakes is to not shoot important priceless moments. Since you’re starting out, it’s good to be humble and choose subjects that interest you and that are all around you; everyday life. Finding beauty in the mundane is a great boost for the ego, and is something you won’t be too afraid to mess up either. Most of my initial work is full of pictures from all around me, or subjects that interest me, rather than a grand event that put a lot of pressure on the best of photographers.

{Photo: Briana Morrison}

In conclusion…

To learn anything and to be good at it a lot of experimentation is needed. You need to keep at it to get better and it is the same with photography. As far as fear goes, there really is no reason to be afraid; photography is fun and exciting, and any technical aspects are overshadowed by the artistic passion needed to excel at it. Also, as I mentioned before, fear basically comes out of the idea of the unknown, and to overcome your fear you just need to dive into it. Just get to know your camera, get to know the medium, the process, and just shoot, and soon you will be wondering why you ever held back!

credit: 

Equipment, Materials, Suppliers More About

Camera:  35mm SLR for Film--fully manual, with adjustable shutter speeds, f-stops/aperture and focus. A manual camera will allow you more personal control.

• Protective Lens filter--1A UV(haze)
• Camera Strap
• Camera case
• Lens tissue and Lens cleaning fluid

Film:  12 rolls of BW film --Arista, Ilford HP5, or Kodak T-Max films
ASA 400 to start,  then maybe ASA 100  for later
Do not buy film that says it must be processed by C-41, this is processed with color chemistry and will not work in our BW lab to process. These films are usually deceptively marked as BW film in grocery or drugstores.  

Papers: 
Ilford Multigrade IV RC DeLuxe Paper (Pearl, 8 x 10", 100 or 200 Sheets) RC=resin coated  or FB(fiber based), primarily size 8x10, 
you can buy 16x20 because we can print up to 16x20 in the lab.
Arista RC is less expensive
Buy 100 or 200 sheet quantity, and share the cost with classmates, you will use it.

Presentation and other supplies:
Mat Board 11x14
Manila Envelopes for turning in your work LARGER than 11x14
35mm Negative sleeves (clear, archival polyethylene) 'PrintFile' is a good company
A lock for your darkroom storage drawer, two keys because you will share the drawer

3-Ring Binder
Print File Archival Storage Page for Negatives, 35mm - 100 Pack               

Optional:
Lens filters: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, etc..
Tripod
Cable release (8" or 12")
Film Tank - Stainless steel or plastic
Latex gloves(in case chemicals bother your hands)
Apron and towel
Grain focuser
Masking tape or 3M Blue tape
Canned Air or "Dust off"

SUPPLIERS:
Internet 
B&H Photo
Freestyle in LA
KEH : For Used camera Equipment


More local and internet
Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley
Samy's in SF
Gluskins in Stockton
Henry Paine Camera Repair and Photography in Stockton
Seawood Photo in San Rafael