Syllabus

Course Syllabus

UH Introduction to Digital Photojournalism COMM 3324

Professor: Richard Carson

Cell: 713.882.9115

Office Hours: Before and after class or Room 204 by appointment.

Email is the preferred method of communication.

Course Synopsis: This is an assignment-based class that is an introduction to photojournalism, photography, visual reporting, and storytelling. Adobe Photoshop will be used to edit and present assignments for class. Computer proficiency is required and class work is performed in the using apple computers. Photography assignments, lectures and lab work are designed to give a working experience, knowledge and appreciation of the challenges of visual reporting. Visual storytelling, composition, lighting, and camera techniques are an integral part of the curriculum. The class begins with a crash course in photographic theory, technique and Adobe Photoshop CC. A manually operable camera is required in order for the student to become familiar with f:stop, shutter speed, ISO ratings, equivalent exposure, focusing techniques and other technical concepts inherent in still and motion picture photography. Students receive photo assignments that must be completed on deadline for in-class critique and discussion. At the end of the semester students build a web site to showcase their final portfolio.

Goals: Photojournalism is defined as “Photographic reporting. The occupation of making photographs, typically of news events and personalities, intended primarily for reproduction in newspapers and for editorial (as distinct from advertising) use in magazines and the like.” Source: Dictionary of Contemporary Photography. This course will strive to enhance the student’s visual literacy, photographic knowledge and technique, ethics and presentation skills to enable students to become effective visual communicators. Students will learn technical, compositional, lighting and other techniques and approaches in order to give their photographs more impact and visual interest. Adobe Photoshop CC will be used as the virtual darkroom and the course will cover basic to advanced technique in Photoshop as it relates to preparation of work for submission/grading and in the final portfolio for the class.

Course Requirements: This digital photography class is computer intensive and good computer skills are required. Photoshop experience is not required.

*Digital or 35mm film camera with manual settings for f:stop and shutter speed. (Students using film cameras will be required to scan or digitize their images for use in class) We will discuss camera options in class.

Please make sure the camera you plan to use gives you control over these two very important settings (Shutter speed & f:stop.) Please bring your camera to every class.

Supplies: Students will need a USB external storage device of at least 250 Gigabytes and a USB camera card reader if using compact flash cards.

Format: The class will include lectures, guest lectures, in-class student presentations, field trips, critiques of student and class projects, demonstrations of photographic techniques as well as computer hardware and software demonstrations. The class includes numerous photo assignments and a final project consisting of a web site to showcase student work produced during the semester. All assignments will be submitted as jpeg files uploaded to a class FTP server. Attendance and student participation in lectures and critiques is required to complete individual coursework and class projects. Students will spend extensive time in the field and in the computer lab outside class hours making photographs and preparing them for presentation and web publication.

Competitive Grading Policy: Top grades are awarded on a competitive and limited basis among members of each class. If you complete the project/assignment exactly as described you will receive a score between 70 and 85, depending on the skill with which it is accomplished and the application of the principals discussed in class. If you go beyond the expectations of the assignment as it is written or if your work demonstrates exceptional creativity or ability you can receive a score in the range of 85 to 100. If you do not meet the basic requirements of the assignment you will receive a score of 69 or below. All assignments and the final grade will be based on a 100-point system. Class attendance and participation is an important component of the final grade and students with excessive absences will be grade penalized at the discretion of the Professor.

Text: Not Required: “Digital Photojournalism,” by Susan C. Zavoina and John H. Davidson · Allyn and Bacon · Paperback · 176 pages · ISBN 0205332404

Guest lectures by working professionals may be scheduled throughout the semester and attendance at these presentations is mandatory.

Deadlines: Projects for this class will be accepted late for evaluation, but may receive a penalty of up to a letter grade or more at the discretion of the Professor. Please plan ahead for possible disruptions in your work schedule in order to submit your work in a professional and timely manner.

Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate technical and professional preparation and perform creatively in an authentic work environment. Students will exhibit confidence in their professional preparation. Students will demonstrate visual and creative skills in media of communication.

*Class Schedule

DateTopic Assignment

TbaTFirst day of class/Introduction

Tba Th“The Decisive Moment” Getting to know your 35mm or Digital Camera.

Tba TDigital workflow/ camera functions review

Tba ThIntroduction to Photoshop Stranger/Mug

Tba TImage processing and archiving/resolution

Tba ThPhotoshop, layer effects, text, Assignment requirements

Tba TGetting to know your 35mm or digital camera II

Tba ThLecture/Critique/ Stranger Assignment due 24 Angles

composition, shots and unusual angles

Tba TLab practicum/Lecture/History of Photography

Tba ThLecture/ Lighting demo Depth and Motion series begins

24 angles assignment due/class critique

Tba TLab practicum/demo and Q&A/Photoshop review

Tba ThShadow Texture due/class critiqueSports

Tba TMake-up Day: In class presentations: photographers

Tba ThMidterm Portfolio due/essay exam Environmental Portrait

Tba TLab practicum/demo and Q&A/Photoshop review

Tba ThLecture and Q&A/Photoshop review Environmental Portrait II

Tba TLab practicum/demo and Q&A/Photoshop review

Tba ThFashion photography Dramatic Portraiture

Tba TLab demo: Digital Image archiving and cataloging Skyline

Lecture: Digital Asset Management

Tba ThPhotojournalism, “The Photo Essay”

Tba TMore Lecture/Guest Speaker

Tba ThClass presentations: Famous Photographer Bio and Portfolio

Tba TClass presentations: Famous Photographer Bio and Portfolio

Tba ThFinal Photo Essay II

Tba TFinal Portfolio/Photo Essay workshop

Tba ThFinal Portfolio/web site workshop

Tba TFCP Class presentations and Critiques

Tba FCP Project class presentations and Critiques

Tba Last Day of Class-Final Portfolio and Web site

TbaFinal Exam period (TBA)

* Syllabus, class schedule and assignments subject to change without notice.