Photo One

Course Syllabus

Office #: ext. 292
E-mail MS. HELLYER (be sure to include your name!)
G BLOCK
SPRING 2000

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
In Photo 1 students learn a primary understanding of photographic technique and theory. More specifically, photographic technique will include; basic 35mm camera operation, B&W film processing, and basic B&W printing. Photographic theory refers to the formal and conceptual issues surrounding photography as a fine art medium. These issues include; composition, content, print quality, etc. We will also touch on historical events and issues as they relate to the scope of our class.

GRADING:
Grading will be determined based on the development of each students work in the areas of technical achievement, quality of content, and composition over the course of the semester. In addition, student performance is evaluated according to behavior and attitude towards operating in a shared lab space. Things that affect the grade in this area include clean-up in the dark room and class work areas, concern for organization, and consideration for the property and equipment of others. In addition, grades will also take into account class participation, contribution during group critiques, and darkroom attendance.

Grade Breakdown

  • 20% - composition: how visual information is arranged
  • 20% - content: idea and choice of subject / style of representation
  • 20% - print quality: based on negative quality, final presentationof prints
  • 20% - clean up and organizationof materials
  • 20% - timeliness, class participation, responsible use of time, group critiques, darkroom attendance, and teacher's evaluation of overall performance

    MATERIALS:
    Students of Photo 1 will be required to supply their own B&W film and paper. Chemistry and other miscellaneous supplies will be provided by school. Students will need to purchase 10-15 rolls of 24 exposure, ASA 400, 35mm Film. Specific brands that may be used are:

  • Kodak Tri-X B&W , Kodak TMAX, or Ilford HP5+
    Do NOT purchase Kodak C-1 B&W film (color processed). It is often suggested by grocers, but cannot be processed like regular B&W film.
    Also, you will need photographic paper. The specific kind and quantity follows:
  • Ilford Multigrade IV B&W RC Paper, pearl surface
  • 1 box of 50 or 100 sheets of 5"x7"
  • 1 box of 25 sheets of 8" x 10" (for contact prints and enlargements)
    If you do not have a camera for use in this class, please see me.
    In addition, you are required to have a notebook and pocket folder or binder with storage pockets, sleeves, etc. It is also suggested that you bring your own scissors, but not a requirement.

    DARKROOM / LAB:
    The darkroom is shared among several classes. Often, when work is left there in the morning, it can get thrown away or lost if transported out of the darkroom to make room for other students. DO NOT leave work in the lab overnight, unless you are the last person working there. Even then, you should go in early the next morning to pick up your work so it doesn't get picked up by someone else. There will be group assignments so you know when your time is scheduled for lab work, and when you can count on taking photos. Almost every effort will be made to accommodate scheduling problems, however the darkroom will be closed each day at 4PM. This means that if you are are in there working, you need to be finished and cleaned up by 4PM and no later.

    COMMUNITY COURTESY:
    It is extremely important to remember that the darkroom and other photo items are shared resources. If you can't find something, ask members of your core group BEFORE ASKING ME! Do not wait until last minute to get your processing and prints done. This creates a rush in the lab and often means overcrowding, which leads to work getting damaged and even ruined. Minimally, 20% of your grade alone is based on clean-up. More importantly, everyone will have a better time learning if they respect the property and space.