Gavilan College
	DM/Art/CSIS 80: Introduction to Digital Photography

SYLLABUS: Sections DM: 0251, Art: 0098, CSIS: 0214, Fall '05. Class Schedule.
Lecture/Lab: M 12:45 to 3:15 PM in Digital Media Studio (Li 128).

INSTRUCTOR: Robert Beede
Email: rbeede@gavilan.edu Web: http://hhh.gavilan.edu/rbeede
See instructor's web page for office hours

CLASS SCHEDULE: (click)

STUDIO DM (see the Studio Help page for operation help): For your use, Gavilan has just built Studio DM. The computers are the fastest available, equipped with CD/DVD burner, and cross platform capable. Our server and gigabit ethernet network are state of the art. The classroom projector and screen is top quality and the room is equipped with a Dolby 5.1 studio monitor surround sound system. Printing is done on either of 2 six color 13" wide photo quality units or the 24" wide seven color photo quality large format printer. If you have a computer at home, you may, of course, work there.

TEXT: Introduction to Digital Photography, 2nd Edition, by Joseph Ciaglia, Prentice-Hall, 2006. Video tutortials available at www.atomiclearning.com. Handouts and additional assignments will be available via links on the schedule page.

SUPPLIES that you need:
Cameras - You don't necessarily have to own a digital camera to participate in this class. We do have cameras (Canon 2-3 megapixel S200s, S30s, and an A70 ) that may be checked out for assignments. If you have your own digital camera that would be great and you will learn how to use it better. If you are thinking of purchasing a new camera, hold off until we discuss cameras in the class. We will also scan and manipulate of film photographs.

Software - This course uses Apple's iPhoto for image organization and Adobe Photoshop CS (version 8) for the digital darkroom. It will focus on the tools available in Adobe's Photo Elements (lots cheaper). You may want to purchase this if working at home as well as Adobe's Photo Album to replace iPhoto if working on a Window's operating system. They are available at student prices (very reasonable) at www.creationengine.com. You can get it the next day.

Paper - Our printers are Epson and in most cases the only paper that works is made by Epson. Students are requested to either donate paper, contribute a few bucks to the paper fund, or bring your own. We will determine this on the first day of class. Color photos look best with Glossy Photo or Premium Glossy Photo paper. B/W images look best on Matte Paper-Heavyweight, or a making it very versatile paper called Epson Colorlife which has a dull/satin finish . It is possible to print an extremely high quality image up to 24" by 100 ft. banner (or any shorter length ) on a variety of paper for $3.00 per square foot. This is half the cost of a commercial facility.

Media for transport and backup - As most professional digital media is developed using the Macintosh computer, our studio is equipped that way. But we make every effort to be cross platform and applicable to the Windows Operating System that you may have at home or work. You will need 5 or so blank CDs (8x or faster), USB flash memory drive, or a Zip cartridge (100 Megabyte cartridges seem to work the best) for storing and backing up your work and project files. There are no floppy disk drives in the lab. Note that Macintosh computers will burn cross platform CDs and vice versa, but multiple sessions will not work between the platforms. You may use DVDs for archive (4.2 Gigabytes) purposes as all the Macintoshes burn DVDs.You will need at least one DVD-R (read dash R) for the final slide show assignment.

DESCRIPTION: The study of digital photography and the process from digital camera to the computer-based printer or digital media. Artistic, theoretical, and technical aspects will be considered. Topics include information about types and purchasing of digital cameras; theory, mechanics, and art of digital imagery; digital darkroom; eccentricities of digital photo taking; stitching photos for virtual reality; and preparing digital images for print, World Wide Web and other digital media. This course has the option of a letter grade or credit/no credit.

ADVISORY: CSIS 1 or CSIS 2/2L or equivalent computer experience. May be transferable: CSU

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Explain the theoretical and technical aspects of digital photography.

2. Use digital cameras and associated computer hardware and software for creating, modifying, and producing images for print, World Wide Web, Virtual Reality, DVD, and other digital media.

3. Create a digital image archive and a DVD slide show of your work.

4. Explain and show specific aesthetics associated with digital photography including the manipulation of images for enhanced design.

5. Be able to frame subject matter, shoot an artistic photograph, and adjust the digital image to produce a high quality photo print.

6. Analyze your own and others digital photography needs and determine what equipment would be appropriate to meet those requirements.

COURSE EVALUATION: Grades will be based on the completion of book tutorials, projects, an exam (counts double), and a major project (counts 4 times). Traditional A through F grades will be assigned. Assignment critique will help the student hone their skills during the class. Every consideration will be given to an individual’s art and design skills as well as differences in aesthetic in order to make grading based on the actual learning of imaging design and digital photographic techniques.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is crucial to student success. Students missing one more class hour than the unit value for a particular course, without making prior arrangements may, at the instructor's option, be dropped without possibility of credit.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, or Disabled Student Services Office.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Occupational/Vocational students - Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and participation in Vocational Educational Programs.

STUDENTS HONESTY POLICY: Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.

STUDENT LAB USE: Studio DM is one of the best digital media labs in the state. It is equipped with very fast computers and the latest in peripherals (e.g., film scanner, 24" large format photoquality printer, video editors, DVD burners) and software. While working in this lab, it should be remembered that the equipment is for use by you and the other students. It is owned by the community that Gavilan College serves. If any of it disappears or is treated badly and breaks, you and the other students will not have anything to produce your assigments. Please respect your lab.