Photo 9 Syllabus

Summer 2010
Instructor: Albert Lee
Lecture: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:50 to 10:00 PM
Class Objective
Photo 9 is a beginning photography class, utilizing the use of digital cameras. There
is no laboratory work involved with this class. The class is designed to give the
student an understanding and basic control of camera operations, proper exposure
and good compositional skills. The objective is to learn how to effectively use your
camera and to start thinking photographically. The student will learn through
lectures, photographic projects, critiques and visual aides.
Recommended Textbook
Within the Frame, David duChemin. The Camera, Ansel Adams. A Short Course
in Photography, Barbara London / Jim Stone.(class book)
Class Policy
1. THIS IS A COLLEGE COURSE--ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
2. Class will start promptly at 5:00 PM and will end at 10:00 PM. You have
committed yourself to these 5+ hours per session twice a week for 5 weeks, by
enrolling in this class.
3. You will be dropped from the roster after 2 absences. It is your responsibility to
officially drop the class through the admissions office.
4. Points will be subtracted from your grade for excessive tardiness and/or
absences.
5. All assignments must be produced within the time frame of this current semester
only.
6. All images must be for each specific project only, i.e. project #1ʼs slides cannot be
submitted for project #3. You must shoot the required quantity of film for each
assignment.
7. You will be required to required to follow the assignment quidelines to the letter.
8. Each project will have a certain number of images that will be required to be
turned in. We will discuss the quantity as we discuss the project when it is assigned.
10. Any late project will be graded down one letter grade and cannot be redone for a
better grade. Late projects are those not turned in on the due date.
11. Any project not submitted late can be redone for a better grade without any
penalty. I.e. you can raise a “C” to an “A” if you earn the “A”.
12. Each photo project should be considered equivalent to a written exam. The
project is a visual demonstration of your knowledge, therefore do not under-estimate
the value of any project. Every project will be counted towards your final grade, none
will be dropped.
Grading Criteria
The following criteria is the basis for the subjective grading of all projects. Each item
will be weighted according to the emphasis given it in class at the time the project is
given. HINT: Ask yourself these following questions while you are shooting the
project, and afterwards as you are editing your images just before turning them in.
1. Did you meet the projects requirements? (Did you attempt to shoot what was
assigned?)
2. Was it turned in on time?
3. Did you follow directions? (Information on slide mount/in a slide page/equipment
or film used as allowed or prohibited as per instructions?)
4. Do you have a variety of shots showing different angles, subjects, horizontals,
verticals, etc?
5. Are your images interesting to look at, or at least well composed? Or are they as
boring as all heck??
6. Are your images well exposed? Too light? Too dark?
7. Did you use interesting lighting? (Varied timed of day/different angles if light, and
not all indoors even when indoors is allowed)
8. Did you attempt original ideas or concepts?
9. Are the images in focus.
I will only be available at the time of our class session to answer any
questions you may have. I can also be reached at my email
albertleeinla@gmail.com. I will start each class with a question and answer
session. Please write down your
questions as they come to you. Bring them to class to ask them during this
period. I
strongly advise you to take advantage of the Q & A sessions. There is not, in
my
opinion, any dumb questions about photography.
Semester Grade
Projects................ 500 Points A = 1000 - 900
Final Project.............. 300 Points B = 899 - 800
Exam......................... 150 Points C = 799 - 700
Gallery Review.......... 50 Points D = 699 - 600
1000 Points F = 599 - 0
Notice:
Pierce College has very high academic standards. Any and all cheating in this
course will result in a failed grade and any cheaters being reported to the
administration for disciplinary action. Please see the College Catalog for
specifics.
Supply and Vendor Lists
Equipment
-Manual Override Capable digital Camera(Control of both aperture, shutter speeds and focus are
a must)
Supplies
Required:
-1-2 GB Media Card for camera
-1-2 GB Flash Drive
All:
-New batteries for your camera.
-10x13 in. Manila Envelopes (3 to 5 Qty.) (MUST BE 10x13 in.).
Recommenced:
-Tripod. A true must for photographers. If you are gonna take Photo 3 I recommend that you buy
a tripod that can support a 4x5 camera. If you are looking for cheap shop around, try eBay or
Craig's List. I also recommend the Tiltall, runs about $99.00.
NOTE: All the above mentioned prices are just approximations. They are intended to give you an
idea of the costs of the supplies for this class. I highly recommend that you shop around for the
best pricing. Always ask about student discounts.

Vendors
Here is a short and very incomplete list of possible vendors. Please use a phone book for a more
complete
listing. Call around for the best pricing. It is your money.
Camera Stores - Local Labs - Local
-Woodland Hills Camera, WH 818-347-2270 -The Darkroom 818-885-0123
-Samyʼs Camera, West LA 310-450-4551 -S D Color Lab, Santa Monica, 310-396-5255
-Samy's Camera, Main Store 323-938-2420 -The Icon, West L.A., 323-933-1666
-Canoga Camera, Canoga Park 818-346-5506 -A & I Processing, Hollywood, 323-856-5255
-Calumet Photographic, 323-466-1238 -Chrome-n-R, Hollywood, 323-937-7337
-Freestyle Sales, 323-660-3460 -A & I Processing, Santa Monica, 310-264-2622
-Pix, Hollywood (24 Hrs) 323-936-8488