PHOT - Photography
PHOT 113RA The Magic of the Darkroom I: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)
(F, Sp) An introduction to traditional black and white photographic practice, theory and visual principles, including camera operation and use of BW darkroom technique. Photography majors must take this class fall semester to fit into the sequential nature of the Photography program. A 35mm film camera is required for this class.
View Course Outcomes:
- KNOWLEDGE:\\n· Through hands on practice you will learn how to properly operate a 35mm SLR film camera (shutter speeds, f-stops, film speed, etc.)\\n· You will learn how to correctly process BW film.\\n· You will learn proper BW darkroom printing techniques.
- COMPREHENSION:\\n· You will illustrate your understanding of these technical practices by creating effective photographs\\n· You will demonstrate your understanding of the black and white photographic medium through written exams, class discussions, and critiques.
- APPLICATION:\\n· You will apply your knowledge of camera operation (including shutter speeds, f-stops, etc) in order to create effective BW images.\\n· You will apply knowledge of BW darkroom techniques to produce quality black and white negatives and photographic prints with a full tonal range.
- EVALUATION:\\n· Through class discussion and critique of your photographs, you will develop a fundamental vocabulary and the ability to assess and evaluate black and white photographic works
PHOT 154IA Exploring Digital Photography: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Other)
(F, Sp, Su) Introduces technical and aesthetic ways of creating digital photographic images from acquiring them with digital cameras to cell phones with manual exposure controls to editing images using computer software. Instructor and peer critique of student work is an integral part of the course.
View Course Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to use digital camera functions, including accessing f-stops, shutter speeds, or the equivalent of, on their digital camera.
- Work effectively with available light and demonstrate knowledge of the quantity and quality of light using the camera’s exposure controls and using lighting modifiers.
- Demonstrate the basic skillset to enhance digital images using software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop to enhance exposure, color, and contrast.
- Engage aesthetic and technical problem-solving skills, using peer and instructor critique as a means to determine visual solutions for creating imagery.
PHOT 213 The Magic of the Darkroom II: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 113RA. (Sp) Also on demand for Fall. Theory and continued application of image control in B&W photography, through the use of a variety of 35mm and medium format films and the introduction of basic zone system principles. Advanced traditional B&W printing techniques in preparation for portfolio review. A 35 mm film camera is required for this class. School of Film and Photography
View Course Outcomes:
- KNOWLEDGE Through hands on practice students will learn advanced black and white film camera operations (35mm medium format)↦ Through hands on practice students will learn advanced black and white film processing and darkroom printing techniques.↦ Through hands-on practice, students will learn how to photograph, select and edit a series of black white images to create an exhibition quality portfolio.
- COMPREHENSION ↦ Illustration of knowledge for advanced camera and film processing techniques through the production of predictable, consistent negatives under a variety of lighting conditions. ↦ Imagery will illustrate students’ understanding of these technical practices by producing exhibit quality black and white prints. ↦ Students will demonstrate their visual literacy, aesthetic, and technical proficiency through written and oral communication skills evidenced in group research projects, 2 in-class discussions, written exams, project proposals, artist statements and photographic works.
- APPLICATION ↦ Students will begin to apply principles of the zone system to expose film properly under a variety of lighting conditions. ↦ Demonstrate abilities to render superior negatives using a variety of advanced processing techniques (push and pull processing, increased and decreased development, etc.), in order to produce superior black and white photographic negatives. ↦ Create fine art black and white prints using various advanced darkroom-printing techniques (split filtering, flashing of prints, etc.). ↦ Curate a cohesive, exhibition quality body of photographic images and produce a portfolio as a final series for the term. ↦ Employ critical thinking skills, informed by integrating knowledge outside of the photographic discipline, in the analysis, discussion, and creation of photographic works.
- ANALYSIS ↦ Demonstrate facility in analyzing, interpreting, and discussing photographs technically, aesthetically and conceptually during the group and individual critiques for original creative productions.
- EVALUATION ↦ Through individual and peer lead discussions of photographic imagery, students will develop an intermediate level vocabulary while furthering their ability to analyze and interpret black and white photographs. ↦ Students collaborate with others by openly and constructively giving and receiving feedback, to then use that critique to revise and improve their own visual communications and messaging.
PHOT 255 Intro to Color Photography: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 213. (Sp) Introduction and analysis of color theory, color imagery and color materials. Exploration of image capture via film, scanning and digital cameras. Technical skills are developed in digital systems, applications and printing along with critical exploration of color visual language and aesthetic issues
View Course Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of color theory.
- Produce images using Photoshop as a digital darkroom to enhance the final image.
- Identify and utilize tools for control of analog digital methods of printing color imagery.
- Analyze and critique historical and contemporary trends in color photography.
- Convey in both written and visual forms their personal vision.
PHOT 258 View Camera: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 213. (F) Introduction to view camera theory and practice. Basic studio and lighting techniques will be addressed as well as advanced contrast control through application of the zone system, large format black and white photography, digital view camera, and large format digital and analog printing techniques
View Course Outcomes:
- Students will acquire significant knowledge of View Camera use and an understanding of appropriate use of View Camera movements.
- Students will acquire a basic understanding of the Zone System and its practical application in both the digital and analog photography realm.
- Students will acquire a basic understanding of studio strobe lighting and lighting theory.
- Students will learn basic manipulations of photographs in Photoshop and Capture One
- Students will acquire negative scanning skills.
- Students will acquire basic BW digital Inkjet printing skills.
PHOT 291 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec)
PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by each offering department. On demand. Courses not required in curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
PHOT 301 Photography: Global Histories and Perspectives: 3 Credits (3 Lec)
PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH. (Sp) The global history of photography from prehistory to the present. This course focuses on the technological, cultural, social, scientific, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of the medium through a diverse range of global photographers and photographic practices
View Course Outcomes:
- Synthesize and demonstrate an understanding of the global history of photography from prehistory to the present, focusing on the technological, cultural, social, scientific, theoretical, and aesthetic history of the medium.
- Contextualize a diverse range of global photographers from early history to the present, drawing connections and distinguishing between their conceptual and aesthetic approaches.
- Curates artistic exhibits that speak to the connections between the global history of photography and the particular issues and historical context in which we live today.
- Collaborate with peers and instructors to practice student-based pedagogical techniques for deep reading, writing, and thinking that extend beyond the classroom into their daily lives.
PHOT 331 Prof Practices in Photography: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Other)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255. Alternate years. Introduces students to variety of career choices in the field of photography. Emphasis on writing skills and the fundamentals of business and marketing. Class is strongly recommended for those who plan on entering the photographic profession, including graduate school
View Course Outcomes:
- Develop professional writing in the form of statements of photographic philosophy, resume, bio, and cover letter that demonstrate professionalism within the field.
- Prepare and produce a portfolio packet for purposes of marketing oneself, illustrating a chosen field of photography in a professional capacity.
- Define and research a variety of fields and opportunities in the field of photography through conversations with and lectures by guests to our course.
- Identify and utilize online resources for opportunities to show work and implement self-promotion.
PHOT 350 Landscape and the Book: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255. (Sp) Further applied study of color visual theory and the control of materials for color photographic expression. Emphasis on individual aesthetic practices through handmade photography books
View Course Outcomes:
- Demonstrate techniques for ‘stitching’ digital images
- Demonstrate techniques in making large format inkjet prints
- Demonstrate techniques in book binding—single signature, accordion, Japanese stitch, clamshell box, case bound, and drum leaf.
- Successfully incorporate photographs into book forms—single signature, accordion, Japanese stitch, case bound and drum leaf.
- Explain the history of the photo book form.
- Explain landscape photography history and theory.
PHOT 352 Advanced Lighting Practices: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (F) Advanced photographic theory and practice in studio and on location. Emphasis given to creative aspects of artificial lighting and staged subject matter in all camera formats. This class is highly recommended for both commercial and fine art applications
View Course Outcomes:
- Define and describe light based on contrast (quality of light), color, brightness (quantity of light) and direction.
- Demonstrate and apply the use of artificial lights including key-lighting, backlighting, and side-lighting.
- Identify and differentiate what makes for a well-lit image.
- Design, fabricate, and utilize tools to modify light.
- Demonstrate professionalism in a cooperative and organized manner, in the planning and executing of photographic events
PHOT 355 The Experimental Color Darkroom: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (F) FPPH, FPFM, ILBM majors only, juniors in the SFP programs. Intermediate and advanced color darkroom photographic processes. Emphasis is on the creative aspects of experimentation in the color darkroom exploring various analog processes to achieve the final image
View Course Outcomes:
- Define and describe methods of how to execute a color darkroom print.
- Produce images using the color darkroom to enhance the final image.
- Identify and differentiate what makes for a well-printed image.
- Design, fabricate, and utilize tools to modify color darkroom prints.
PHOT 359 Alternative Photographic Techniques: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (Sp) Image creation through the use of historical contact printing processes. A variety of alternative processes will be addressed such as gum printing, cyanotype, and platinum/palladium. Extensive aesthetic exploration will be supported through a blend of the old processes and current digital negative techniques
View Course Outcomes:
- A student will demonstrate technical mastery of 3 19th century processes: cyanotype, platinum, gum, and combinations thereof.
- A student will demonstrate technical mastery of custom digital negatives.
- A student will demonstrate critical thinking in work evaluation through informal and formal critiques.
PHOT 360 Yellowstone Digital: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 or ARTZ 211RA or PHOT 213 or ARCH 261 or consent of instructor. (Su) This is a field workshop in Yellowstone National Park using a camera to create digital images. Intended for individuals with a working knowledge of photographic basics who desire to explore this media in an outdoor environment. (Open to all majors)
View Course Outcomes:
- Explore outdoor and field photography.\\n
- Develop skills in creative image composition.
- Practice low-light image-making.
- Experience sorting and editing digital images with Adobe Bridge.
- Utilize Adobe Photoshop as a digital darkroom.
- Explore creating a photographic series.
PHOT 361 Teton Digital: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 or ARTZ 211RA or PHOT 213 or ARCH 261 or consent of instructor. (Su) This is a field workshop in Grand Teton National Park using a camera to create digital images. Intended for individuals with a working knowledge of photographic basics who desire to explore this media in an outdoor environment. (Open to all majors)
View Course Outcomes:
- Explore outdoor and field photography.
- Develop skills in creative image composition.
- Practice low-light image-making.
- Experience sorting and editing digital images with Adobe Bridge.
- Utilize Adobe Photoshop as a digital darkroom.
- Explore creating a photographic series.
PHOT 371 Portraiture: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (Sp) Advanced portrait techniques, theory, and practice in studio and on location. Emphasis on creative exploration and application of a variety of styles in portraiture, such as informal, editorial, environmental, etc
View Course Outcomes:
- make effective photographic portraits on location and in a controlled studio environment\\n
- execute a wide range of technical and creative portrait lighting solutions for studio and location \\n
- identify traditions and stylistic approaches to portrait photography\\n
- explain components of basic historical and contemporary photographic portrait practice \\n
- demonstrate an ability to utilize portrait lighting theory\\n
PHOT 373 Image & Text: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Other)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (Sp) The applied study of image in combination with text and design to effectively communicate the intended message. InDesign software will be used for various print assignments culminating in a semester long magazine project
View Course Outcomes:
- Intermediate knowledge of Adobe InDesign CC
- Beginning to intermediate knowledge of typeface and layout (graphic design)
- The ability to create effective print communication
- Increased discernment of marketing manipulation
PHOT 374 The Experimental B&W Darkroom: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. (F) The applied study of experimental photographic techniques with analog and digital capture and camera and cameraless imagery. All techniques will be output in a traditional silver gelatin darkroom
View Course Outcomes:
- Knowledge: You will learn about hands-on processes such as cameraless imagery (lumenprints, chemigrams), alternative cameras (pinhole and Holga), lith, mordancage, bleachout, distressed negatives, chromo, liquid emulsion, toning, and experimentation with printing and finished prints.
- Comprehension: You will learn how to apply these processes to your images. At first you may concentrate on process for process’ sake because it is all too new to you. This is OK.
- Application: You will then proceed to apply these processes to your images to construct meaning.
- Analysis: You will learn how to interpret images before and after applying experimental processes, to see how process supports, enhances, or changes content.
- Synthesis: You will learn how to integrate image and process seamlessly, how process makes (or doesn’t!) a good "marriage" with content where the two combined form a stronger statement.
- Evaluation: Through weekly critique you will learn how to judge your own and others’ experimental work effectively and verbalize effectively. Through your PowerPoint presentation you will become familiar with contemporary experimental work and have a teaching experience.
PHOT 395 Practicum: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258. () On demand. Practical experience associated with research projects in photography
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
PHOT 401 Contemporary Issues in Photography: 3 Credits (3 Lec)
PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH. (F) Critical exploration of the sociocultural impact of contemporary photography as a visual medium and its reflection and influence of humanity on a global scale. Discussions on photography as cultural phenomenon, documentation tool, personal expression, art form, and its effect on notions of gender, class, race, normalcy, nation, ethnicity, and beauty
View Course Outcomes:
- Acquire a critical appreciation of some of the principal concepts, methods and debates informing the theory and practice of contemporary photography.
- Research and evaluate relevant theoretical and historical materials for the study of contemporary photography.
- Identify, define and evaluate issues related to art photography.
- Recognize, describe and critically assess issues associated with documentary photography.
- Explain the convergent influence of digital technology on previously distinct analogue lens-based media.
- Demonstrate through written composition, research practice, in-class discussions and oral presentations, a capacity to construct coherent, substantiated arguments and to question assumptions.
PHOT 490R Undergrad Research: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing in photography. () On demand. Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
PHOT 491 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec)
PREREQUISITE: Consent of Instructor. On demand. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
PHOT 492 Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1 Other)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258, consent of instructor and approval of school director. () On demand. Directed research and study on an individual basis. -
Repeatable up to 6 credits.
PHOT 494 Seminar/Workshop: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)
PREREQUISITE: PHOT 255 and PHOT 258 or consent of instructor. () On demand. Topics offered at the upper division level that are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
PHOT 498 Career Internship: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)
PREREQUISITE: Consent of School Director. () On demand. An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 12 credits.
View Course Outcomes:
- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
PHOT 499 Senior Production Photography: 5 Credits (5 Other)
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing in the Photography option and consent of the instructor. (F, Sp) Senior capstone course. Independent production of a significant body of work in photography; extensive production combined with group critique and faculty consultation
Repeatable up to 10 credits.
View Course Outcomes:
- Application: A capstone course that requires the ability to produce a cohesive series of photographs or portfolio that is exhibition ready and evident of four years of photography major experience
- Analysis: Students will acquire the ability to write a coherent research paper related to their area of photographic practice and a cohesive and coherent artist statement about the work
- Evaluation: Through weekly critiques students will further the ability to\\narticulate theory and criticism of their own work and that of their peers
- Synthesis: Students will leave MSU with a higher level of visual literacy in\\nwhich to navigate the media-driven world