PHOT A282: Professional Portraiture
Item | Value |
---|---|
Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 02/08/2023 |
Top Code | 101200 - Applied Photography |
Units | 3 Total Units |
Hours | 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36; Lab Hours 72) |
Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
Material Fee | Yes |
Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
Repeatable | No |
Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
Course Description
Prepares the student for employment in professional portrait photography or management of a portrait photography studio. Topics include studio lighting techniques, studio practices, the variety of specialized services offered by professional portrait photographers, as well as, skin retouching techniques. PREREQUISITE: PHOT A180. Transfer Credit: CSU.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Recognize current trends in portrait photography and professional portraits.
- Identify and apply a variety of lighting styles, skills in the posing of subjects and skin retouching techniques.
- Formulate fundamental business strategies of the portrait studio.
Course Objectives
- 1. Produce portraits of professional quality.
- 2. Distinguish the differences between lighting styles.
- 3. Relate lighting techniques to subject and apply accordingly.
- 4. Demonstrate proficiency in basic skin retouching techniques for portraiture.
- 5. Identify importance of emerging digital technologies.
- 6. Demonstrate proficiency in the sales, promotion and business management of a portrait studio.
Lecture Content
Lighting techniques for studio portraiture Posing of groups and individuals Portraiture in black and white Portraiture in color Wedding photography Large group portraiture High volume portrait promotions Environmental portraiture Corporate/Executive portraiture Publicity photography Digital technologies currently in use in the portrait industry Discuss current basic skin retouching methodologies for portraiture. Organization and operation of a portrait studio Management and business procedures Specific challenges of the portrait studio Selecting and purchasing equipment Promotion and sales
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- Lab (04)
Instructional Techniques
Discussion of the principles of portraiture and aesthetic concepts. Demonstrations in the studio, classroom and on location. In lab demonstrations of current skin retouching for portraits. Instructor and peer feedback through critique of student work. Use of DVD/Video presentations relating to historical and contemporary trends in portraiture.
Reading Assignments
Students will spend 2 hours per week reading from professional technique periodicals and from selected handouts provided by the instructor.
Writing Assignments
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills with the production of photographic imagery, which will communicate visually using technical skills, conceptual, and aesthetic ideas developed through the course. These ideas must be supported verbally during critiques. Additionally, students may be asked to write a critical essay on a photographic field visit.
Out-of-class Assignments
Student will complete class photography and assignments designed to reinforce concepts introduced in lecture. Students will work independently in studio and outside of class to meet assignment requirements. Student will utilize the digital lab to complete exercises that use problem solving situations related to assignment work.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills with the production of photographic imagery that communicates visually using conceptual and aesthetic ideas developed through the course.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills with the production of photographic imagery, which will communicate visually using technical skills, conceptual, and aesthetic ideas developed through the course. These ideas must be supported verbally during critiques. Additionally, students may be asked to write a critical essay on a photographic field visit.
Eligible Disciplines
Photography: Masters degree in photography, fine arts, or art OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in art history or humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Other Resources
1. Professional technique periodicals and from selected handouts.