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SDCC
Photo Program |
Information for Students in David King's |
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Class Specific Data:
THE NEW CTC
BUILDING: PIX and SCHEDULE Links to Other Photo Related Sites
NEW!!! |
This section of
my web site is primarily for students in
my photo classes at San Diego City College, however any photo student is
welcome. From this page, once into the specific course sections, you can download copies of assignments, handouts/datasheets, and
other technical data from the middle columns. Because there is a
growing list of materials, I've arranged the list below into categories based
on my specific classes and then sorted by type of document within those
categories. Some data sheets are quite large and complete with photo-illustrations
so please be patient while they download.
On the left and right edge columns of the class sections you can read more general course information. if you are thinking about taking one of my courses this is a good place to start. In this top section, on the left are links to pages with student data for the Photo Program's other instructors, news about the new building, Photo Program news and events. There are are also quick links to let you jump down to one of my specific class's section without having to scroll through this introduction every time. On the right are my schedules and other data on the classes for the current semester and just below is my semester calendar. I would highly recommend that all students also read the general class rules which have been updated for Fall 2009 and my introduction of Web Enhanced classes. These are toward the bottom of this page. Those rules will also be in your course outline handout but since you will be graded on some of this material you need to make sure you have read and understand it. Also we are limited to how many pages we can have printed at a time for handouts so this contains additional data and more detail that you might find to be important. Especially note the section on plagiarism or using work done by someone else. This, as with all forms of cheating, is a zero-tolerance issue. And if you find yourself making endless excuses for being late with assignments or missing class or poor work, read this. For specific class information or resources, scroll or link down to the class or section needed, then look down the list to find the document you want, then click on it. If the item is shown in cyan COLOR it is available to access. If it is in GRAY then it is not yet online or is being revised. And there is a page where I've listed the text books and other recommended reading materials and reference works for the classes. There are links where you can go directly to Amazon to order the books usually at a discount over retail prices. To visit that page, click here. MY CLASSROOM CALENDAR FOR SPRING SESSION 2010
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SPRING 2010
------------------------------ IMPORTANT NOTE FOR STUDENTS!! Spring 2010 Special Rules (due to budget issues) DEADLINES: IMPORTANT: PLEASE
OPEN AND READ: |
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING
FILES AND DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW:
If your computer has the software that can read these files then when you click on the title most browsers will either just open the document or ask you if you want to open or save it and you can review it then save to your own disk if you wish. Some browsers, or on computers which do not have the software, will only ask if you want to download or save the file and you will be prompted to tell it where you want to save it. And others, like Mac OS 10.5 will simply download it as if nothing has happened then you will need to open it in the correct application. To close a document and return, click on the "Back" Button on your browser. If you get a window asking for a User ID or password click on "Cancel" and you will be returned to this page. |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 143: Introduction to Digital Photography - (A Web Enhanced Class) | ||||||||||||||
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Photo 143 is our program's entree point
into the world of Digital Photography. It covers basic materials
such as digital jargon and glossary, explains how digital cameras work and
the best ways to achieve the maximum quality image.
Primarily a photo "capture" class it also get into the basics of color management, digital printing and display, and, of course, into photo editing just as you would be in the darkroom in a film-based class. if you have not already done so, download the Course Syllabus. We will be going over this in detail at the first class meeting. CAMERA NEEDS: The editing tool we will use in our classes is Photoshop since that is the industry standard. If you use something else you will have to be able to translate functionality from class material to your own software.
THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS! (Continued in far right column...) |
PLEASE NOTE: Other Sections
of this course are taught by different Instructors who will have their own
approach, assignments, and materials. The material below was created
specifically for my own classes though in some cases it may overlap and be of some value
or interest to other sections as well.
IS THIS THE CLASS FOR ME? (PDF) View & Order Textbooks from Amazon NEW Course Syllabus/Outline (PDF)
Sample Grading
Form (PDF)
Assignment 1: Your Best Shot
Powerpoint
Presentation 1: Course intro, overview
Datasheet:
Digital Photography Glossary Essay: How much (Photo) Gear is Enough?
Website: Depth
of Field Calculator
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ALSO:
SIGN UP IMMEDIATELY FOR THE PHOTO 102 LAB STUDIES IF YOU WANT THE CLASS OR
IT WILL BE CUT BY DISTRICT BEFORE DAY 1. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON IT,
EMAIL ME BY
CLICKING HERE.
NOTE: Unless
otherwise noted
These are the presentations given in class. You will need PowerPoint on your computer in
order to run and view these presentations. Some browsers like Internet
Explorer can run a powerfpoint slide show. These are not self running. When they open use a mouse
click or the Enter Key to advance each element.
Note: Some third party RAW converters may not
real all types of camera RAW formats. |
Regarding the DSLR camera
requirement, you can wait for class to discuss this in detail but be aware
that in the past you could rent a DSLR from Nelsons Camera store for approxmately $100.00
for the semester. They did not have many and it is a 1st come-1st
served basis to act accordingly. We are trying to solve this by
getting our own but the budget crisis shot that down for the moment. If you cannot manage this requirement, check into financial aid or perhaps taking the Photo 105 class where having a specific level camera is not a requirement would be better. The problem is that Photo 143 is a foundational class that serves as the pre-requisite for more advanced courses where the camera knowledge we cover will be a requirement. Point and Shoot cameras will not allow us to cover mandatory data. Download the PDF File: IS THIS THE CLASS FOR ME for more insight into Photo 143
Text Books
for For students
new to BOTH photography and Digital:
Alternatively, for students with a film background but
new to digital: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED books on "seeing" and composition for photographers: "The Art of Seeing"
"The Photographer's Eye" by Michael Freeman RECOMMENDED books on getting started with Photoshop: "PhotoShop CS4 for Photographers" by Martin Evening (the text for the 180 and 181 classes) NOTE: As a California Community College
student you can order Photoshop and other software at very good discounts.
Compare: |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 204 Creative Techniques (A Web Enhanced Class) | ||||||||||||||
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(Also see the versions of this
course presented by Professor Eichinger which include Infra-Red, Pinhole
Cameras, Plastic Cameras, etc. These 204 classes are fun ways to pick
up those techniques and approaches you always wanted to do.) For Fall Semester 2009 my section of the 265G/204 class will be about doing macro and close up photography. I would recommend that if you want to take the class you download the handout on Macro photography to give you a head start on understanding the jargon and equipment used.
THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS!
...Cont. on Right Side |
Course
Syllabus/Outline: Photoshop Techniques Course Syllabus/Outline: Digital Printing Techniques Course Syllabus/Outline: Macro and Close Up Photog'y Course Syllabus/Outline: HDRI Photography View & Order Textbooks from Amazon NEW
Assignment 1: Realistic HDRI
Sample Grading
Form
Datasheet: Macro and Close-Up Photography |
Some Outlines, Class
Assignments and datasheets are in MS Word format. Some are large
files with illustrations so be patient as they download. Large file. (Revision Apr 2008) Tech Articles |
...Continued from left. I will assume a basic knowledge of Photoshop editing steps and workflow issues however we will review these issues early in the course. To produce the work I will expect you to use your own photographs. If the version of the class you are in is a techniques class then you need not take new shots but can pull from your OWN "stock" collection. For shooting classes (such as HDRI and MAcro) you will need to shoot specifically for class assignments. This is predominantly a lecture/demo class so you will need to have access to your own computer and/or take the Directed Lab studies when the computer lab is available. This class is being run for 8 weeks only. That means we will be cramming a lot of material into a fairly short course and turn-around for assignments will also be shorter. |
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| Photo 180 and Photo 181: Digital Imaging | |||||||||||||||
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Photo 180/181 is a follow-on to Photo 143 Intro to Digital Photography and will cover techniques and processes involved in editing and retouching photographs.
(Continued on Right Column) |
NOTE: I am not teaching this course for Fall
2008. However I'm leaving the assignments and handouts online for your
review and additional data. Photo 180
Project 1: Layers - Retouch -
Portrait Photo 181
Project 1: Layers - Retouch -
Fashion DATASHEETS:
Datasheet: Digital Work Flow Diagram (PDF) |
For the projects there are two versions, one for the 180 class beginners and a variation for the 181 class students with more experience. |
(Continued from Left Column)
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 200: Lighting Techniques | ||||||||||||||
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THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS!
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View & Order Textbooks from Amazon NEW
Exercise 1: Lighting ratios and percentages
Datasheet: White Balance
NEW!
URL: Susan Cox's Photo Styling Workshops and Courses Here is an
interesting blog site all about lighting:
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Class Outline / Class
Assignments are all MS Word format. MS Word MS Word MS Word with illustrations MS Word with lots of illustrations
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If you have taken this course from one instructor, I strongly encourage you to also take it from
any others who might teach it for their
unique perspective on the subject. Lighting is crucial to successful
commercial work but it is also very personal in style. The more
different approaches to it you can try, the better able you will be to
develop your own unique style. You can do it as an Independent Study. |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 220: Portraiture: (A Web Enhanced Class) | ||||||||||||||
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THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS! The portrait class is about taking more than just pictures of people showing what they look like, it is about making picture of people that display to the viewer some aspect of the subject's personality. We will be discussing lighting (in studio and on location), wardrobe, props, posing and of course camera equipment. Continued on Right... |
NOTE: I am not teaching this course in Spring of 2010. Even if you have already taken it with me I strongly suggest, if Portraiture is your thing, you ALSO take it from the other instructors who teach it. Portraiture is stylistic in nature and the more approaches you can learn the better able you will be to settle on your own approach. You can do this as an independent study. View & Order Textbooks
from Amazon
NEW
Project:
Talent Headshot Video: Simulating Mats in Photoshop Written Assignment: Portrait Photographer
Datasheet: White Balance
NEW! Map: San Diego to Borrego Springs Meeting Spot (PDF)
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This class will require
you to shoot in the studio so we will also be covering studuo use and safety
issues. Since you will need 7-12 or more male and female "sitters" for
your projects and final portfolio, start early to round up subjects!
Getting subjects to pose for you may be the hardest aspect of the class! Consider working with the other students to switch off shooting and posing. Few things will better help you to understand the process from the sitters perspective than being one yourself.
FOR SOME INTERESTING
EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS MODERN APPROACHES TO PORTRAITURE: |
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| Photo 230: Advertising Photography | |||||||||||||||
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NOTE: I am not teaching this course for Fall
2009. However I'm leaving the assignments and handouts online for your
review and additional data. Class Outline/Syllabus
Project: Small Product - Studio
FINAL PROJECT:
Datasheet: Lighting Terms and Glossary Map: San Diego to Borrego Springs Meeting Spot (PDF)
RESULTS OF DEMOS SHOT IN
MY CLASS CAN BE ACCESSED BY CLICKING HERE. |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 240: Large Format Photography | ||||||||||||||
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NOTE: I am not teaching this course for Fall
2008. However I'm leaving the assignments and handouts online for your
review and additional data.
Datasheet: View Camera Operations |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 243: Advanced Digital Photography (A Web Enhanced Class) | ||||||||||||||
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This is the advanced class in general digital
photography and will introduce you to some special digital techniques while
honing your fundamental capture and editing skills. The prerequisite
is Photo 143. We normally recommend that you take Photo 143, then Photo
180, and THEN Photo 243, using 180 to build your photoshop/editing skills
but it is not mandatory.
THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS!
Continued on Right... |
Sample Grading Form (PDF)
How to Turn in Assignments/Projects View & Order Textbooks from Amazon NEW
Project: HDRI Datasheets:
Datasheet: White Balance
NEW! Software: Memory Card Recovery From Calumet Essay: How much (Photo) Gear is Enough?
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... continued from left
CAMERA NEEDS |
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| Return to Top | PHOTO 245: Nature and Landscape Photography | ||||||||||||||
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For Spring Semester 2010,
the Landscape Class field trips will be to: µ
3 Day (Fri-Sun): Owens Valley and Alabama Hills.
µ 4
Day (Thur-Sun): Death Valley NOTE: Students will be responsible for their own lodging, food, and transportation on the field trips however ride and room sharing can significantly reduce costs.
FIELD
TRIP DATA
THIS IS A WEB
ENHANCED CLASS!
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View & Order Textbooks from Amazon NEW
Itinerary for 3-Day Field Trip
Assignment 1: Essay on Landscape Photographer Spreadsheet: Budgeting for a photo field trip
Web Sites for Weather
Forecasts:
Exercise: Simple B&W Film/Development Calibrations
URL: Digital Zone System Approach
Article on
marketing Travel Photographs URL: Lee Peterson's Online Gallery of prints |
MS Word HTML Page on this site MS Word These are links to web pages. To Be safe in planning a trip, check all three sites then believe what they forecast in common.
MS Word Doc Web Pg Opens in new window |
PLEASE NOTE RE THE FIELD TRIPS: This class concerns itself with taking photographs of natural subjects. It not only concerns the photographic aspects it also deals with the logistics of a photo shoot to a distant location. To accomplish that we will be taking at least TWO field trips during the class. One will be a 3-day (Fri-Sun) and the other a 4-day (Thur-Sun). Though the trips are not mandatory for a grade, projects will be given and photo discus-sions will be conducted during the trips. If you want to get the most from the class you will plan on taking part in these trips; or at least one of them. You will be responsible for your own transportation, food, and lodging so early in the class start making friends to see with whom you might like to share rides or camp/lodging to reduce expenses. I |
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| Return to Top | Other Handouts and Technical Data | ||||||||||||||
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These datasheets contain information that is
applicable to several classes or just to photography in general. Most are
about processes and technical skills For data on creating simulations of other photo technologies and approaches see the Photo 265G Section (Creative Techniques) |
Datasheet: Basic Daylight
Exposures Datasheet: Lens Testing and Resolution Datasheet: Lenses - 'It's All About the Glass' Datasheet: Lenses-focal length & Perspective Datasheet: Zone System Zone definitions Datasheet: Cleaning your DSLR's Sensor Exercise: Simple B&W Film/Development Calibrations Datasheet: Printing with Our Photo Lab Printers Datasheet: Updated Paper and Profile list Datasheet: Inkjet black versus Silver Black Datasheet: Film and Digital Quantitative Comparisons Datasheet: Using Flash and Flash Fill (Large File) Datasheet: Macro and Close-Up Photography Spreadsheet: Comm'l Photo Project Budget Template Datasheet: Exposure meters and Histograms (PDF) Datasheet: Lib of Congress on Archival storage (PDF) Datasheet: Delkin on CD Longevity issues (PDF) Article: Archival Processing Data from real time tests Article: Archival mounting/storage issues Datasheet: Large Format Lens Comparisons Datasheet: Simple Bellows Factor Calculations (PDF) Datasheet: Bellow Factor calculation disk (PDF) Datasheet: View Camera Operations (PDF) Datasheet: How to make a DSLR View Camera Datasheet: EV to Lux and EV to Exposure Table Datasheet: Making your Photographs SHARP! |
MS Word |
For links to photo related web sites, jump to the "Links" page. | ||||||||||||
| Return to Top | Misc Stuff That Doesn't Fit Anywhere Else: articles, essays, etc. | ||||||||||||||
| These data sheets, articles, etc. are less technical but still have some important information for photographers |
What it
takes to be GREAT (at anything)! The Myth of Multitasking (PDF) Donna's Tips for competition prints Zen and the Art of Photography Proper testing for great darkroom prints Some Myths about Photography The Changing world of Stock Photography The Internet and Copyright Law Defamation and Privacy issues for Photographers Government Data on Copyright Global Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights Confusion on Pay for Digital Work (PDF from PDN Mag) URL: Human eye and Megapixels Comparisons Paul Butzi "On Art and Artists"
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MS Word | |||||||||||||
| Return to Top | Some General Class Rules & Some School/Program/Department Class Policies | ||||||||||||||
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These rules
and policies are
also contained in the printed syllabus or course outline you will receive at
the start of class. Those printed versions will also contain
guide-lines, data, and rules that are specific to that class. If you did not receive a copy of the outline in class, or if you misplaced it, you can download one in the appropriate section for your class above. |
Attendance | You are expected to be in class
during class periods, especially during lecture classes. I may,
depending on the specific class and equipment availability, allow you to use
certain class times to help complete assignments outside of the classroom, but you
must first get my permission, let me know where you will be working,
and how that will be furthering the assignment's completion*. At grading time I will count attendance and class participation as the equivalent of a project (about 1/7 to 1/10th of your grade depending on how many projects we are able to complete), so it can help or hurt you. Also take note that after the 3rd unexcused absence I am encouraged by the administration to drop you from the roster. However I will not do so, therefore if you are actually wanting to drop the class YOU need to let admissions know. See the section below on Dropping for more data. NOTE: I will take notice of your job-related issues and try to work with you to resolve them. But class requires you to be here and if that is not possible then you need to find a course that works with your schedule or your grade will suffer.. I also know emergencies sometimes happen for work or family emergencies arise unexpectedly and will try to help you work around those for class needs. But emergencies are exceptions; you signed up for a college class knowing the dates and times involved. Education is serious stuff. Treat it with the respect it deserves. DO NOT PLAN VACATIONS DURING THE CLASS PERIOD. Plan your vacations during the breaks not during the normal class periods. We move quickly so it can be very difficult to make things up. You have a right to expect me to take this subject and the material seriously and give my best effort in the class from the instructional side of it. I have a right to expect the same from you from the student learning side of it. What's fair is fair... City's schedule of classes may vary a little each year but not by much so if the class or the education is important to you it should be easy to anticipate and plan your vacations accordingly. Of course if the vacation is more important then it should not bother you to take a major grade hit... |
*Please Note however, if you take advantage of that freedom and decide to work outside of the classroom for lab days, there will be no time-related excuses for assignments not turned in on time because I will assume you are requesting to work elsewhere because you can work so much better and faster on your own equipment or you really need this time to shoot and capture images for the assignment. | ||||||||||||
| Lecture & Lab Classes | Most of our photo courses are
divided into Lecture and Lab classes that meet twice a week. "Lecture"
is the time the instructor is passing on information to you. "Lab"
includes demonstrations, field trips, interactive activities, and, of
course, the time for you to be working on your projects on class time.
The lab classes are an important part of your educational experience at City College. In addition to those other activities listed above, Lab classes provide you with time to work on the completion of your assignments and to use the equipment with the help and supervision of an instructor. Because we have to work around the issue of having a single darkroom (until the new building is completed) your lab day may be scheduled as either the first or second meeting of the week. Because the first week of class will likely be all lecture anyway, your instructor will let you know what the lecture/lab breakdown is for a specific class. Overall, you will be provided with a lot of lab time, actually more than the lecture time. But the breakdown may change over the semester. At the start of a semester, for example, in order to provide foundational material, you may have a lot more (or even exclusively) lecture than lab time up until you are doing projects and need the time. As the semester progresses that will even out to where we will have one day for lecture and the other for lab. By the end of the semester you will likely have much more lab than lecture time and as finals approach you may have ALL lab time to prepare final projects/portfolios. Lab Time for Studio Classes. During lab time in the studio it is obvious until we open the new building there are only two shooting stations. That means not everyone can be doing their assignments during those times and will need to sign up for studio time. But that does not mean the lab classes are to be missed. I will be there to help and answer other questions and you should be there to assist each other or at least to watch and learn. If you are working digitally bring your files in to work on the computers. If you are working with film bring the negs to use in the darkroom. Directed Lab Studies. We offer a lab only class: Photo 102. This gives you time to work in the lab outside of class periods but with an instructor present to help you as needed. It also can give you a credit but at the end of the class you will have to turn in 4 finished prints. Your instructor can provide you with more information. |
NOTE: If you want more darkroom time outside of class you need to sign up for Photo 102! |
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| Dropping | This is San Diego City College not
San Diego City Kindergarten. As college students you are expected to
take responsibility for your own behavior and actions. If you decide
to drop YOU must alert admissions that you have done so. If you do
not, at the end of the semester I must enter a grade for every name still on
my roster. If your name is still on the roster but in my grade sheet
there are missing project grades, poor attendance, anything that is a
negative, the odds are
high that your final grade will not be a good one. |
PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINES FOR BOTH DROPPING AND WITHDRAWING FROM CLASSES! | |||||||||||||
| Tardiness | Being habitually tardy and walking
into a class while it is in session is disruptive, rude, and inconsiderate.
I will count three tardies as an absence in terms of grading.
You signed up for a class scheduled to begin at a certain time. I understand there are some times when being late is unavoidable. An increasing number of our students are coming from North County and traffic can be a nightmare, as is parking with all of the construction. Sometimes it just happens due to an accident on the road and that is unavoidable. But after you have determined how long it ought to take to get here (which should not take more than a week) try to assimilate that educational experience and be on time. Being late should be an exception not a trend. Three tardies counts as one unexcused absence according to school policy. |
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| Fun Absences | This is college. You are
expected to be here because you are committed to your education. The
dates of the semester are clearly spelled out. Vacations and other fun
trips are NOT the bases for excused absences or late assignments.
We cover a lot of material and it is nearly impossible to succeed in a class
if you have missed a couple of lectures unless you have some way to
make it up. These are NOT classes where you can just read extra
material in the book; you MUST get the material for projects and tests from
the class material or other material provided by the instructor. |
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| Grading | Please understand clearly,
grades are not an entitlement; they are something you earn. If you
come into a class needing a specific grade for whatever reason, getting it
will easy and straightforward -- work hard and earn it. I do not
believe in what used to be called "motivational grading" that held the
foolish notion that giving students good grades regardless of work product
made them feel better about themselves and want to achieve more. In
practice it diminished the value and credibility of the whole system and
made them not motivated but lazy since they did not have to work for them.
And I noticed too that when you know you are being given something for
nothing it does not make you feel better about yourself. Worse it
cheated the students who actually earned their grades. To help you feel better about yourself you need to GET better at what you do. In my opinion that "motivational" approach had the cart before the horse. I take grades seriously and so should you. This is your entree into the world of colleges and universities and may be far different from what you were used to. In basic level classes I will grade you on effort and progress individually, not against each other. I do not "grade on the curve" because I believe that always results in arbitrarily phony grades. In the advanced or vocational classes however, I will grade your work on appropriate but more objective standards based on professional standards. This will also give you a clue as to how you will fair out in the "real" world. Below is how I will grade different types of work. Please note the "meaning" of the grades noted below. PHOTO & WRITTEN PROJECTS: You will be given a letter grade for each project turned in from A-F. An "A" (given for EXCELLENT work as good as your skill/class level could expect) is worth 90-100 points, A "B" (given for GOOD work but with some issues) is worth 80-89 points, and A "C" (given for AVERAGE work) is worth 70-79 points. If you simply do what was requested AND the technical aspects were up to par, you most likely at least get a "C." (However "A" and "B" means you took things a bit beyond the basic requirement. You can pass the class with a "C" but if you truly wish to become a professional, or even an amateur working on a professional level of quality, you need to raise that score. Just doing the requirements of a job will not be well calculated to scoring future work in the incredibly competitive world of professional photography.) A "D" (given for POOR, BELOW AVERAGE work) is worth 60-69 points and should be a profound wake up call to re-evaluate your work, your effort, perhaps even your attitude. The simple ugly truth is that "D" work will quickly get you eaten alive in the real world. An "F" (given for FAILING work) is worth 0 -59 points. It pretty much speaks for itself... The number score for a specific project may indicate half or intermediate grades (e.g. 85), but I can only enter full grade letters in the computer for your final grade. That final grade will reflect the range of scores noted above, i.e. anything from 90-100 is an "A", 80-89 is a "B" and so on.. You will have approximately 7-8 photo projects per semester so missing a project can have a major effect on your grade, easily a whole letter grade. But remember, whether in basic or advanced classes, if you come to class already possessing more skills than most, I will expect to see you progress FROM THERE and will not grade positively for sleepwalking through the class. If you want more advanced assignments to keep up your interest, let me know. TESTS : Tests will be awarded a grade based on the actual points scored compared to the possible points. 90 to 100 percent will get an "A", 80 to 89 percent will get a "B", and so on. FINALS: Depending on the class I may give a final project such as a portfolio or a final exam... or both. A "final" project or exam is critical for your course grade and carries the grade weight of several normal projects or exams. If you do not tale the final or produce the final project it will be very difficult for you to get better than a "C" no matter how perfect your score has been on other projects or exams. ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION: A grading component is your attendance and participation. It will be equal to a project so can be very helpful or very damaging to you. Act accordingly. It is your money and your future on the line. At the end of the semester the projects, tests, and attendance points will be averaged for the final course grade. The school does not allow half grades so I will round your score to the nearest whole grade. |
NOTE: You will not get a good grade from me just because you "need" it. Getting a good grade from me is easy however: earn it with good work, real effort and passion for your work. I have no trouble giving the whole class an "A" if they all have worked for it. I also have no trouble giving the whole class something less if that reflects their level of effort. You can download a copy of the grading form for reference. For Web Enhanced classes you can see the scoring in each category so you can see where you need improvement.. |
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| Incompletes | According to the catalog and
district rules, an incomplete is to be given ONLY for a health emergency
that occurs at the end of the semester and prevents a student from turning
in the last assignments. If the student was already receiving a
failing grade then an "incomplete" cannot be given. If you just have
not bothered to get the work done and have projects outstanding from
throughout the class you are not allowed to receive an incomplete. |
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| More on Photo Project Assignments |
Some of my courses are for entry
level topics and others are for advanced, vocational topics. All of
them will require you to produce finished photographic prints based on
written instructions and asking you to practice the topics we will be
covering in the lectures. With each assignment you will be given specific instructions on what you are to do and, especially for lower level courses, how you are to do it; I may be far less specific for advanced level classes and assignments. These instructions may be in handouts, in download-able form on this web site or Blackboard, or contained in the assignment block on Blackboard. I will also be going over each project in class as it is assigned. For beginning level classes, where there is a great mix of incoming experience and skills I will not be grading you in comparison to each other, only to yourself. I will be looking for effort and growth. In the advanced vocational courses I will give you "real world" types of assignments in the same manner as you would get them from an art director or photo editor and expect you to perform accordingly.* Ask any and all questions you can think of about the assignments as they are given and before they are due. The only question I will not answer for you is which of several options you should turn in. I may discuss pros and cons of those options, but part of the process is for you to start learning to edit your own work. Even though, in some cases, the project instructions may appear online before they are officially assigned, or you see the titles in the syllabus, I would strongly caution you about trying to do them in advance. With spectacular consistency students who do this fail to pay attention to the specific instructions that may slightly or profoundly alter what is required and then end up having to do it over. Of course any practice is good, but this can really be frustrating to you and I will have no sympathy for it. |
* The world of professional photography is one that demands not only technical excellence but also that the photographer be able to think on their feet, select the right tools and techniques from their "toolkit" and be highly motivated, self-starting, creative people. Therefore in the advanced classes after being shown what the tools do and how they effect the image, you will be expected to be able to select the right ones to best tell your own story. | |||||||||||||
| Project Deadlines | In the real world of photography
deadlines are sacred. Miss a deadline and your work will dry up very
quickly. That is a habit to start developing here so deadlines for
projects are taken very seriously. You will normally have about two
weeks per assignment which is about a week and six days more than you might
have for a real assignment. If some emergency happens as they do
sometimes, let me know in advance and we can work it out. But if I
don't hear of a problem till the work is already late then it will have an
impact on your grade. I will, of course accept calls from the nurse at
your bedside or your mortician as a legitimate excuse. |
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| Project Submissions | FOR PRINT ASSIGNMENTS: In my classes each project
requiring a print for grading will be
accompanied by a written handout describing what is required and also how it
is to be turned in for grading. That handout is part of the project
package and I will write your grade on it and give it back. If you do
not turn in a project in the manner I have specified then I will return it
to you ungraded so you can correct it. I will not try to remove tape
or staples or unseal envelopes or pry your work stuffed tightly into them.
If it is not as requested then it doesn't exist for grading purposes. FOR ELECTRONIC FILE SUBMISSIONS (in a Web Enhanced Class): For Web Enhanced classes you will be turning in your project files to the Assignments section of Blackboard/Vista. I will go over this procedure in class and will even have several written handouts and videos for your continued reference on it (as well as here). You will not need to turn in a handout since the instructions are right on the same page as the submissions area where you will "attach" your files. However the files themselves need to be of a very specific size and format unless I expressly tell you different in the instructions. Those specifications are:
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| Plagiarism and Academic Honesty | In the Photography program we take
this topic very, very seriously and so does the school. THE PENALTY FOR CHEATING IS SEVERE: ANY form of misrepresentation, lying, plagiarism, copying others‘ work, claiming work that is not entirely your own as your own without crediting others, use of any unauthorized aids during an examination- including other students’ work, dishonesty on ANY assignment will result at minimum in an ”F” for that project and can lead to a hearing before the College's Dean of Students. Additionally, disciplinary probation, which remains on your record for five years, or suspension from the class, the program or even the College may result. Cheating or using the work of others is a conscious choice on your part. But there are NO acceptable excuses for choosing to compromise your integrity by cheating. None. Drop this class if you feel you may not be able to resist the temptation
to cheat. In our photo program, using the work of someone else is
viewed exactly the same way. Your instructor will have no choice but to
follow the school and program policy mandated for such activities. |
Every class in the Photography program expects you to produce and submit your OWN WORK for every photo assignment. The only exception would be a written assignment asking you to bring in copies of someone's work to show examples of THAT PERSON'S WORK and never as your own. | |||||||||||||
| Excuses | If you find yourself needing to
create excuses for missing or late projects, absences, the quality of your
work, your time or money or whatever to be able to do the work, then
read this for my personal
attitude about it. |
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| Cell Phones | Unless you are a doctor on call or
a parent with a sick child at home (in which case let me know at the start
of class) turn the blasted thing OFF or onto silent Ring. And do not
be talking on the phone in class. If that discussion is more important
than the class then go outside but don't disrupt those who are here to
listen to the material. |
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| Inappropriate Language in Class and Disruptive behavior | This is about the use of foul and
offensive language. Swearing in my classroom will NOT be tolerated.
This is a ZERO tolerance policy. Do it once and you are out for the
day. Do it twice and I will drop you from the class. Period... end of
story. I will not tolerate disruption of the class. The school has made instructor authority very clear in this regard. If an instructor believes you are interfering with the educational mission of the class, we will first ask you to cease your behavior. If you do not do so immediately we are to have security escort you from the area. We do not have to ask a second time. |
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| Computer Use in Class | Turning on a computer and working
on it, or worse yet, playing on it, while I am trying to lecture is rude,
discourteous, and disconcerting and will not be tolerated.
The
computers in the computer lab are for working on projects during time
specified for that activity as "lab" time. I will give you
plenty of lab time. But I will mercilessly and without warning unplug
you in mid stroke or lock your computer from the instructor station if I find your nose stuck to the monitor or keyboard while I am
trying to present material. Or if the email you are doing seem
appropriately juicy I may simply pipe your screen through the projector se
we can ALL enjoy it. Remember, at the teacher's station I can see all
of your computers. THERE IS NO REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY in
such a public system. If you work or play on the computers when I am trying to lecture then since you are not paying attention to me I will mark you with an unexcused absence for the day. 3 of those will cost you a letter grade. ISSUES WITH BLACKBOARD/VISTA: For some reason Blackboard does not really like interfacing with FireFox, the default web browser on the T206 computers. Sometimes it works fine and other times not. If you are having trouble logging on or getting Blackboard to accept something, log out, close FireFox, and open the alternative Browser, "Safari" (I will show you how to do that in class). It should now work fine. Even in Safari Blackboard will not drill down into drives and folders to find the files to upload so you will need to put them on the Desktop temporarily. Blackboard has no trouble seeing files there so attach from the desktop and then delete them to clear them off the computer. From your home computer, be sure to run the "Browser Check" function
Blackboard's login screen and follow any instructions needed to make the
access work as it should. |
REPEAT!!!! Do NOT be working or playing on the computer when I am trying to lecture or talk in class. it is one of the only actions for which I will call you out in front of the class. and I will mark you down for an unexcused absence for that day. |
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| Problems with the Instructor: Due Process and Common Courtesy | It's the real world.
Sometimes problems arise. Personality conflicts just happen, or you
think the instructor has done something inappropriate or even offensive to
you, all of these and a myriad of other issues can arise. But if they do,
and you have a complaint, a proper
chain of events is in place to deal with it. First, you need to talk to the instructor. I know this might seem intimidating but it should not be. You may as well learn now to deal with such things as it will not go away in the business world. I promise you, no instructor would hold this against you or reflect it negatively in your grades: for them the consequences of this are too dire. In addition, they are the ones involved and deserve to have a chance to either redress the problem or explain to you why they do what they are doing. If, for some reason, interaction does NOT resolve the problem for you then you are free to escalate your issues up the chain. Next stop would be the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and then the Arts and Humanities School Dean (the names of the current holders of these positions are in the syllabus). But if you have not made a good faith effort to resolve this with the instructor you will be sent back to try to do so. |
NOTE: Photography is a creative endeavor. in which a matter of style will soon arise. So is the teaching of it. Photo instructors therefore vary to quite a degree as to their teaching style. WE all must cover the same material for a given class topic but how we get there may vary somewhat. You will quickly learn who teaches how and be able to select based on your own needs. But in the end, you will progress farther by taking as many different instructors as possible. |
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Other Rules | Other rules specific to the class
will be contained in the course outline given to you at the beginning of the
semester and available online above for downloading should you lose it. |
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| INDEX OF ALL AVAILABLE DATASHEETS | |||
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