Discipline: Photographic Technology (Photography) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Photography 13


COURSE DESCRIPTION
13 Advanced Darkroom Techniques Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): PHO 9: Intermediate Photo
Designed to introduce advanced students to manipulation of photosensitive materials for technical and creative enhancement of photographic images. The course presents the principles learned to control contrast and density with the goal of producing images with technical excellence using lighting, exposure, developing and printing techniques. Discuss laboratory processes for ensuring archival permanence of photographic images. 27 hours lecture and 81 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Technical and creative manipulation of photographic materials by advanced students. Students required to provide 35-mm camera with f-stop and shutter controls. Lab materials fee applies.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate competency in handling a camera, which includes loading and unloading film, manipulating aperture, shutter and focal length to create a proper exposure as well as control action and depth of field for use in specialized situations.

  2. Produce quality enlargements with appropriate contrast control.

  3. Develop, print, finish and mount black and white salon prints.

  4. Select the appropriate film and exposure techniques to achieve optimal quality and desired results in black and white negatives.

  5. Identify, describe and demonstrate formal concepts of photographic composition.

  6. Distinguish between the characteristics and capabilities of 35-mm cameras and professional medium and large format cameras.

  7. Produce a preliminary portfolio of work demonstrating technical competencies and aesthetic merit.

  8. Define and demonstrate basic elements of lighting for simple still life and basic portraiture.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Understand and qualitatively interpret the information displayed in a
      conventional density/exposure graph known as a characteristic
      curve.

2.   Demonstrate an ability to control density and contrast of black and
      white negatives by appropriate adjustments of exposure and
      development.

3.   Create high quality prints of full tonal range from flawed negatives.

4.   Produce unique images using alternative photographic processes
      and materials.

5.   Evaluate application of traditional and alternative processes and
      materials for aesthetic expression.

6.   Enhance photographic images through retouching, bleaching,
      toning, hand tinting, texturization, and creative presentation
      techniques.

7.   Demonstrate darkroom skills appropriate to entry level employment
      as a professional darkroom assistant.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. How photographic materials respond to light and chemistry.
  2. Understanding methods for controlling density of black and white negatives.
  3. Post-processing alteration of negative density and contrast.
  4. Advanced techniques for production of fine quality black and white prints.
  5. Familiarization with requirements for archival processing, storage and display.
  6. Exploration of alternative methods for creative display of photographic images.
  7. Creative alteration of photo images using techniques, which may include solarization, posterization, hand tinting, print toning, and composite prints.
  8. Alternative, historic, non-silver photographic processes.
  9. Printing with texture screens.
  10. Experimentation with specialty films such as infrared.
  11. Experimentation with specialty film developers.
  12. Use of graphic arts films for special effects.
  13. The use of a pin-hole camera to achieve infinite depth-of-field.
  14. The technical foundation for push-processing film for exposures in very low-light situations.
  15. Special techniques for grain reduction, enhancement and film reticulation.

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • The primary modes of instruction will depend on:
    • Lectures and demonstrations by instructor or guest speakers
    • Handouts and reading assignments
    • Laboratory projects and special projects executed by the student
  • Other methods of instruction may include, but are not limited to:
    • Video and slide presentations
    • Field trips and/or visits to galleries and museums
    • Homework
    • Critiques of completed assignments
    • Verbal classroom reports on special assignments
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Grades based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter
  • Quizzes
  • Laboratory proficiency
  • Completion of laboratory projects and assigned work to demonstrate proficiency in subject matter
  • Attendance at lectures and laboratory meetings
  • Critique of completed projects
  • Midterm and final examinations
  • Submission of portfolio of student work
  • Research project based on Internet and library research
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Jim Stone. Darkroom Dynamics: A Guide to Creative Darkroom Techniques. Boston: Focal Press, 1979.
  • Christopher James. The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Canada: Delmar-Thomas Learning, 2002.
  • Jill Enfield. Photo-Imaging: A Complete Guide to Alternative Processes. New York: Amphoto Books, 2002.
  • Laurie White. Infrared Photography Handbook. Amherst: Amherst Media, Inc., 1995.
  • Tim Rudman. The Master Photographer’s Lith Printing Course. London: Argentum, 1998.
  • Phil Davis. Beyond the Zone System. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, 1981.
  • Phil Davis. Beyond the Zone System Workbook. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, 1981.
  • Dan Burkholder. Making Digital Negatives for Contact Printing. 2 ed. Carrollton : Bladed Iris Press, 1999.
  • Materials supplied by student: Fully adjustable 35 mm camera, laboratory notebook, negative sleeves and binders, photographic paper, special supplies as specified in individual assignment handouts.
    Laboratory fee applies to this course.
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