PHOT 161 - Introduction to Digital Photography

(ARTD, GEIR, GEEL) (R only)

An introduction to digital photography using digital cameras and basic image editing software. This course includes print production for making black-and-white and color photographs and studio techniques that include portrait lighting and still life photography. No prior photography experience is required. Students use digital photography for the production of a photographic portfolio. One hour lecture, four hours laboratory each week. Formerly PG 161.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Operate a digital camera using both its manual and automatic exposure controls.
Employ different compositional approaches and various zoom focal-length settings to make pictures.
Use camera controls to obtain several creative photographic effects such as selective focus, depth of field differences, and sharpness and blur with moving subjects.
Employ tripods to steady the camera for slow shutter speed photos.
Control the camera’s built-in flash.
Download digital images to a computer using camera cables and card readers.
Create specific folders in computers to organize digital image files.
Create backups of their image files to CDs or DVDs.
Use basic image editing programs to crop, re-size, adjust brightness and contrast, and correct color balance.
Create image files suitable for output via ink-jet printers and photo labs.
Employ correct printer settings for paper type, resolution, and color space to obtain the best quality print.
Create different lighting approaches for portrait and still-life assignments that may involve artificial lighting, reflectors, natural light, or a combination of the three.
Write a basic critical review of a photographer’s exhibited or published work.
Use dodge and burn tools and basic filters for sharpening or for other creative effects.
Create a portfolio of clean, mounted prints.

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