Here's a riff on the standard Photoshop tutorial, courtesy of Slate magazine.
Digital Imaging Syllabus
Textbook & Equipment:
EXPLORING PHOTOSHOP CS3-W/CD
HARTMAN Edition:3RD 07 Publisher:CENGAGE L ISBN:9781418052591
A digital camera or single lens reflex 35mm film camera. (May be borrowed, may be shared, but must be available for use during class time)
Synopsis: This course will examine digital imaging concepts, methods, history and aesthetics. Students will caputre, edit and publish digital images and work on a variety of projects. As the gateway course in the Web Design concentration, Digital Imaging also introduces the World Wide Web and the system and codes (esp. HTML) used to display images on the Web. Be prepared for gentle critiques of your photographic work. Aesthetic and technical coaching will be shared in an open and constructive spirit.
Class Atmosphere : In this class we will try to maintain an open learning club environment. After introducing the topic of the day, you should feel free to ask questions. When we move on to the exercises for the day, please feel free to consult with other students. Only on quizzes or tests would you be required to keep strictly to yourself and do your own work.
Submitting Projects All assignments should be backed up and submitted to the wiki as directed
Attendance: Dont miss class if you want to understand this material. If you already understand the material and simply need to take the class, your participation in the "learning club" environment is helpful and can become part of your project extra credit work. Missing more than 20 % of classes will result in a grade reduction of one letter; missing more than 40% of the classes will result in a two letter grade reduction; and missing more than 60 % will result in a three letter grade reduction.
Grades will be based on
- Six original digital photos you will take this semester - 30% (No work from before the start of the semester)
- Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash exercises in class - 35%
- Quizzes -- 15%
- Final project -- 20% / Flash animation, Photoshop Gallery, or other suitable project
Grading criteria for your original digital photo assignments
-- Aesthetics:
- Subject should be appropriate and human subjects should be very, very close to the camera.
- Theme is emphasized within the frame
- Composition is balanced, considering proportion, sequence, unitiy, emphasis, rule of thirds ...
- Proportions are pleasing and dynamic
-- Techical issues:
- Light and colors are level and balanced
- Pixel depth is 72 ppi
- Size is no more than 10 by 12 and no less than 5 by 8
- File is optimized as a compressed jpg
Honor Code -- Adherence to the University Honor Code is expected. The RU code reads as follows: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated.
Disabilities -- If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall. Phone is 831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me at the beginning of the semester.
Other issues -- Please be sure to consult with the instructor about any problems you may have. Do not wait for the last minute
Advice on photography
People are by far the most interesting photographic subjects, but you have to get in very close -- much closer than you are going to feel comfortable with at first. Robert Capa used to say that if your photos arent good enough, you're not close enough.
This is a photo of Dr. Caroll Behrhorst and a nurse at the Behrhorst clinic in Chmaltenengo, Guatemala, taken in 1977. I took it while standing on a desk and aiming a wide angle lens two feet from the doctor's head. Behrhorst is smiling here at the idea of a photographer having to stand on his desk to get a shot.
The other important point about photography is that the photographer's motivation is vital. Whether you are motivated to be a great professional or to show the world something important, you can't just snap off a few images and call it a day. You have to study your subject, take time, and think about how that person should be portrayed. - Bill Kovarik
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This one was featured on NPR
