VDES70006
Photography, Basic Digital
Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.


Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Winter 2023
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Digital Photography
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20230109_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Access to course materials and assignments will be available on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE). Students will need reliable access to a computer and the internet.

 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Whether you own a basic dSLR camera with manual controls, a more advanced dSLR or a mirror-less camera with manual mode, this class will give you a better grasp of your chosen tool and the skills to make successful images under natural and artificial light. Learn about the variety of camera features and functions to achieve optimal setting in camera for quality images. Core photographic concepts like shutter speed, aperture, ISO and their symbiotic relationship are explored in detail. Students also learn fundamentals of photographic composition. Students will practice with their cameras in the classroom and outside, when weather conditions permit. Students will also be introduced to the basics of image processing using Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe Photoshop. In addition to instruction and coaching from the instructor, students will work and learn from one another in small groups. Note: Students are expected to have their own dSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls and will be shooting during the entire duration of the course. Students should be prepared to spend at least one session outside the classroom environment. This session may not be held on the day of the regularly scheduled class. Note: If you own a Digital Single Lens Reflex (dSLR) or mirrorless camera with manual controls, bring it to the first class with the owner's manual.

Program Context

 
Digital Photography Program Coordinator(s): N/A
N/A


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to produce quality photos using natural and artificial light.
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Acknowledge the history of photography with interest to the development of the camera.
  2. Operate the different functions of DSLR or mirrorless camera.
  3. Recognize different qualities of light.
  4. Plan and perform photographic assignments.
  5. Identify the basic elements and creative aspects of composition.
  6. Distinguish between a mediocre photograph and a good photograph
  7. Appreciate and understand photography as a means of expression and communication
  8. Demonstrate how to use a variety of image file formats.
  9. Understand how to use Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop software.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS
 Practical Assignments75.0%
 Participation10.0%
 Final Exam15.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:


 

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous relevant work/life experience, service, self-study and training on the job. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

  • Portfolio
    Notes:  
  • Interview
    Notes:  

 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: In-Class
Professor: N/A
Resource(s): N/A
Applicable student group(s): N/A
Course Details:

NOTE: These modules will be accelerated in the weekend workshop version

Module 1: Camera Function

  • Welcome and Introduction
    • Outline of course materials, evaluations, and assignments 
    • Discussion of required equipment, expectations of SLATE, and email 
    • Demonstration and discussion of the camera, lens parts, and functions 
  • Camera Functions - Fundamentals of Exposure and Focus
    • Learning to control focus 
    • In-camera metering types and their behaviours 
    • Using the light meter and referencing the histogram for evaluating exposure 
    • Working with exposure compensation 
  • Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO
    • Basic camera settings: shutter speed, aperture, ISO
    • Combining settings for desired results 
    • The fundamental relationship between aperture, shutter, and ISO 
    • Colour profiles in camera - sRGB vs. Adobe RGB 
    • Controlling depth of field and motion 

Module 2: Light and Composition 

  • Light
    • Properties of light:
      • Specular
      • Diffused 
      • Contrast 
      • Direction 
      • Colour / Colour Temperature 
      • Brightness 
  • Composition
    • Composition guidelines
    • Leading lines 
    • Symmetry / Balance
    • Shapes
    • Colours 
    • Rule of Thirds 
    • Learning to see as the camera does - introducing the composition card 
    • Framing, cropping in the camera 

Module 3: Editing

  • File formats 
  • RAW vs. JPEG
  • Digital Workflow 
  • Software for organizing and editing 
  • Overview of Adobe Lightroom
  • Overview of Adobe Bridge 
  • Overview of Adobe Photoshop 

Module 4: Portraiture 

  • Natural light for portraiture 
  • Demonstrations on window lighting 
  • Controlling natural light - outdoors 
  • Lighting styles for portraiture 
  • Composition - portrait photography 

Module 5: Landscape Photography

  • Discussion on landscape photography 
  • Composition - using natural light 
  • Additional tools to help capture and enhance landscape images 

Module 6: Exam and Review

  • Final exam and review of concepts learnt 


Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.


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