Sheridan Course Outlines

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 2024
Prerequisites: VDES70029
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: 20240108_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Materials and assignment details will be provided in class and on SLATE. Students will need reliable access to the internet.

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Discover the digital realm of portrait photography by learning how to identify the inner characteristics of your subject. Learn how studio lighting, composition techniques and the principles of design will enhance the abilities of advanced amateur photographers or part-time professionals. Although ideal for students who want to broaden their understanding of photographing people in a studio environment, outdoor and natural light photography are also covered. You must have your own digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Access to on-camera flash units is an asset. A tripod and a designated cable release for your camera are required. Please bring samples of portrait work that you like.

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 lighting and posing problems that can and will occur under different situations.

	Learning Outcomes: To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
	Produce portraits with different techniques.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS

	In-Class Assignments	15.0%
	Assignment #1	15.0%
	Assignment #2	20.0%
	Assignment #3	15.0%
	Assignment #4	15.0%
	Assignment #5	20.0%
	Total	100.0%

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:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Information Management
Interpersonal

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:
Other
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):
Course material costs can be found through the Sheridan Bookstore

	Type	Description
Optional	Other	Students must have their own DSLR camera with lenses. Students will bring ample memory cards and a card reader, if available. File processing may be completed off campus and remains the responsibility of the student. Because of current industry standards, digital images and files will be used.

Applicable student group(s): Continuing Education students
Course Details:

Module 1 - Introduction

Introduction of instructor and students, discuss backgrounds and experiences
Discuss course content and assignments, necessary materials, and equipment
Discussion of historical references on portraiture
Discuss different types of portraiture (studio, location, environmental, wedding, fashion, etc)
View student samples and discuss methodology, use of light, composition, etc
Question and Answer period

Module 2 - Lighting Ratios

Discuss various types of equipment used in studio lighting and types of light (hard vs. soft; tungsten vs. flash; softbox vs. umbrella vs. reflector; etc)
Establishment of light ratios and relation to f-stops
Use of light meters
Demonstration of various affects of ratios, light placement, metering, etc

Module 3 - Light Patterns

Review lighting ratios
Discuss various types of lighting patterns
- Rembrant Lighting
- Butterfly Lighting
- Loop Lighting
- Split Lighting
- Broad Lighting
- Short Lighting
Appropriate use of lighting patterns and their affects
How ratios are used with various light patterns
How to achieve each lighting pattern
High key vs. low key lighting

Module 4 - Using Electronic Flash

Using electronic flash vs. natural light
Watt seconds and synchronizing shutter speeds
How common, how efficient, improvements in technology, versatility - how they work, the benefits, and more
Studio and location designs lighting
Using light modifiers (i.e. snoots, umbrellas, softboxes, grids, etc)
Synch chords, modeling lights, slave units, and their issues
Standard types of light patterns and high key and low key lighting
3 point light set up

Module 5 - Posing

Rapport, rapport, rapport!
- Discuss the difficult to learn but absolutely necessary skill
- Tips on establishing it and keeping it going
Posing suggestions for different types of people (men vs. women vs. children vs. individuals vs. couples)
Language and learning how to give direction
Angles for composition - what works and what doesn't
Posing for portraits vs. business / corporate vs. weddings
The awkward hand syndrome and how to fix
How wardrobe and props can effect subject's comfort, pose, and final image

Module 6 - Outdoors and Location Portraits

Pre-visualization, have a plan, scouting locations and more
What equipment is needed on location
The importance of lens choice (lens compression), depth of field, and background
Getting separation and balance
Balancing light using flash or bounce fill, use of open shade
Using window light - an easy and beautiful choice

Module 7 - Finding Inspiration

Importance of finding inspiration through the works of others
Discuss some modern and classic portrait photographers and styles
Different shooting syles in combination with editing styles to create a signature look
What are the differences between emtoions and feelings and how do we interpret our subject correctly?
What is the overall message or purpose of portraiture?

Module 8 - Review, Select, Process

Review environmental portraits, difficulties of shooting environmental vs. in-studio
Natural light vs. flash
The purpose of the darkroom
Overivew of processing digital files, reviewing, and selecting
Photoshop / Lightroom discussion and use of enhancement techniques
Trying to avoid the "photoshop" or overprocessed look
Selecting the best images to represent your work

Module 9 - Reading An Image and Photo Critiques

How to read an image / portrait - how this helps students in creating more effective images with meaning
Image critiques and why they are important
Look closely at a portrait using visual analysis to verbally describe details using portrait and photography vocabulary
Why you want to have your images reviewed and how to give a proper critique
Critiquing with the intention of helping - a negative or positive analysis of what works and what doesn't

Module 10 - Group Posing

Small group posing and lighting
Use of available background and props to build interesting images
Lighting and posing a large group - avoiding the "line up" whenever possible

Module 11 - Outdoors and Location II

Environmental vs. simply outdoors - what's the difference?
Balancing ambient light with flash
Working with different colour temperatures, using colour gels
Creating natural and dramatic effects with flash outside
Learn how to effect response through environmental settings
What are some issues when photographing in public spaces?

Module 12 - Conclusion

Review of all concepts
Introduction to the business of portraiture photography
Where to showcase your work, what to show, social media usage, and more

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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