ART 2032 - Digital Photography

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course integrates aesthetic and technical challenges and strengthens visual problem- solving skills using the medium of digital photography. This class introduces the basics of Digital SLR cameras (DSLRs), image editing software, and digital printing processes. Projects address a range of design, aesthetic, and conceptual issues fundamental to the art of digital photography. Strong emphasis is on the development of both a technical foundation and a critical awareness of the medium as a creative tool. This course requires 2 additional lab hours per week. Students are required to provide their own DSLR camera.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts

Prerequisite(s): ART 1031  
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Introduction of photography as a creative tool

1. Formal elements specific to the medium of photography
2. Color theory
3. Montage and manipulation
4. Working with multiples: Diptychs, Triptychs, Grids
5. Proposals and artist statements

2. Technical Basics

1. Introduction to the Digital SLR Camera
2. Introduction to film and flatbed scanners
3. Introduction to editing software, Adobe Bridge, Camera RAW, Lightroom and Photoshop
4. Storage and workflow
5. Introduction to inkjet printers
6. Finishing and presentation

3. Contemporary Issues/Criticism

1. Context and interpretation
2. Proliferation of digital images
3. Ethics and digital manipulation
4. Concepts of photography and truth
5. Contemporary art and media
6. Critique

1. demonstrate effective solutions to creative assignments applying knowledge of the materials, research of contemporary issues in art making, and creative problem solving skills.
2. apply intermediate technical elements of photography, such as exposure and editing, printing, and methods of presentation.
3. demonstrate an ability to critique artworks, utilizing terms common to art.
4. articulate formal and theoretical concepts within art, specifically within the area of digital photography.
5. demonstrate advanced craftsmanship and presentation methods in their creative work.
6. identify an extensive variety of exemplary works of contemporary art as well as works of historical significance.

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