Art Degrees Online

Course Code BPH100
Fee Code S1
Number of Assignments 8
Duration (approx) 100 hours

Comment from one of our Introduction to Photography students:

“Glad I signed up” G. Gadja

Throughout this course reference will be made back to our own perception of light through our eyes and the similarities and differences between the eye and the camera. One crucial fact underlies all photography, and for that matter, any “visual recording” medium. That fact is that although many and various technologies can produce images, the quality of those images is eventually judged by our own eyes. They act as a parameter for our technological design.

COURSE STRUCTURE

You will be given instructions throughout this subject guide to do various things … you may be asked to contact an organisation, you may be given something to read, or some information to research. Various tasks will be given to you to develop your knowledge and abilities in photography care. Along with these tasks, you will also be given a number of questions to answer at the end of each lesson. You are required to submit them as an assignment to your tutor.

1. Origins of Photography:

To discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.

2. Film

To explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film or digitally. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.

3. Photo Equipment: Cameras

To provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs

4. Photo Equipment

To determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera

5. Processing/Developing Images

Developing Different Film Types, Processing Solutions, Fixer, Developer, Stop Bath, Fixing, Washing, Wetting Agents, Drying, etc.

6. Enlarging and Photo Manipulation

Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explains techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.

7. Lighting

To work more effectively with light when taking photographs.

8. Fault Finding

Common Problems, and how to deal with them.

AIMS
Discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.
Explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.
Provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs. It provides a framework, upon which you will base your work in future lessons.
Determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera
Explain how photographic film is developed.
Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explain techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
Work more effectively with light when taking photographs.
To identify and avoid common faults in photographs.

Extract from Course Notes

CAMERA STABILITY

On shutter speeds under 1/125 second, chances of the picture being blurred are high (because of either camera movement or movement of the subject).

EXAMPLE:

If the correct exposure combination on an overcast day for 100 ISO film is F16 and a 30th second, you will risk camera shake.

(NB: When shutter speed or F stop is altered, this doubles or halves the exposure. Both variables thus alter the amount of light entering the camera in the same proportion; but in different ways).

Instead of F16 at a 30th you could choose one of the following:

F11 at a 60th (You determine this by doubling the light via the aperture and halving the shutter speed…the result is the same).
F8 at a 125th of a second
F5.6 at a 250th of a second.

By operating at F8 or F5.6 we can reduce the chance of camera movement.

If you want to freeze movement in a picture (eg: If you are photographing a moving person or animal), the lowest speed you should use is a 125th second.

If there is rapid movement or movement closer to the camera, then the photograph needs to be taken at a higher speed.

To stop a car speeding past at 75 kph for example, you would need a 1000th second whereas if the same car was moving towards or away from the camera a minimum speed of 1/125th would be acceptable.

Everyone’s ability to hold a camera still varies, as does every situation where you photograph moving objects, so despite recommendations, it is only experience which will teach you what minimum speeds you can use in different situations.

What happens when the meter tells you to set F stop at 2.8 and film speed at a 15th second; and F2.8 is our maximum working aperture. We have no choice but to follow the meter’s direction. If we had expected to shoot in dim light, we could have used a faster film (ie. with a higher ISO).

The other option is to hold the camera still and not photograph anything with much movement.

Camera movement can be reduced the following ways:

· Tripod and cable release.
Your finger pushing the shutter button can move a camera on a tripod. By using a cable attachment, you can release the shutter by pressing a plunger in the cable, greatly reducing any chance of camera movement.

· Sit the camera on a solid object.
Sitting the camera on top of a wall, fence, table or some other solid object, and composing your picture from that point.

· Using a timer mechanism to release the shutter.

· If the camera is sitting on a solid object or a tripod, you can set a ten second delay so the shutter releases without you pushing it and risking movement.

· Lean your body against a wall, fence or some other solid object when taking the photograph.
This reduces body movement.

· Stand with your legs apart.
This gives greater stability than with legs close together.

· Breathe out slowly and evenly as you press the button.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

You will need access to a digital camera and some type of storage or output device during the course.

This is required so that you can take some photographs on a digital camera and submit them as a print or as a digitised file. An inexpensive digital camera and a printer or 3.5 inch floppy disk would be a minimum. If you plant o purchase a digital camera, but have not yet decided what to buy, it is recommended that you delay buying a camera until you have completed Lesson 3 and commenced Lesson 4. It is also suggested that you ask your tutors advice as to which camera would best suit your needs. Access to a suitable computer is also advantageous but not essential.

Duration: 100 hours

Aims:
Describe the scope and nature of digital photography
Select appropriate equipment for use in digital photography
Explain how technology enables digital images to be captured.
Compare different digital cameras and select an appropriate camera for a particular application.
Control the effects created in a digital photograph which you take.
Describe techniques which can be used for digitally capturing images from film photographs, or graphics.
Explain how digital images can be transferred effectively from a camera (or scanner) onto another device (eg. a computer, video monitor, television set, etc).
Describe techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
Explain how digital photos can be manipulated and changed to produce altered images.
Discuss the scope and nature of special effects that can be created with digital photographs.
Identify how and where digital photography can effectively be used.
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MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS:
THE INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION COUNCIL
THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR PRIVATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
AGP (ACS GLOBAL PARTNER)
BRITISH INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
STUDY GOLD COAST

Course Code VPH002
Fee Code CT
Number of Modules 6
Duration (approx) 600 hours

Developed by professional photographers to train professional photographers, this course gives you a very sound foundation for a career in the modern photographic industry.
This is a rapidly changing industry; and this course is continuously being updated to meet these rapid changes.

Course Structure

The certificate consists of six modules:

Introduction to Photography

Discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.
Explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.
Provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs. It provides a framework, upon which you will base your work in future lessons.
Determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera
Explain how photographic film is developed.
Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explain techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
Work more effectively with light when taking photographs.
To identify and avoid common faults in photographs.

Photographic Practice

Compose photographs in a way that matches a predetermined aim.
Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs of people.
Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs of landscapes or other natural subjects.
Differentiate between appropriate use of colour and black and white photography.
Create varied visual affects through the use of special techniques.
Explain a variety of ways to take better illustrative photographs.
Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs for use in print or electronic media.
Determine the nature and scope of business opportunities in photography.

Photographic Technology
Describe in technical terms, how an image forms when a photograph is taken.
Explain the nature of light and how this relates to the finished photographic product.
Describe how sensitivity of a photo sensitive surface and its development affect the photographic image.
Explain sensitivity relates to development affect the photographic image.
Explain the composition and manipulation of white and coloured light to create different photographic images.
Discuss the chemical process that occurs in producing a colour film photograph.
Explain how the photographic image may be manipulated by using optical filters or other camera attachments, other than lenses.
Explain how the photographic image may be manipulated by using lenses.

Digital Photography
Describe the scope and nature of digital photography
Select appropriate equipment for use in digital photography
Explain how technology enables digital images to be captured.
Compare different digital cameras and select an appropriate camera for a particular application.
Control the effects created in a digital photograph which you take.
Describe techniques which can be used for digitally capturing images from film photographs, or graphics.
Explain how digital images can be transferred effectively from a camera (or scanner) onto another device (eg. a computer, video monitor, television set, etc).
Describe techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
Explain how digital photos can be manipulated and changed to produce altered images.
Discuss the scope and nature of special effects that can be created with digital photographs.
Identify how and where digital photography can effectively be used.

Photoshop
Open digital files using Photoshop
Resize images and save them in multiple file formats
Create original graphics using the Photoshop tools
Manipulate individual elements of a graphic composition or image
Improve the quality of an image (clean it up) by applying modifications
Apply interesting filters and effects to images or compositions
Prepare your files for the web, print or email

Photographic Lighting
Discuss the scope and nature of lighting as relevant to photography.
Describe how different light sources will affect different images in varying ways.
Describe how different filters can be used to create different lighting effects.
Identify the differences between different types of light meters.
Describe the range of equipment which can be used to help achieve more desirable light conditions for photography.
Explain contrast and how to compensate for imperfect light conditions.
Explain how to use tone to create the desired final image.
Distinguish between utilisation of light in a studio and on location.To view detailed outlines of each of the modules click on the modules above, one by one.

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS:
THE INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION COUNCIL
THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR PRIVATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
AGP (ACS GLOBAL PARTNER)
BRITISH INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
STUDY GOLD COAST

Program Type

Quota Program: The number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of places available. Therefore, even if you have the stated minimum requirements, you are not guaranteed admission to these particular programs. Entry to these programs is both competitive and selective, and closing dates for applications are stringently applied. Departmental recommendation needed.
Program Availability

Admission to this program is only available for the Fall Term.
Yearly Capacity

40
Concentrations
Major
Minor
Program Requirements
Cegep profile: There is no specific profile required. However, the completion of an arts profile at Cegep will aid applicants in the building of a successful portfolio.

Additional Requirements

Applicants to the Major or Minor in Photography must submit a portfolio, a letter of intent, and a photocopy of their most recent academic record to the Department of Studio Arts. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
Portfolio Specifications for all Studio Arts Programs

Location of the Department of Studio Arts
1395 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Room VA 250
Montreal, Quebec H3G 2M5
Telephone: 514-848-2424 ext. 4262 or 4263
Website: http://studio-arts.concordia.ca

Portfolio Submission Dates
Fall Term: February 23 – 26 (please note the University is closed on February 27)

Hours
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Applicants who are unable to comply with these hours should contact the Department.

All portfolios must conform to the following guidelines:
Original work must be flat and measure no more than 60 x 90 cm (24” x 36”);
larger works and three-dimensional works must be presented as slides, photographs, or digital images. Digital images may be submitted on a CD-ROM as JPEG files;
CD-ROMs must indicate which operating system (Mac or PC only) they require and JPEGs should be no larger than 150 dpi;
all slides and photographs should be numbered and labelled with the applicant’s name, and accompanied by a reference sheet indicating the name of the work, the materials used, and the date the work was completed;
slides should be submitted in a clear plastic sheet;
portfolio cases/containers should be sturdy, not larger than 60 x 90 cm (24” x 36”), and labelled on the outside with the applicant’s name, address, and the program to which he/she is applying;
all works must be flat and unframed (do not include stretched canvases, works under glass, or anything breakable or sharp);
each piece should be labelled with the applicant’s name, the material used, and the date of completion;
no material may be added or subtracted from a portfolio once it has been submitted;
applicants may not retrieve their portfolio until after the evaluation process is completed.

The Department reserves the right to refuse any portfolio which does not conform to these guidelines.

Every precaution is taken by the Department in handling the portfolios; however, the Department takes no responsibility for loss or damage to portfolios submitted.

Applicants to all Studio Arts programs must submit a portfolio dossier directly to the Department of Studio Arts. The dossier must include copies of recent academic records, a portfolio, and a letter of intent.

Academic Record
In addition to copies of transcripts the applicant has submitted to the Admissions Application Centre, a photocopy of the most recent academic record must be included with the portfolio.

Portfolio
The portfolio should contain 20 blackand- white and/or colour photographs.
The portfolio should be well-edited and indicate the applicant’s specific interests and/or train of thought;
the evaluation committee recognizes that applicants may have limited training in the medium, therefore examples of work done in other visual arts media may be submitted to supplement the photographic portfolio;
glassed and/or framed images of any kind will not be considered.

Letter of Intent
Applicants are required to submit a brief, one-page letter of intent in either English or French. It should address the following:
list all courses and/or workshops taken in photography including where and when they were taken;
discuss the context of the portfolio’s content and its conceptual unity;
discuss which particular area(s) within the field of photography is/are of interest to the applicant;
provide a short text on the applicant’s aspirations after graduation.

Retrieval of Portfolios by Applicants
Fall applicants who wish to have their portfolios returned to them must either:
make arrangements for the return by including in the portfolio a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid courier invoice which fully covers the cost for return
or
pick up their portfolio once a final decision has been made on their application, but before the end of October. Unclaimed portfolios will be discarded in early November.

Pick up hours:
Monday to Friday:
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Applicants to the Summer or Winter Terms should inquire about retrieval dates at the time the portfolio is submitted.
Minimum Cut-off Averages
Admission to most Fine Arts programs is based on both portfolio/audition evaluation results and academic grades. Given the competitive nature of these programs, normally, candidates selected for admission have academic grades that exceed university minimum requirements.
Cegep (CRC): Minimum requirement is a DEC.
Canadian High Schools: 65%/C+ unless otherwise indicated
External Transfers: Minimum requirement is “C” average or equivalent

(Admissions Cut-off Averages should be used as indicators. Data may change depending on the quality of the application pool.)
Admission Statistics
Applications Received as 1st Choice: 158
Accepted: 45

(As of September 18, 2008 for the Fall cycle.)

Due to the development of intersecting media led by digital technologies worldwide, such as visuals, sounds, words, and graphics as well as the trend of promoting cultural and creative industries among increasing countries around the world, the Department of Motion Picture and Video aims to foster professional talents in the field of media and entertainment industry with a global marketing perspective and the ability to aesthetically create and produce. That is, after four years of specialized education, students are to be able to turn their creative thoughts into highly sensible entertainment media products by means of their understanding and application of different media types. Our teaching, therefore, focuses on a combination of audiovisual media, including motion picture, television, animation, music, broadcasting and the utilization of modern digital technologies (computer, the Internet, and interactive media design and so on).

Research:

After four years of specialized education, students are to be able to turn their creative thoughts into highly sensible entertainment media products by means of their understanding and application of different media types. Our teaching, therefore, focuses on a combination of audio-visual media, including motion picture, television, animation, music, broadcasting and the utilization of modern digital technologies (computer, the Internet, and interactive media design and so on).
Teaching Outlines
The Cultivation of Basic Theories: The courses offered by the Department are based on theories of visual communication with humanities and arts as their fundamental nature. Students are therefore expected to have formed a solid foundation of theories before they apply the tools to create their own projects.
Pre-Production Planning Integration:? Through the integration of script writing, screenplay illustration, film planning, set design, and performance training, students are to develop a holistic pre-production groundwork.
Digital Images Production: Students learn to create digital images in the form of video or 2D/3D animation and to present the final images after employing combined methods, such as editing, sound/ special effect processing, etc.
Cross-Media Integrative Production: Students are encouraged not only to experiment with and mix different kinds of media but to apply a wide range of skills to create images so as to participate in the production of cross-media projects.

Media Marketing and Management: By analyzing theories and case studies, students are to be familiarized with each media type and to design thorough marketing strategies and modes of management.

Superiority:

The missions of the Department of MPV are:
To prepare students to assume creative and leadership roles in the electronic, filmic, and other projected media arts.
To prepare students for scholarly activity in the media arts.
To prepare general college students to interpret, evaluate, and use the media arts as aesthetic, socio-cultural, and practical elements of contemporary life.
To engage in research and creative endeavors in the media arts.
To promote public understanding of the media arts and their role in the public and private sectors of society