AR 135 BEGINNING BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Spring Semester 2008 – three credit
Instructor: RICHARD STONER
Mail Box: 335-X Phone: (724) - 424 – 6409 E-Mail: or/
Syllabus online: JWEB – Course Mgr. – Course Info. – Navigation portlet - Handouts
Text: Henry Horenstein, Black and White Photography 3rd edition, New York, Little, Brown and Company
Beginning B/W photography is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the photographic process. This includes the use of a 35mm camera, developing b/w film, printing b/w enlargements, and the presentation of a set of mounted photographs suitable for exhibition. Skills will be acquired which will enable the student to judge what is and is not a technically good print.
The course will also include an overview of the history of photography as well as the presentations of the work of specific noted photographers. The work of women photographers will be highlighted.
Students are expected to complete the assignments when due and to participate in the classroom discussions. Aside from the scheduled classroom time, students are required to independently schedule three hours of darkroom time each week.
The final presentation requires the student to submit 14 finished photographs mounted on white board, (supplied).
There will be informal critiques conducted once the class begins printing. The critiques will address how well the students have applied what has been taught. The final critique will occur the last day of class. I cannot over emphasize the importance of having 14 mounted prints ready for presentation at the final critique.
There will be a surprise quiz sometime during the course, so read assignments!
Final evaluation for grades will be based upon the completion of assignments when due, creative and technical mastery of the projects, participation in class discussions, quiz results, and most importantly the quality of presentation of the final project. One forth of the final grade is based upon the final project evaluation, exclusive of attendance factors.
Regular attendance is factored into grades, with a failure to attend having a negative effect upon final grades. Regardless of the successful completion of other course objectives, three class/studio cuts will result in a failing grade! Two tardys will be the equivalent of one cut. So don't skip class.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- 35mm film camera – SLR type preferred but not required
- film: Arista EDU Ultra ISO 400, Kodak Tri-X Pan, or Ilford HP5, all 24 exposure rolls , ( approx. 10 rolls per semester)
- plastic negative sleeves – one per roll of film developed
- photo paper – Arista EDU Ultra VC RC Semi-Mat, or Ilford Multigrade IV Deluxe RC, Pearl finish, ( 8x10”, comes in 25
and 100 sheets, approx. 100 to 200 sheets used per semester)
- scissors & bottle opener - optional
- old clothes or apron - optional
- print spotting brush - # 000 – can be purchased at art supply stores, such as Greensburg Art Supply or Art Tech
Film and paper will be available at the SHU Bookstore. You may also source them from another vendor.
Students must be prepared to purchase the above materials. On average students spend at least $ 150.00 on film and paper during the semester. This is in addition to the lab fee and does not include the cost of a camera. Photo paper is the single most expensive item owing to the number of sheets that the student will use, which will be 100 – 200 sheets on average.
If you are not prepared for these expenses please give thought as to whether you should enroll in this course.
When using the lab please be careful! Do not take food or drinks into the lab; food will invite bugs. Clean up after yourselves. If everyone can clean up after darkroom sessions, the hours spent in the darkroom will be enjoyable for all.