Course Syllabus
© Bryan Schutmaat, Wyoming, 2021
PHOT 151 – Personal Photographic Vision (Section 9184) examines the foundations of photographic seeing, thought and analysis, and the uses of analog (film) and digital photographic materials and processes, including black and white film, digital grayscale and color (film and digital). Primary focus of the course is the development of a personal photographic vision through the use of photography’s aesthetic attributes and a refined sense of technical execution and craft.
Appropriate for students with prior exposure to photography and basic photographic experience. Discussion and practice with small and medium format (film) cameras, image exposure methods, basic artificial lighting techniques, image optimization and use of the dynamic tonal range with film processing and digital imaging techniques, and photographic printing practices in both darkroom and digital environments.
The Photography Program will provide an analog film camera (35mm, medium- and/or large-format) for student use during the semester.
For any digital photographic work, students may use any type of lens-based, image-making device, including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, digital SLR’s as well as other specialized cameras such as a Polaroid/Instant Camera and/or GoPros to complete assignments.
This is a Hybrid course in which the Lecture component is Online through Canvas (no required Zooms), including the course content, assignments and coursework evaluation, and the Lab Instruction and Practice will be On-Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am - 12:25 pm.
Course Objectives
Recognize and recall the characteristics of small and medium format cameras, image exposure methods, basic artificial lighting techniques, advanced image optimization and use of the dynamic tonal range with advanced film processing and digital imaging techniques, and photographic printing methods.
Examine photography’s historical/contemporary critical issues and discourse and apply photography’s aesthetic attributes and visual strategies in making photographs of visual engagement and conceptual meaning.
Experiment with various subject matter and conceptual contexts and create photographs that demonstrate the correct advanced use of camera controls, image exposure methods, image optimization processing and printing techniques for photographs of technical craftsmanship, visual clarity and a dynamic tonal range.
Analyze and appraise the aesthetic attributes and compositional design elements of photographs as well as assess and evaluate the conceptual meaning, visual engagement, and technical craft in a critique of photographic efforts.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
Demonstrate the ability to analyze photographic images and utilize the application of photographic processes and materials, including image optimization and processing techniques, the use of the dynamic tonal range and photographic printing techniques.
Demonstrate application of proper laboratory practices necessary for making and presenting photographic prints of optimum technical quality, craft and professional standards.
Assessment Activity: Portfolio and Reflective Self-Assessment Essay
Syllabus Information Can Be Found in Introduction and Orientation to Course
PDF of Course Syllabus for Download
Student | Office Hours and Contact Information
With advance notice and by scheduling an appointment, I can be available for one-on-one Zoom meetings:
Mondays - Thursdays: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Alternative Days and Times Available - please email directly through Canvas
Appointments can also be scheduled for On-Campus Office Hours as follows:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Email Contact: Best to email through Canvas directly or paul.turounet@gcccd.edu
Response Expectations
I will follow-up your email within the day, and most often, within a short period from the time I have received it, including weekends as well as at night, particularly in consideration of personal and/or extenuating circumstances.
Generally, if you email me about general class matters at night after 8:00 pm, I will follow-up with a response the following morning.
Course Methodology
During the entire course, you will be actively engaged in various curriculum activities, including Critical Issue Discussions and Responses, regularly-scheduled Image-Making Assignments as well as the completion of a Final Photographic Project/Portfolio.
The Critical Issue Discussions and Responses will cover various critical issues and thoughts about photography and the photographic image and visual culture within both historical and contemporary contexts. Topics will explore various issues regarding photography, the history of photography, on being a photographer, as well as the sociological, psychological and cultural implications of the photographic image. For studio courses, a 1 – 3 paragraph (approximately 60 – 100 words) written response will be required to be submitted.
The primary curriculum for the course will be the Image-Making Assignments in which you’ll be asked to make photographic images that explore various aesthetic and technical considerations within the contexts of conceptual possibilities that are open to your individual interests. The assignments will focus on historical and contemporary conceptual approaches within the photographic medium, the use and function of a photographic sensibility and visual language. Upon the completion of each assignment, there will be a critique for discussion and feedback of your photographic efforts.
The Final Photographic Project/Portfolio will consist of a portfolio of photographs processed within the context of various presentation strategies, including a portfolio of photographs, artist book and/or website, that reflects the cohesive development of your conceptual concerns, photographic vision, aesthetic sensibilities and technical execution.
The Curriculum Calendar and Assignment Dates, including Image-Making Assignments, Quizzes and Critical Responses will be facilitated through the Grossmont College Canvas platform.
Image-Making Assignments will be submitted primarily on Canvas and In-Person with the possibility of submitting to a Student Course Account on Instagram.
College, Program and Course Information and Policies
The Introduction and Orientation to Course Module provides in-depth discussion on various College, Program and Course information and policies.
Your final grade will be determined by a culmination of points earned based on your performance with the curriculum assignments.