Photography I

The course brings in contact with the contemporary analog B&W photographic technique. Basic functions of camera, lens, film and light metering are introduced through lectures, while practice is taught through laboratory assignments (film exposure and development, contact printing, picture enlargement, film and positive picture density and contrast control). Beyond these basics, the course introduces topics related to photography's visual characteristics (depth of field, capturing of moving objects, importance of both frame as well as vantage point). Moreover, the course introduces to general theoretical approaches with regard to photography (Szarkowski)

Introduction to the creation of photographic picture through its historic analog technique. Understanding technique's importance for the succesful creation of pictures. Understanding analog photography's peculiar production procedure

1st Week:  Introduction to the course's syllabus and aims 
2nd Week:  Cinema movie analysis with regard to (a) subject and (b) handling of framing
3rd Week:  Camera and lens - basic functions: shutter speed, aperture (f, T, equivalences). Film and sensitivity (ISO). Light meter and function. Grey zone scale
4th Week:  Light metering and function. Theory of film exposure and development. Assignment: Film exposure
5th Week:  Demonstration of film development (laboratory). Assignment: Contact printing
6th Week:  Demonstration of contact printing (laboratoty). Assignment: Picture enlargement
7th Week:  Demonstration of picture enlargement (laboratoty); controlling image density and contrast 
8th Week:  Presentation of Szarkowski's The Photographer's Eye (1966); presentation students' works from earlier courses. Assignment: Depth of Field
9th Week:  Laboratory activity: printing. Assignment: Photographing Moving Objects
10th Week: Laboratory activity: printing. Assignment: Vantage Point
11th Week: Presentation and group critique of previous assignments' pictures. Assignment: Framing
12th Week: Laboratory activity: printing. Assignment: Photographic unity 
13th Week: Presentation and group critique of all previous assignments' pictures

John Hedgecoe (2011). The Photographer's Book

John Szarkowski (1966). The Photographer's Eye. New York: MOMA

John Szarkowski (1973). Looking at Photographs. New York: MOMA

Lectures through use of visual and audiovisual material. Laboratory activity (laboratory of B&W analog photography). Group critique 

Enhanced by multimedia content.
The learning process is supported by the asyncrhonous e-learning platform e-class.

Evaluation of lab assignments and final written test