MDIA 1008 - Photographic Imaging I

Tea Tree Gully - Semester 2 - 2015

This course aims to give a thorough knowledge base of photographic and visual communication skills within an elected field of commercial photography. Students work within a world-class photographic studio, including a full cyclorama. Students learn a range of photographic techniques, including advertising, editorial, portraiture, still-life, architecture, fashion and illustration. The course has a location and a studio component and will cover: the principles of camera operation; the use of light meters (ambient and flash) on location and in the studio; the foundations of lighting, including the introduction to studio flash, lighting types, quality, styles etc.; the fundamentals of design and composition.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 1008
    Course Photographic Imaging I
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Tea Tree Gully
    Units 6
    Contact 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 Arts courses or equivalent, including at least 6 units of MDIA Level I courses
    Incompatible Not available to students who have entered BMedia program via TAFE articulation
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with basic SLR camera operation and computer graphic applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro
    Restrictions Available to BMedia students only
    Quota 15
    Course Description This course aims to give a thorough knowledge base of photographic and visual communication skills within an elected field of commercial photography. Students work within a world-class photographic studio, including a full cyclorama. Students learn a range of photographic techniques, including advertising, editorial, portraiture, still-life, architecture, fashion and illustration. The course has a location and a studio component and will cover: the principles of camera operation; the use of light meters (ambient and flash) on location and in the studio; the foundations of lighting, including the introduction to studio flash, lighting types, quality, styles etc.; the fundamentals of design and composition.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Kathryn Bowd

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course is a compulsory element of the major in Photographic Imaging available in the BMedia degree through the University of Adelaide/TAFESA articulation agreement. It is only available to students studying the BMedia degree. It may be taken by BMedia students who do not intend to complete the full majors and contribute to the Free Elective portion of their degree at Level I.


    Learning Outcomes 
    1. Set up lighting for photo shoot and light subjects
    2. Complete and review shoot and complete post shoot activities
    3. Research information on colour theory and design processes
    4. Communicate ideas through the application of colour and design theory
    5. Evaluate design work
    6. Select appropriate camera and lighting equipment and accessories for a range of different subjects in different physical environments
    7. Apply appropriate lighting techniques to a range of different subjects in different physical environments
    8. Produce multiple proof sheets, work prints and digital files that demonstrate the application of selected techniques consistent with concept brief
    9. Capture photo images that meet the quality and look requirements for a range of projects
    10. Use a wide range of features of a standard digital stills camera
    11. Produce multiple digital images or a single major work that shows some technical proficiency in chosen techniques
    12. Work with ideas and techniques and bring them together in finished work
    13. Adapt the capabilities of digital imaging techniques and resources
    14. Process photographic images
    15. Work safely and implement workplace safety requirements
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 14
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 11, 12, 13
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 6, 7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 15
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Facilities and resources will be provided through the Creative Industries Centre, Tea Tree Gully; some additional resources will be available to students through the Discipline of Media, University of Adelaide.
    Students are required to extensively use the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) throughout this course. The software and a computer workstation are provided to each student during the scheduled workshop sessions. Additionally, students may access unused computer workstations within the Creative Industries Centre from Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm and Fri 7am-5pm. Additionally, studio access is available at allocated times upon pre booking.
    Recommended Resources
    It is highly recommended that, students have access to their own computer workstation and the
    Adobe Creative Cloud. Access to following equipment and applications is recommended: SLR camera and Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Adobe Lightroom.


    Adobe offers software student discounts and details can be found at:
    http://www.adobe.com/au/products/creativecloud.html

    Online Learning
    Students will be provided with access to the online system used at the Creative Industries Centre. Essential information on enrolment and other administrative information will be provided via MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Workshop classes are held each week at the Creative Industries Centre, TAFE SA. These compulsory sessions facilitate student learning through lectures, demonstrations, tutorials and group based activities.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assists students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:
    · On-campus Workshop: 6 hours per week
    · Self-Directed Study (Assessment Tasks): 12 hours per week

    Note that these are expectations of the approximate amount of time required in an average week to complete all elements of the course successfully. Actual workload is likely to vary depending on individual learning rates and assessment deadlines.
    Learning Activities Summary
    This is a practice-based course that provides a thorough grounding in the essential skills required to use high quality photographic equipment and employ appropriate photographic techniques to achieve industry standard production outcomes. Students complete tasks assigned in workshop classes under the active instruction of members of CIC staff.

    Required Resources and Learning Activities: All course resources and learning activities can be accessed via TAFE SA Moodle (http://moodle.tafesa.edu.au ). It is essential that you read/complete these resources/activities as directed to ensure successful completion of the assessment tasks.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance at classes conducted at Creative Industries Centre, Tea Tree Gully
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment: All assessment activities can be accessed via TAFE SA Moodle (http://moodle.tafesa.edu.au ). It is essential that you read/complete these resources/activities as directed to ensure successful completion of the assessment tasks.

    Formative: Lecturer led demonstrations with students performing tasks during the lessons. Formative: All student work is assessed through submission of formative photo assignments (Normally several examples for each assignment are required) including: Location • Motion control • Depth of field • Location composition • Location shape, form and texture - • Location lighting • Location motion • Location sharpness • Perspective • Perspective correction • Urban landscape • Architectural exterior Studio • Incident/reflective comparison • Flat copy • Zone ruler • Four filter copy • Lighting angles • Lighting types • Still life copy • Corporate portrait • Still life • Portrait • High/low key still life
    Summative: Individual projects demonstrating knowledge acquired during formative exercises.
    Submission of assessment tasks outlined in TAFE SA Moodle by due date.
    A minimum of 80% of submissions need to be assessed as competent to pass this course.

    Assessment is entirely determined by teaching staff of the Creative Industries Centre and identical in every respect to the approach and standards used in the equivalent qualifications regularly taught through the CIC. A joint management group comprising senior staff from both UA and CIC will monitor assessment processes and student outcomes.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Compulsory attendance at workshops and location work
    Assessment Detail
    Schedule
    Week Subject Topic Assessment
    Week 1 Photo Fundamentals Orientation, Course overview, Camera operation and theory Operation of basic camera functions. In class exercise.
    Digital Imaging Lightroom - Library module Formative exercises which demonstrate the use of Lightroom to import images, create catalogues and collections, rate and filter images.
    Week 2 Photo Fundamentals Motion Control and Depth of Field   Motion Control Exercise
    Produce 3 images as per instructions showing creative use of shutter speed.
    Due week 6
    Depth of field exercise
    Produce 3 images as per instructions showing creative use of Depth of field. Due week 6
    Digital Imaging Lightroom - Develop module Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Lightroom to adjust the tone, colour and perspective of an image.
    Week 3 Photo Fundamentals Hand Held Light Meters Produce a copy of artwork using tungsten light as per instructions. Due week 6.
    Digital Imaging Lightroom - Develop module Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Lightroom to crop, straighten, retouch (basic), make graduated adjustments to images, and also export images.
    Week 4 Photo Fundamentals Incident and Reflected Light Metering Incident and reflected comparison exercise. Photograph boards supplied using reflected and incident light meter readings and document the findings. Due week 6.
    Digital Imaging Lightroom - practice exercise Formative exercises that reinforce the skills learned in the previous 3 weeks.
    Week 5 Photo Fundamentals Studio Lighting Operate studio flash and change light shaping accessories. In class exercise.
    Digital Imaging Lightroom - Assignment 1: Using Lightroom A Lightroom assignment, completed in class time, which includes the Lightroom skills learned in the first 3 weeks.
    Week 6 Photo Fundamentals Portraiture Lighting Techniques Produce a head and shoulders portrait of a fellow student using the seven different light angles discussed in the assignment instructions. Due week 8
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: selections, moving, layer masks. Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Photoshop to make basic selections, move objects, and use Layer Masks.
    Week 7 Photo Fundamentals Corporate Portraiture Produce a corporate portrait in the studio using 4 lights. Due week 8
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: selections, colour, brushes. Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Photoshop to make more complex selections, work with colours and gradients, and use brushes.
    Week 8 Photo Fundamentals Composition and Design Produce one image for each of the 10 design elements discussed. (a total of 10 images) Due week 12
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: paths Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Photoshop to create and use paths.
    Week 9 Photo Fundamentals Studio Still Life Produce 3 still life images (studio or location) in each of the following styles : traditional, high key and low key. Due week 12
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: paths, transforming images Formative exercises which demonstrate the use of Photoshop to create and use paths, and also make transformations to images.
    Week 10 Photo Fundamentals Studio Portraiture Studio portraiture exercise. Produce 3 portraits. One single, one couple and one group in the studio. Due week 12
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: localised tonal and colour correction Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Photoshop to make localised tonal and colour corrections to images.
    Week 11 Photo Fundamentals Image evaluation and Printing In class printing exercise.
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: complete Assignment 2: The Ferrari and You Complete Assignment 2: The Ferrari and You which demonstrates the use of Photoshop skills, learned in the previous 5 weeks, to create a realistic composite image of the student and a supplied image of a car.
    Week 12 Photo Fundamentals Course revision and review No assessment. All work to be completed and submitted by end of class
    Digital Imaging Photoshop: retouching Formative exercises that demonstrate the use of Photoshop to retouch images.
    Submission
    Assessments must be submitted on due dates. Late submissions must be negotiated with the lecturer through prior contact no less than three days before the due date.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    RP Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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