Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
PHTG D054.
Course Title (CB02)
Experimental Photography
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
This course is an introduction to experimental and nontraditional photographic processes through the use of analog and digital photography. Students will view both historical and contemporary approaches to camera and darkroom use in the creation of photographic imagery. Students will also make enlarged negatives, create cyanotype and VanDyke brown prints, tone and hand color images, and use digital imaging to emulate these and other traditional processes while producing an engaging and expressive collection of images.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
FD - Analog Photography

Course Justification

This course fulfills a requirement in the discipline of Photography for at least one CSU. It belongs on the A.A. degree in Photographic Arts. The course provides experience in both historical and contemporary processes.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
3.0
Maximum Credit Units
3.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours2.04.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
60.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
48.0

Prerequisite(s)

PHTG D001. (may be taken concurrently)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Guest speakers

Collaborative projects

Class discussions that evaluate the wet/dry darkroom exercises

Assignments

  1. Reading from assigned chapters of textbook
  2. A written, minimum one-page paper on an alternative process or artist/photographer working "non-traditionally"
  3. Completion of a minimum of 5 - 8 prints each using a different alternative process

Methods of Evaluation

  1. A written paper covering a "non-traditional" method of photographic output by a particular artist or a purely technical process report from reading, class discussion, or lab; either of which summarizes concepts or reflects an understanding of skills studied or practiced in the course.
  2. Final critique: oral and visual presentation of final print(s)both demonstrating and reflecting material covered in class and specific to one's final project.
  3. Submission of print assignments demonstrating proficient skills for processes covered in class.
  4. Participation in lab discussions and class critiques

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Camera (any format) film and/or digital
Essential College Facilities:
  • Classroom computers with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom software and a wet darkroom facility

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
*Hirsch, Robert. "Photographic Possibilities, The Expressive Use of Equipment, Ideas, Materials, and Processes". Burlington, MA: Focal Press/Elsevier Inc., 4th Edition, 2018

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
James, Christopher. "The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes". New York, N.Y. Delmar, 3rd Edition, 2016
Blacklow, Laura. "New Dimensions in Photo Imaging". New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 5th Edition, 2018.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Explore concepts and technology affecting alternative photographic imagemaking.
  • Define and differentiate between the various methods and processes.
  • Create and conceptualize images using alternative photographic processes.
  • Compare and contrast traditional photography and non-traditional processes through the history of photography.
  • Examine and critique diverse forms of communicative and visual expression.

CSLOs

  • Create and interpret non-traditional photographic imagery.

Outline

  1. Explore concepts and technology affecting alternative photographic imagemaking.
    1. Photography's bond to objective representation.
      1. automatic and mechanical
      2. portrayal of visual reality and truthfulness
    2. Challenges to photographic objectivity or photography's lack of neutrality.
      1. photographic systems: cameras, lenses, films, papers, chemicals, digital equipment and materials
      2. photographer's point-of-view; manner in which photographers use the systems
      3. personal experiences expressed through a photograph
      4. external forces: academic, social, economic, political, media trends (public perception at any one time)
    3. Visualization, modifications and manipulations when starting with a photograph
      1. creativity and originality
      2. image capture, enlarged film and/or digital negatives, and darkroom or digital editing
      3. double exposure, combination printing, collage or montage, toning, handcoloring
      4. cyanotype, VanDyke brown printing and other processes such as: gum bichromate, wet collodion and various "salt" prints
      5. digital emulation of a variety of historical and traditional photographic processes such as: Poloroid transfer, infrared, sepia toning and any of the above mentioned processes
  2. Define and differentiate between the various methods and processes.
    1. Characteristics of alternative processes
      1. non-silver and experimental treatments vs. traditional methods
      2. mix-media
      3. digital variations
    2. Application of alternative processes
      1. as a fine art
      2. as commercial work
      3. as cross-disciplinary practice
  3. Create and conceptualize images using alternative photographic processes.
    1. Chemicals and materials used
      1. expected results
      2. safety--preparation, application, and disposal
    2. Recognition of process and practice
      1. used to expand photographic boundaries
      2. manipulation after camera capture
      3. experimentation and creative expression
      4. nature of alternative processes and variations in results
  4. Compare and contrast traditional photography and non-traditional processes through the history of photography.
    1. Historical timeline and invention of processes and techniques
    2. 19th C. processes including salt print, daguerreotype, calotype, cyanotype, photogram, wet collodion, combination printing, gum bichromate
    3. 20th C. processes including autochromes, solarization, modernized films, printing out papers, color materials, infrared, Polaroid
    4. 21st C. digital capture, editing, compositing, and printing of images
  5. Examine and critique diverse forms of communicative and visual expression.
    1. Presentation of classmate's work including discussion of conceptual meaning and personal expression
    2. Description, evaluation and interpretation of class imagery by maker and viewers
    3. Examination of and sensitivity to diverse photographic expression

Lab Topics

  1. Various alternative processes; chemicals and application
  2. Wet darkroom procedures
  3. Computer software (dry darkroom)
  4. Collaborative activities
  5. Artwork presentation
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