Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
PHTGD057B
Course Title (CB02)
Commercial Lighting II
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
In this course, students will learn intermediate and advanced lighting skills along with complex lighting for reflective surfaces, commercial portraits, and exterior and interior architectural shooting. Students will produce photographic images relevant to the techniques and production methods covered. Students will gain an understanding of commercial studio organization and operation.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Photography]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - PHOTOGRAPHY]
Course Family
FD - Photography-Professional Practices

Course Justification

This is a CSU transferable course and is part of the Professional Photography A.A. degree. The course provides more advanced experience and techniques in photographic lighting and introduces students to lighting metal, glass, architecture, and complex portraiture. The course was developed based on advice from our advisory committee.

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 D057A

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D261. and ESL D265., or ESL D461. and ESL D465., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

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

Quiz reviews performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Guest speakers

Lab experience creating multiple studio lighting examples

Assignments

  1. Reading from assigned textbook and additional material as provided in class or with web site address(es).
  2. Production of a presentation portfolio book containing a minimum of ten finished images representative of professional lighting techniques.
  3. A written resume/resume template and lighting diagrams to accompany portfolio images.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Two course quizzes: multiple choice and true/false requiring students to demonstrate concepts and facts as fundamental units of knowledge from reading and practical experience.
  2. Final Project is a presentation portfolio book requiring students to apply lighting controls, skills and techniques covered in class, and which are representative of an individual and creative style.
  3. Individual, written captions and diagrams for imagery requiring students to describe lighting techniques used.
  4. Combined review of portfolio, lighting illustrations and resume for content, appropriate technical skill, and professional presentation.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Digital SLR camera
Essential College Facilities:
  • Photographic studio with essential lighting equipment

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua, Robin ReidLight ― Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting 6th EditionRoutledgeApril 28, 20210367860279
Child, JohnStudio Photography Essential SkillsElsevier Science2008, Fourth Edition9780240520964

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Assess how photographic lighting techniques influence the communication of the image
  • Create an awareness and the necessary organization of various lighting techniques to achieve specific effects
  • Create photographic imagery and diagram the lighting arrangements for capturing particular effects
  • Articulate the process of working with art direction
  • Examine how a commercial photography business is organized in a diverse market place
  • Prepare a portfolio and resume for seeking employment in a diverse market

CSLOs

  • Prepare a professional portfolio presentation including resume.

  • Create photographic images using intermediate/advanced commercial lighting techniques.

Outline

  1. Assess how photographic lighting techniques influence the communication of the image
    1. Control in the studio and the creation of an environment
      1. Objective such as: plain background and subject
      2. Subjective such as: highly designed set
    2. Image format when working with art direction or design
      1. Layout as determinate
      2. Portrait vs. landscape orientation or need to shoot both
    3. Content
      1. Viewing the subject in relation to its background
      2. Camera distance from subject
        1. Open space or busy full frame
        2. Minimal, tighter crop (closer)
    4. Balance
      1. Harmony of texture, shape, form and color
      2. Symmetry vs. asymmetry
    5. Composition
      1. Static vs. dynamic
      2. Rule of thirds
      3. Attracting and maintaining the viewer's interest
    6. Point of view and exploring a subject in greater detail
      1. View subject from multiple angles
      2. different focal length lenses
      3. Lines, depth and perspective
  2. Create an awareness and the necessary organization of various lighting techniques to achieve specific effects
    1. The visible spectrum and white balance
    2. Creative exposure compensation
      1. Color saturation
      2. Back lighting
      3. Halos
      4. Silhouettes
    3. Mixed light sources
  3. Create photographic imagery and diagram the lighting arrangements for capturing particular effects
    1. Lighting metal or glass
    2. 'High key' and 'low key' studio portraits
    3. Architectural exterior views
      1. Light (daylight, twilight, night)
      2. Viewpoints
      3. Perspective
    4. Architectural interior views
      1. Showing space
      2. Lighting interior spaces
      3. Proportions and textures
      4. Human aspects of interiors
  4. Articulate the process of working with art direction
    1. Commercial assignments, the art director and the client
    2. Editorial assignments, number of photographs per page and the relationship to text
    3. Layouts
    4. Preproduction and organization -- being prepared
  5. Examine how a commercial photography business is organized in a diverse market place
    1. Working for others
      1. Commercial studio organization and operation
      2. Industrial (in-plant) departments
      3. Apprenticeships in the trade
    2. Going into business for yourself
      1. General business practices in professional photography
      2. Writing a business plan
      3. Record keeping
      4. Cost accounting
      5. Pricing by the job, by time and materials, by price lists, and by the ASMP guidelines and other industry standards
      6. Web site and active online presence
    3. Compare how laws governing ownership and privacy affect professional photographers
      1. Ownership of the photographic image
      2. The copyright law
      3. Rights for use
      4. Releases for people and property
      5. Local and state licensing laws
      6. Right of privacy
  6. Prepare a portfolio and resume for seeking employment in a diverse market
    1. Your resume
    2. The portfolio

Lab Topics

  1. various lighting set-ups for studio portraiture and exterior and interior architectural scenes
  2. printing of photographic imagery
    1. digital / dry darkroom
    2. analog / wet darkroom
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