Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
PHTGD357A
Course Title (CB02)
Commercial Lighting I
Course Credit Status
Non-Credit
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
This course reviews basic lighting skills and provides an understanding of using artificial light sources and associated equipment in a studio environment. Students will learn controls of lighting ratios, contrast, texture and form, reflection, and exposure. Students will produce photographic images relevant to the techniques and production methods covered.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Photography]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - PHOTOGRAPHY]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a noncredit enhanced, CTE course and belongs on the Commercial Lighting Certificate of Completion. The course provides introductory-level skills in photographic lighting focusing on simple still life and portraiture techniques.

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
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
99

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Not transferable

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
0.0
Maximum Credit Units
0.0

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. or PHTG D004. or PHTG D301. or PHTG D304. (may be taken concurrently)

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)

NONCREDIT: (This is a noncredit enhanced, CTE course.)

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 the assigned textbook and additional material as provided in class or with website address(es).
  2. Production of a presentation portfolio book containing a minimum of six finished images representative of various lighting skills for basic still life and portraiture.
  3. A written photographer's introductory statement and brief explanations for images within the portfolio book.

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. 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 for imagery requiring students to briefly describe lighting techniques used.
  4. One, minimum two-paragraph introductory statement which requires students to summarize their photographic direction and image style represented in the portfolio book.

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, 2021, 6th edition0367860279
Child, JohnStudio Photography Essential SkillsElsevierFourth Edition, 20089780240520964

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Identify the basic equipment and organization of a photographic studio including health and safety issues
  • Identify artificial lighting sources
  • Identify the characteristics of light
  • Demonstrate exposure control under various lighting to achieve specific effects
  • Create photographic imagery using various studio lighting techniques

CSLOs

  • Create photographic images using basic commercial lighting techniques.

Outline

  1. Identify the basic equipment and organization of a photographic studio including health and safety issues
    1. The studio space
      1. size
      2. electrical power
      3. ability to totally darken space and/or include natural light
    2. Equipment
      1. lighting source(s) and controls (spots, reflectors, softboxes, etc.)
      2. various tripods, c-stands, clamps, tabletops, and backdrop materials
      3. cameras and meters
      4. computer interface
      5. basic toolbox
    3. Health and safety
      1. lights and electricity
        1. connecting and moving
        2. handling bulbs
        3. taping wiring down
      2. fire extinguisher and use
      3. first aid kit
  2. Identify artificial lighting sources
    1. Flash (5500K-5800K)
    2. Tungsten-halogen (3200K)
    3. Photoflood (3400K)
  3. Identify the characteristics of light
    1. Intensity, reflectance, and distance
    2. Quality, diffusion, and reflection
    3. Color and white balance
    4. Direction
    5. Contrast
  4. Demonstrate exposure control under various lighting to achieve specific effects
    1. Aperture for controlling intensity and time for controlling the duration
    2. Light meters
      1. Reflected light readings
      2. Incident light readings
    3. Lighting ratios
    4. Digital exposure
  5. Create photographic imagery using various studio lighting techniques
    1. lighting a still life
      1. simple box with white background
      2. texture
    2. lighting the portrait
      1. simple outdoor pose with fill
      2. mid-key studio portrait

Lab Topics

  1. various lighting set-ups for still-life and portraiture
  2. printing of photographic imagery
    1. digital / dry darkroom
    2. analog / wet darkroom
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