Photographic Imaging Technology

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Photographic Imaging Technology — A.A.S. Degree

First Year – First Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Introduction to Visual Communications 2

This is an introductory course that prepares all students for entry into the Visual Communications field. General overviews will be given of the visual arts, photography and graphic design fields. Students will learn basic computer operation, how to use the local network, and learn general operational methods used in the Visual Communications Department. Additionally, students will learn to prepare, mount and display artwork. All these skills are a prerequisite for other courses in the Vis Com Department.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Introduction to Photography 3

In this course the student will learn how to use all the manual 35mm camera controls to create good black and white photographs. We will practice using the motion and depth-of-field controls in different kinds of outdoor and natural lighting conditions. The student will combine the knowledge of different films and exposure techniques with the study of artistic composition to produce-pleasing images. Discussion of basic accessories and special techniques will round out the camera knowledge.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will be responsible for all shooting, reading and worksheet assignments and completing them outside regular class time. The student will participate in classroom discussion. At least 2 hours per week will be needed for preparing and taking photos for class assignments. Attendance is critical in this class due to the amount of information discussed in this class.

Photo Lighting Techniques 2

The essence of good photography is the ability to recognize and expose for different lighting conditions. This course covers the use of all types of light meters under all different lighting conditions from indoor flash to outdoor and difficult light. This will be a study of the properties of light ranging from color temperature to direction and quality of both natural and artificial lights. Other related areas include how different film, filters, and lenses react to these lighting conditions.

Prerequisites: VCOM1021 required (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing and shooting for class assignments. Attendance is critical in this class.

Black and White Darkroom 3

Creating black-and-white prints in a traditional darkroom requires an understanding of the relationship between light,chemicals and silver-based materials (photographic film and paper). After learning the basics of film exposure, film development and printing, the class will refine its techniques. Through testing and trial-and-error, the class will learn to make properly-exposed and developed negatives as a cornerstone of black-and-white printing. Film techniques such as "pushing" and "pulling" will be explored. In the printing darkroom, students will work with resin-coated paper, learning to control contrast and density, and exploring techniques such as dodging, burning and solarization. Safe, responsible darkroom habits are a critical part of the course curriculum. By semester end, each student will have produced a portfolio of black-and-white prints.

Prerequisites:

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Technical Elective* 2
General Education Electives (MnTC Goal 3 or 4) ** 3

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  Total Credits 15

First Year – Second Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Introduction to Adobe Lightroom 2

Adobe Lightroom helps photographers organize and manipulate their images. It works hand in hand with Adobe Photoshop and Bridge but adds many new options and features. This course will explore the power and features of Lightroom and how it can import, catalog, save and organize thousands of images and save the photographer a lot of time upfront in the workflow. Then Lightroom's develop and print modules can modify, manipulate and improve digital images in a non-destructive manner. We will wrap up this class with practice outputting images to web, to CD and to labs to create products and images for client viewing. Bring a few hundred images to class for hands-on practice during this class.

Prerequisites: VCOM1001 or equivalent computer experience

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is crucial in this class. Each student will turn in projects and assignments on time. Each student is expected to participate in supplies/materials for some of their assignments.

Introduction to Photoshop 2

This is an introduction of the basic tools used for image manipulation in Adobe PhotoShop. Image modification and compositing, use of the scanner, and mastery of PhotoShop tools are stressed. Image adjustment and enhancement and layer masks are also taught.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Advanced Photo Lighting Techniques 2

This course builds on the skills learned in Photo Lighting Techniques to increase the student's knowledge of on-location lighting techniques, advanced studio lighting, and use of multiple lighting sources. Students will use a hands-on approach to apply ambient and artificial lighting techniques to real-life situations in portraiture; still-life subjects; and architectural subjects. Portrait and still-life lighting techniques will cover lighting as it relates to composition with an emphasis in using lighting to bring emotion and a flattering rendition of the photographic image.

Prerequisites: VCOM1021, VCOM1515 or Instructor approval

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Portrait Photography 2

This course covers the use of studio lighting and cameras to produce professional looking portraits. Emphasis will be on the use of medium (120) format camera and film to capture images of people. A critical skill in this area is the ability to use the correct lighting to enhance the character and features of the customer. Projects will also include the use of gray cards, light meters, and posing techniques.

Prerequisites: VCOM1020, VCOM1515. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is crucial in this class. Students are expected to participate in lecture lab. All projects must be complete and handed in on time. Students will be expected to purchase a limited amount of color film to complete their projects.

Introduction to Digital Imaging 2

This course introduces the student to the technology needed to capture a digital image, manipulate it and then output the image back to a hardcopy. As the technology changes we will incorporate it into this course. Discussions of concepts, philosophy and industry impact of this technology will be held in each class session to help the student to understand how this technology will impact the student's careers and the industry as a whole. Projects will include the operation and discussion of digital cameras, photo CDs, flatbed and slide scanners, Macintosh computers, b/w and color printers and film recorders. At least three different imaging software will be used and evaluated during the course.

Prerequisites: VCOM1000. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance and class participation is crucial in this class.

Interpersonal Communications 3

This course focuses on the practical and theoretical concepts of human communications and the styles used in personal, social and professional environments. Students will also acquire skills in critical thinking, perception, listening, emotional communication, verbal and non-verbal expressions and conflict resolution.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

  Technical Elective* 3
  Total Credits 16

Second Year – First Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Introduction to InDesign 2

Students will become familiar with Adobe InDesign as an electronic publishing program. Emphasis will be placed on software operation. Use of text, graphics, tabs, style sheets, and master pages will be incorporated into projects.

Prerequisites: VCOM1000 recommended. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Commercial Photography 2

In this course the student will learn how to use all the features of a large format, 4x5 view camera to produce commercial style images. By using special image distortion correction and depth of field controls, the student will setup and shoot many different types of images, such as still life, product, advertisement, and others. The use of studio lighting will be discussed and used during these projects as well as the use of natural lighting when photographing outdoor commercial projects.

Prerequisites: VCOM1020, VCOM1515, VCOM1570.

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Digital Photography 2

In this course the student will apply the fundamentals of photography, lighting, and digital imaging in order to produce professional quality digital photographs. Students will apply the principals of digital photographic "workflow" to projects which will include studio portraits, still life, and outdoor architectural projects. Students will apply techniques of working with layouts, file management, and color management to produce images both for print and web production.

Prerequisites: VCOM 1010, VCOM 1020 VCOM1515, and VCOM 1580.

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: The student is expected to attend all classes and participate in class exercises and discussions. All assignments are to be turned in on time.

Digital Studio Workflow I 2

Digital photography is rapidly becoming the media of choice. Photographers are faced with a variety of image management issues as they explore new techniques and photographic opportunities. Students in this course will use a full digital studio to capture, manipulate, output and manage images via a standardized digital workflow process. In this course an emphasis is placed on color management. Students will explore both the technical issues involved in using digital equipment, and investigate the creative options available to the professional digital photographer.

Prerequisites: VCOM1010, or instructor approval.

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Technical Elective* 2

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Composition I 3

This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning.

Prerequisites: Must pass Accuplacer test or successfully complete ENGL0130 - English Essentials or receive instructor approval. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

General Education Elective ** 4

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  Total Credits 17

Second Year – Second Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Digital Studio Workflow II 2

This course enhances the skills and knowledge from VCOM2551 and takes workflow beyond capture, image management and output stages into the correction of difficult images and unusual situations. Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop will be covered as the photographer learns how to solve technical issues and create unique products to help them succeed in the competitive workplace.

Prerequisites: VCOM1006, VCOM1010, VCOM1021, VCOM1580, VCOM2520, VCOM2551

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Photography Portfolio 2

This hands-on course will guide the student through the creation of a photography-based portfolio. Concepts in assemble techniques, display options and presentation methods will be at the heart of this course. Upon completion the student will have an industry-ready photographic portfolio in preparation for career exploration.

Prerequisites: Should be taken during the last semester prior to graduation and concurrently with VCOM2000. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Audio/Video for Presentation 3

This course introduces the student to the planning, designing and production of photo/video based presentations and audio. Students will learn how to develop timelines, narrative scripts and story boards. Students will become familiar with techniques of audio, video and still images creation, compression and formatting appropriate for use in interactive multimedia and linear presentation. Delivery and packaging of a variety of digital media will also be covered.

Prerequisites: None

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Technical Elective* 1

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General Education Elective** 4

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  Total Credits 16
Total Program Requirements 64

This is a sample course sequence resulting in an A.A.S. degree.
Please consult your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

* Technical electives may be selected from course subject area: VCOM.

** Select General Education electives from any MnTC goal area.