ART 289 - Photojournalism

1. Use the basic SLR digital camera.
   1. Explain basic parts of the digital SLR camera
   2. Identify basic types of digital SLR cameras
   3. Discuss functions of adjustable digital SLR cameras
   4. List shutter settings on standard digital SLR cameras
   5. Describe all F stops found on adjustable digital SLR cameras
   6. Define “Depth of Field”.
   7. Demonstrate the planning technique for establishing subject focus and blurred background
   8. Explain “Digital zoom” of various lens types
   9. Determine the differences between a wide-angle, normal, and telephoto lens
   10. Identify the features located on the front of most digital SLR cameras and the back panel
2. Use good metering techniques when photographing
   1. Define the term “aperture” and write out the standard scale of aperture settings
   2. Describe what a “stop” is as a measure of exposure
   3. Determine a scale of equivalent exposure settings by writing them out according to given aperture and shutter speeds
   4. Describe the differences between “underexposure” and “overexposure”
   5. Define what is meant by “TTL metering.”
   6. Describe the differences in metering patterns between averaging, restricted angle and spot meters
   7. Demonstrate how an incident light meter and a reflected light meter are used to determine exposure
   8. Determine the three most common patterns for measuring light
   9. Explain how the image sensor converts light into a digital signal
   10. Demonstrate how to capture data on your camera’s memory card
   11. Define the term “bracketing” and how it helps insure an optimum exposure
   12. Explain how creative use of exposures can alter the appearance and mood of the subject
   13. Interpret the meter for initial camera settings
   14. Point out the component parts of a photograph or an actual meter, and explain how each part works
   15. Explain and know how to use the difference between a fast shutter speed and a slow shutter speed
   16. Demonstrate “stop action” with plenty of ambient light and low ambient light
   17. List the various ISO speed settings and how they make your camera more or less light sensitive
   18. Demonstrate proficiency in producing good shots using shutter lag
   19. Determine how and when to use fill flash to improve outdoor lighting for portraits and to help freeze the action
   20. Demonstrate the use of a tripod and a remote shutter release together when dragging shutter
   21. Demonstrate “fluid motion” at a slow shutter speed such as two, four, eight, or even fifteen seconds to produce what is called “dreamlike” effects
   22. Demonstrate how to take a close-up reading, a back-lit reading, and a substitute reading
3. Use various types of ISO speeds for the correct job application
   1. Explain the light sensitivity sensor for your digital camera
   2. Explain the difference between film speeds and noise
   3. Define and give verbal examples of the uses of slow, medium, and fast speeds
   4. List how one would use the various speed settings on your digital camera in different situations
   5. Demonstrate the use of ISO on a light meter and on a 35 mm digital SLR camera
   6. Discuss the word “contrast” as it relates to photojournalistic images
   7. List how one should select the best speed for high-speed shots, scenic views, portraits, high resolution pictures, low-light level shots and all-around picture taking.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in photojournalistic composition
   1. Thinking inside and outside the box
   2. Understanding composition as the assembly of elements into a whole
   3. Understanding compositional rules and breaking them
   4. Identify visual elements as distinct groupings of shapes, colors and tones
   5. Understanding the rule of thirds as the most fundamental rule in photography
   6. Understanding and knowing when to sue the rule of fifths
   7. Identify balance as a state of harmony of visual elements within the image
   8. Demonstrate how black is heavier than white in photojournalistic composition.
   9. Produce photojournalistic images that will be newsworthy for use in the Des Moines Register and/or the DMACC Chronicle
5. Demonstrate the technical and visual aspects of photojournalism by producing a news photograph
   1. Describe what a news photograph consists of
   2. Define news photography
   3. List what is involved in producing a news photograph
6. Demonstrate the technical and visual aspects of photojournalism by producing a feature photograph
   1. Describe a feature photograph consists of
   2. Define feature photography
   3. List what is involved in producing a feature photograph
   4. Explain how to compose a feature photograph
7. Demonstrate the technical and visual aspects of photojournalism by producing a portrait
   1. Describe a portrait
   2. Define a portrait
   3. List what is involved in producing a portrait
   4. Explain how to compose a portrait
8. Demonstrate the technical and visual aspects of photojournalism by producing a sports photograph
   1. Describe a sports photograph
   2. Define sports photograph
   3. List what is involved in producing a sports photograph
   4. Explain how to compose a sports photograph
9. Demonstrate the technical and visual aspects of photojournalism by producing a performing arts photograph
   1. Describe a performing arts photograph
   2. Define a performing arts photograph
   3. List what is involved in producing a performing arts photograph
   4. Explain how to compose a performing arts photograph
10. Develop photojournalism ethics
    1. Explain ethics in regard to photo use
    2. Practice ethical editing
    3. Demonstrate ethical cropping
    4. Explain how photo manipulation may be unethical
    5. Describe proper conduct of a photojournalist
11. Use Photoshop basics
    1. Identify and explain the purpose of the tools and menus that are most often used in digital photography
    2. Know how to get online help from unfamiliar tools and procedures
    3. Understanding the relationship between pixels, image resolution, image quality, image size, and various file formats
    4. Know how to read a histogram and understand its relations to the digital image
12. Mastering your digital captures
    1. Understanding the various options available for downloading images from your digital camera
    2. Understand and be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of working with digital RAW and JPEG file formats in Photoshop
    3. Develop a strategy for archiving and retrieving digital captures
    4. Explain the importance of crating and printing a contact sheet in the archival process
    5. Demonstrate the use of Photoshop browser to organize and rename of a folder of photos
13. Cropping and resizing
    1. Demonstrate the procedure for cropping, scanned and digital camera images for maximum image detail
    2. Demonstrate the procedure for resizing photos for a minimum image detail loss
14. Print digital image of various sizes
    1. Identify the appropriate sizes for general newspaper use
    2. Describe proper storage and handling procedures
    3. Describe all the necessary equipment needed to produce a print
    4. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing the print, and how to correct faults
    5. Demonstrate proficiency in using local exposure control including dodging and burning
    6. Demonstrate proficiency in processing the print from beginning to mounting the print
    7. Select a photo printed with the correct exposure and contrast from a group of six prints of different contrast
    8. Explain and demonstrate a professional method for adjusting brightness and contrast
15. Compose a complete photo essay as a final project
    1. Describe a photo essay
    2. List what is involved in producing a photo essay
    3. Tell a visual story with the photo essay
    4. Illustrate the abstract with the photo essay