ART 184 - Principles of Photography

1. Use the basic 35mm SLR camera
   1. Explain basic parts of the 35mm SLR camera
   2. Identify basic types of 35mm SLR cameras
   3. Discuss functions of adjustable 35mm SLR cameras
   4. List shutter settings on standard 35mm SLR cameras
   5. Describe all F stops found on adjustable 35mm SLR cameras
   6. Define ‘Depth of Field.”
   7. Demonstrate the panning technique for establishing subject focus and blurred background
   8. Explain “focal length” of various lens types
   9. Determine the differences between a wide-angle, normal, telephoto and mirror lenses
   10. Discuss the pros and cons of automatic versus manual 35mm SLR cameras
2. Use various types of film and film speeds for the correct job application
   1. Label a negative and positive image from instructor supplied samples
   2. Explain the differences between photographic film and paper
   3. Define and give verbal examples of the uses of slow, medium and fast films
   4. Demonstrate the use of the film ISO on a light meter and on a 35mm SLR camera
   5. Identify the word “grain” as it deals with emulsion and explain why it may or may not be desirable in a photographic image.
   6. Discuss the word “contrast” as it relates to photographic images
   7. Analyze various ways of packaging film and define the word “formats.”
   8. List how one should select the best film for high-speed shots, scenic views, portraits, high resolution pictures, low-light level shots and all-around picture taking
   9. Explain how film and photographic paper should be stored
   10. Describe the effects of accidental exposure to light on film and paper.
   11. Identify the effects of age and rough film handling
3. 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. Explain the similarities and differences between an in-camera meter, a hand-held meter, an incident meter and a reflected light meter
   6. Define what is meant by “TTL metering”.
   7. Describe the differences in metering patterns between averaging, restricted angle and spot meters
   8. Demonstrate how an incident light meter and a reflected light meter are used to determine exposure
   9. Define the term “bracketing” and how it helps insure an optimum exposure
   10. Explain how creative use of exposures can alter the appearance and mood of the subject
   11. Define the “f/16 sunlight rule”.
   12. Interpret the meter for initial camera settings
   13. Point out the component parts of a photograph or an actual meter, and explain how each part works
   14. Demonstrate proficiency in transferring the readings from the meter to the camera, including the film index, shutter speed, aperture and EV settings, if the camera is so equipped
   15. Demonstrate how to take a close-up reading, a back-lit reading, and a substitute reading
4. Create a black and white negative image
   1. Identify the purpose of the film developing process
   2. List the steps in the film developing process
   3. List the various parts of a plastic film developing tank
   4. Demonstrate proficiency in loading 35mm film onto plastic film developing reels, with eyes closed
   5. Demonstrate proficiency in reading a film developing time-temperature chart for its recommendations
   6. Demonstrate proficiency in organizing the various pieces of equipment and chemicals in preparation for developing
   7. Demonstrate how to clean the various implements used in the development process.
   8. Demonstrate proper agitation techniques for film development, stop and fix cycles
   9. Explain how to set up the film development timer and how chemicals are poured in and out of a tank at the proper times
   10. Describe the effect on the film resulting from under or overdevelopment
   11. List the effects on the film resulting from over or underexposure using normal development times
   12. Describe what is meant by “pushing” the film
   13. Define what is meant by a “good negative
   14. Describe how inconsistent development and shortened or lengthened development affects the negative
   15. Define the term “working solution” and its purpose
   16. Define the term “stock solution” and its purpose
   17. Define the term “concentrate” and its purpose
   18. Label at least three types of contamination possible in any darkroom processing area
   19. Organize the implements, equipment and chemicals necessary to process a roll of 35mm film
   20. Demonstrate knowledge of the film processing procedures and steps, by developing rolls of film
   21. Identify the health and environmental concerns arising from the various photographic processes and how to control them to prevent personal injury or environmental problems
5. Print a black and white positive image of various sizes
   1. Identify differences between resin coated (RC) and fiber based paper
   2. List differences between the various weight papers
   3. Process the paper under the appropriate safelight
   4. Identify the various surfaces of paper
   5. Identify the appropriate size paper for general use
   6. Describe proper storage and handling procedures
   7. Describe the desirable features of a good darkroom
   8. Demonstrate proficiency in using an enlarger properly
   9. Describe all the necessary equipment needed to produce a print
   10. Select the proper chemicals and set them up for printing
   11. Describe the potential hazards in using photographic chemicals
   12. Describe the procedures used to overcome the potential chemical hazards
   13. Demonstrate proficiency in setting up for contact printing, and in making contacts, including test strip procedures as well as the final print itself
   14. Demonstrate proficiency in using alternate contact printing methods
   15. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing the print, and how to correct faults
   16. Demonstrate proficiency in using local exposure control including dodging and burning
   17. Demonstrate proficiency in processing the print from beginning to mounting the print.
   18. Select a photo printed with the correct exposure and contrast from a group of six prints of differing contrast.
   19. Demonstrate proficiency in setting up and using an enlarger, including making a print through to mounting.
6. Recognize a problem when it occurs and fix that problem. (Troubleshooting)
   1. Recognize any film exposure problem by examining the negatives and determine if the cause is under or overexposure.
   2. Determine whether any under or overexposure was caused by equipment malfunction by examining the camera and any accessories used during the exposure
   3. Determine whether or not any under or overexposure was caused by unusual subject tones, light or dark backgrounds affecting meter readings, or operator error
   4. Determine the cause of any blank frames that occur, and what caused them
   5. Analyze the cause of fogged film, whether it occurred in the camera, in processing or from an external source
   6. Recognize flare and take corrective steps
   7. Keep equipment clean and in good working order
   8. Describe what “vignetting” is and take corrective steps to avoid it in the future or use it correctly
   9. Recognize multiple or overlapped exposures and tell how to avoid this problem and have camera repaired
   10. Recognize uneven frame spacing and have camera repaired
   11. Recognize torn sprockets or torn film as an operator error in camera/film handling
   12. Analyze negative scratches and determine source of the problem
   13. Select from a negative collection and a print ring around, good negatives and prints that show proper contrast. From those that are not of proper contrast, tell which are from poor exposure and which are from poor subject contrast or film development or
   14. Analyze films that show uneven density and correct processing errors
   15. Describe the print processing procedures and times for a given set of conditions, and from a set of instructor-provided sample prints, tell what problems are present in each print. (Too dark, too light, poor enlarging techniques, exposure to light, or po
   16. Test camera and enlarger for lens sharpness, movement blurring, partial or overall blur and recommend corrective action
   17. From a set of instructor-supplied negatives, analyze other film handling and processing marks such as blank frames, splotches, crescent marks, air bells, reticulation, pinholes, static marks, surface marks and other errors.