ARTS 2171 / Photography 1: Fall 2024 Instructor: Brianna Autin
M / W 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM E-Mail:Brianna.Autin@colorado.edu
VISUAL ART COMPLEX 1B23 Office Hours: By appointment only
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to contemporary photographic practice. The course introduces photographic technique, history, and image evaluation while emphasizing visual literacy, conceptual development and personal expression.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
« Identify digital camera functions, elements of photography, digital imaging workflow, and different methods of image capture.
« Recognize design principles and aesthetic components of images.
« Cultivate a co-learning environment where the instructor is not the sole source of knowledge. Rather, students are encouraged to share their own experience and expertise.
« More confidently manifest you own artistic ideas and style.
« Analyze and interpret works of art critically and critique work in a respectful and constructive manner.
« Examine conceptual and theoretical inspirations behind photography and apply these to create meaningful works of art.
« Expand knowledge of artist working within the field of photography both historically and contemporarily.
« Use imaging tools and techniques to create works that convey an idea, a feeling, or a personal expression.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
This course will consist of face-to-face (in person) lectures, demonstrations, individual projects, discussions, reflection/brainstorming journal exercise, presentations, and critiques. Projects will be submitted via canvas.
I will be using Canvas to post assignments, readings, videos, announcements, and supplementary materials. My main form of communication will be through Canvas or via email. I will communicate any changes to our schedule or syllabus through Canvas and email. Syllabus and schedule are subject to change. I plan to update and change things in our schedule/course plan based on the responses I receive from your experience survey. I do this in a hope to make sure you guys are always learning or receiving resources for ALL the things YOU feel you need to get out of this class. I will do my best to make sure everyone is receiving resources that are helpful to them and agree with their personal learning preferences. Your experience in this class is really important to me, so let’s work together to make this the best photo class it can possibly be!!!
MATERIALS
*NOTE* Photography can get very expensive very quickly. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount on supplies or get creative investigating alternative options such as renting or equipment check-out from the Visual Resource Center.
« DSLR Camera – must be able to shoot on manual
« Memory Card (SD Card) – 16GB minimum
« Flash Drive / External Hard Drive – something to store your files on because our lab computers do not save your data!!!!
« Sketchbook / Notebook – blank pages needed but size and brand are up to personal preference
« Adobe Creative Suit account (if you plan to work on a person device or outside of the lab)
« (Optional) Chapters from the book The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video will be assigned for a reading in class. I will provide you all with a pdf version of the chapters I will be covering, but if you are interested in working with cameras after this class it is a really great, pretty cheap book that can help you to learn a lot about film and photography. https://www.amazon.com/Bare-Bones-Camera-Course-Video/dp/1621535266/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=camera+basics+book&qid=1659122395&sr=8-17
« (Optional) A portable mouse if you are working with a laptop. This can be super handy if you are working with compositing images digitally using a program like Photoshop. There are lots of options, but here is one on Amazon for $10: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Vssoplor-Portable-Computer-Computer-Black/dp/B098S48QWM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=252482BV9KTKM&keywords=portable%2Bmouse&qid=1691523389&sprefix=portable%2Bmouse%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3&th=1
SUPPLY LOCATIONS
« Mike’s Camera: 2500 Pearl St, Boulder https://mikescamera.com/repairs-rentals
« Victory Camera: 2875 28th St, Boulder https://www.victorycamera.com/
« Denver Pro Photo: 8136 South Grant Way, Littleton https://denverprophoto.com/
« Pro Photo Rental: 1644 Conestoga St, Suite 5, Boulder https://www.prophotorental.com/
« B&H Photo (offers EDU discounts): www.bhphoto.com
« Freestyle: www.freestylephoto.biz
« Adorama: www.adorama.com
« And of course, Amazon when all else fails
DEPARTMENTAL RENTALS AND ASSISTANCE
The Visual Resource Center is located on the 3rd floor of the VAC. They provide a very limited number of cameras and lenses for art students to rent/check out. There is an online checkout system: https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/vrc/equipment
In terms of camera equipment available, I recommend either the Canon T6 or the Canon T6i. Canon T6i shoots video as well as photo while the T6 shoots only photo. There are also basic light kits available that consist of two LED lights (not battery operated), as well as backdrops and backdrop stands. Sometimes their website can be a little confusing, so if you have any questions feel free to ask me OR you can contact aahvrc@colorado.edu for questions!
COMMUNICATION AND APPOINTMENTS
Feel free to email me at any time but be aware that I try to have boundaries around the times I check my email. I will likely not answer emails past 7pm or during times I am teaching classes, otherwise you can expect a reply from me within 24-48 hours or by the following business day (Monday – Friday except for holidays). For reference, I am teaching T/TH from 8am-1:30pm and M/W from 3:30-6pm.
I do not hold regular office hours (I do not have an office at the moment ☹), but you can always reach me by setting up an appointment via email! I am also considering adding zoom office hours before our class each M/W, so we can discuss if you all feel this would be helpful!
If you feel you need additional time to ask questions beyond our class time, please feel free to reach out to me about scheduling some time before or after our class time to work together! Zoom is also an available option for those of you who may prefer that!
I aim to keep my communication in the classroom very open, direct, and respectful. I expect the same from you!
STUDENT AND CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
WORKING DAYS:
There will be workdays incorporated into our schedule which are allocated time for you to work on projects/assignments in class. Your attendance on these days is just as crucial as the others as it will be your main time to ask questions related to any issues you encounter while working on projects. This will often function as a space/time for you to brainstorm alone or with your peers, as well as create time for me to check in with each of you about your brainstorming! I love doing brainstorming sessions during class time because when students get stuck it is a lot easier for me to help guide you/give some direction/tips/advice to help you get started! Let me help you!!! That’s what I’m here for!!!
CRITIQUES:
In this class you will all be creating works of art and sharing them with your peers. Each project will culminate in a class critique. This can be a very vulnerable experience because sometimes this means sharing personal experiences, things about who we are, what we care about, our emotions, or our fears. I ask that you all be mindful of that in considering how you communicate with your peers during critiques. Be respectful of your peers by listening to them in critiques, being open to your peers’ opinions, and focusing on giving constructive feedback. If you like or dislike something, tell us why! Tell us what you found meaningful, interesting, or exciting about your peer’s work! I highly encourage and recommend you all find a friend in class to act as your notetaker! It can sometimes be difficult to remain present in critique and also take notes to look back on later. Having notes from your critique is super valuable for making future decisions on work, reflecting on your growth as an artist, and also because its generally really hard to remember everyone’s comments! If everyone in the class agrees about being recorded, students may also elect to voice record their critique comments. **ONLY IF EVERYONE IS OKAY WITH IT AND IS NOTIFIED THEY ARE BEING RECORDED. **
Part of your participation grade will be determined by your respectful engagement in critique. You must attend all critiques on time, and you may not leave early. If you choose to not attend a critique, your project grade will be reduced by 50%. If there is an emergency situation, please let me know in advance if possible or as soon as the situation allows. You and all of your peers will be working really hard on the projects they share this semester, so do them and yourself the courtesy of being present to give or receive feedback. Getting feedback from your peers and your instructor is a core part of growing as an artist and learning what does and does not work for you.
LATE WORK:
Late work will be accepted up to one week past due date, lowered by one letter grade. For example, if a project is due on a Monday, the last day to turn in would be the following Monday. If it is “A” work, it will be a “B.” Please email me if there are any extenuating circumstances.
ATTENDANCE:
Arriving to class late or leaving early repeatedly will negatively impact your final grade. Your attendance will be recorded in canvas as a part of your participation grade. You are allowed up to 3 unpenalized absences in this class. Any other absences will negatively impact your grade.
MISSED MATERIALS/DEMO/LECTURES:
It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any missed materials, lectures or demos. Demos and lectures will not be repeated or recorded. On the occasion of a lecture that takes the form of a PowerPoint presentation, those will be uploaded to canvas only after the lecture has been given in class. This is something I offer to help students with studying materials. Please do not take advantage of this or try to use it as an opportunity to skip out on lectures or demos. I work very hard to make these lectures and demos for you all, so I hope you will let me share them with you.
TECHNOLOGY:
Yes, we will be working with technology as a part of this class, but I do have a few rules regarding the usage of devices in class. Listing to music in headphones is allowed only during specified working day times. I expect you may want to follow along on either a lab computer or a personal device during program demos. However, I will not allow any student to be on any phone, computer, or tablet during video screenings, lectures (PowerPoints or doing demos), or critiques. Basically, any time your attention should be on me, or your fellow classmates will be a time where the utilization of technology is not approved. If you require the use of a device for taking notes during class lectures or demos due to an approved accommodation, I am more than happy to allow that. Texting in class- even on working days- will not be allowed. The scheduled time of this studio course is designed to be a place of deep concentration, attention, and dedication to your creativity and craft. Treat it as such.
I understand there are also emergency situations and conditions in which you might need to answer a phone call or a text, but I ask that you please try to communicate that to me as soon as the situation allows.
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES
I see art making as a space to be free and playful. Many of you have been conditioned to become such little perfectionists in your art practice. While this can sometimes benefit you, eventually it can grow to cause more problems for your practice than you might think. Being so hung up on everything being perfect, looking professional, being so meaningful, being so profound sometimes is the exact thing that stops you from being able to make. It can cause a lot of blocks. SO….. PLAY!!!! I want you all to use this class as a place to experiment. I want you all to remember that college and this class specifically are here to help you grow!! No one here (in my classroom) expects you to be perfect! I want to see you all try new things, be open to what you might find or learn, and keep all of this in mind when communicating with others as well!! Keep your communications with everyone in our class respectful and keep in mind that we are all learning and growing! When you give feedback in critique, feel free to ask, “is this a new technique you tried” or “what did you try to experiment with in your shoot?” Stay curious about how each other are growing and evolving. Sometimes we learn more from watching another person’s progress than we might think.
Many of you will get caught up in some version of this cycle when coming up with ideas for your projects and that is okay!!! We have to learn and unlearn constantly in life! I want you all to feel respected for where you are in your journey, just as I expect you to respect where your peers are in theirs! I have a number of tools I offer to students when they hit roadblocks, and I am always excited to share them! Don’t be afraid to ask! <3
GRADING SCALE
90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 0-59 F
Participation (Attendance, Statements in Crit (3), Participation in discussions) . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
Sketchbook (Reflections, Discussion Notes, Crit Notes, Brainstorming etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15%
Activity #1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40%
Activity #6 (Final Project) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
Quiz (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
Presentations (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
Classroom Behavior
Students and faculty are responsible for maintaining an appropriate learning environment in all instructional settings, whether in person, remote, or online. Failure to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, or political philosophy.
For more information, see the classroom behavior policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Accommodation for Disabilities, Temporary Medical Conditions, and Medical Isolation
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit your accommodation letter from Disability Services to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Disability Services website. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or dsinfo@colorado.edu for further assistance. If you have a temporary medical condition, see Temporary Medical Conditions on the Disability Services website.
If you have a temporary illness, injury or required medical isolation for which you require adjustment, please contact me via canvas or email as soon as possible. I do not need to know the nature of your illness unless you wish to share. Please do not worry about doctors notes, as they will not be necessary and it is against university policy to request them.
Preferred Student Names and Pronouns
CU Boulder recognizes that students' legal information doesn't always align with how they identify. Students may update their preferred names and pronouns via the student portal; those preferred names and pronouns are listed on instructors' class rosters. In the absence of such updates, the name that appears on the class roster is the student's legal name.
I will always address you by the preferred name given to me on your student contract regardless of what name is written on canvas/in the online roster. I will also adjust the roll call sheet to reflect your preferred name after I have reviewed the student contracts.
Honor Code
All students enrolled in a University of Colorado Boulder course are responsible for knowing and adhering to the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code may include but are not limited to: plagiarism (including use of paper writing services or technology [such as essay bots]), cheating, fabrication, lying, bribery, threat, unauthorized access to academic materials, clicker fraud, submitting the same or similar work in more than one course without permission from all course instructors involved, and aiding academic dishonesty. Understanding the course's syllabus is a vital part in adhering to the Honor Code.
All incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution: StudentConduct@colorado.edu. Students found responsible for violating the Honor Code will be assigned resolution outcomes from the Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution as well as be subject to academic sanctions from the faculty member. Visit Honor Code for more information on the academic integrity policy.
Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Harassment and/or Related Retaliation
CU Boulder is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning, working, and living environment. University policy prohibits protected-class discrimination and harassment, sexual misconduct (harassment, exploitation, and assault), intimate partner abuse (dating or domestic violence), stalking, and related retaliation by or against members of our community on- and off-campus. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) addresses these concerns, and individuals who have been subjected to misconduct can contact OIEC at 303-492-2127 or email cureport@colorado.edu. Information about university policies, reporting options, and support resources including confidential services can be found on the OIEC website.
Please know that faculty and graduate instructors must inform OIEC when they are made aware of incidents related to these policies regardless of when or where something occurred. This is to ensure that individuals impacted receive outreach from OIEC about resolution options and support resources. To learn more about reporting and support for a variety of concerns, visit the Don’t Ignore It page.
Religious Accommodations
Campus policy requires faculty to provide reasonable accommodations for students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Please communicate the need for religious accommodation in a timely manner. In this class, please try to communicate about a week in advance when possible.
See the campus policy regarding religious observances for full details.
Mental Health and Wellness
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to the well-being of all students. If you are struggling with personal stressors, mental health or substance use concerns that are impacting academic or daily life, please contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) located in C4C or call (303) 492-2277, 24/7.
Free and unlimited telehealth is also available through Academic Live Care. The Academic Live Care site also provides information about additional wellness services on campus that are available to students.
Your mental health is extremely important to me as your teacher. Please never underestimate how meaningful it can be to reach out and get help when you need it. I will do my best to accommodate and work with all students with any diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions. However, please let me know within the first two weeks of class so that I have an adequate amount of time to make any accommodations. Even if you just have a simple concern, please feel welcome to contact me. We are all just human, and academic life can be incredibly stressful, so please always know you are not alone in that. I will list below some resources for places you can go to get any mental health help you might need. I also recognize that sometimes these resources below are not adequate, so please know that I am willing to help you find help even if that means you need something outside of these resources.
· Health and Wellness Services: http://colorado.edu/health
· CAPS: 303-492-2277 for same-day telehealth sessions -OR- https://colorado.edu/counseling/schedule-appointment
· Students of Concern: 303-492-7348 -OR- SSCM@colorado.edu
· Wardenburg Health Center
o Medical Services: 303-492-5101 -OR- https://colorado.edu/healthcenter/
o Pharmacy: 303-492-8553 -OR- https://colorado.edu/healthcenter/pharmacy
· Office of Victim Assistance: https://colorado.edu/ova/
· Disability Services: https://www.colorado.edu/diabilityservices/