Kellogg Community College

Photography Basics

Subject Area-Art Course # ART 221 Credits 02 Contact Hours 64
Fall 2007, Room D-106 SAT 10:00am-1:50pm
Maureen Mleczewski
Email: mleczewskim@kellogg.edu

Prerequisite: None. However the use of a 35mm or larger format camera with manually adjustable aperture and shutter speeds, artistic creativity, and the diligence to succeed are helpful. (A tripod is strongly recommended.)

Required text: Black & White Photography: A Basic Manual by Henry Horenstein. Third Edition, Revised. ISBN: 0-316-37305-2d

Course description:
This course will give the student basic manual camera skills. The ability to print and develop their own images. A basic understanding of natural light, and how it works. The student will gain a vocabulary for discussing images and art, through several critiques. We will have one lecture on digital scanning in our computer room.

Course Outcomes:
1. Students will evaluate the relationship between creative works and human experience including culture, society and technology.
2. Students will recognize fundamental characteristics of the creative process.
3. Students will exhibit coherent and logical presentation of a photographic idea through discussions, assignments, readings, technology use, and media specific linear thinking.
4. Students will professionally respond, respectful of individual differences, with informed oral criticism to other student’s photographic imagery.
5. Students will write, speak and present professionally about photography and one's own work.
6. Students will identify basic materials, techniques, compositional elements, or principles used in the production of creative works. Including, but not limited to:
7.Technical Skills such as:
• Proficiency with and the application of analog and digital photographic and multimedia imaging skills including a working knowledge of aperture, shutter speed, film, lens and exposure and the photographic equipment common to the medium such as cameras, enlargers, scanners, and presentation equipment.
• Produce, evaluate, and craft prints, (white detail, shadow detail, contrast and framing) from well-developed black and white roll film negatives free of dust/scratches, with proper sharpness and contrast.
• Media specific mathematics involved in basic photography (such as the use of reciprocating numbers).
Creative approach such as:
• Analyze, evaluate, draw conclusions and make decisions based on quantitative and qualitative data.
• Think with originality and articulate critically with oral and written communication in terms of photographic imagery including literal denotations as well as figurative connotations.
• Incorporate fundamental design skills and concepts including drawing, perspective, color and layout in the creation of photographic and multimedia based art.
Professionalism such as:
• Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of non-verbal communication behaviors.
• Practice professionally including oral communication with relevant dialect related to art and the photographic medium, time management, report writing and presentation skills such as, print re-touching, matting/mounting, and archival finishing.
• Integrate knowledge if cultural, social and/or economic perspectives relating to citizenship in the global community.
• Analyze the behaviors of a community, its leadership, and the individuals that influence individual and community wellness.
• Demonstrate critical linear and self-motivated learning abilities to determine the best solutions to difficult creative, technical, or professional issues.
Aesthetics such as:
• Interpret the overall content and aesthetics of creative works.
• Familiarity with the visual structure of photographic images (lighting design, creativity).
• Refine personal working photographic medium sensibilities.
Methods of Instruction:
Lectures, demonstrations, reading assignments, fieldtrips, slide presentations, critique sessions, individual meetings, and oral presentations.
Methods of Evaluation: Exams, homework, reports, papers, oral reports, classroom, discussion, quizzes, selfassessment, and group critique sessions.

Evaluation Criteria:
A = Superior B = Above Average C = Average
D = Below Average F = Failure
(There is + and - for each grade. The highest final transcript grade at KCC is A.)
The main focus of this class is on developing creative individuals, giving you confidence in yourself and your
abilities while trying not to force you into some kind of mold; on the contrary, this course is meant to help you to
escape these molds. Photography is not a required class for everyone, learning photography is fun but you must be
committed for time and patience. This course is not an easy elective, it will stress the ability to create exceptional
works of art, to reason well and carefully, to comprehend complex issues and problems, to collect and use evidence,
to problem-solve, and to do whatever the most accomplished practitioners and artists in the field might do outside of
this class. The decision to take this class is the decision to attend every class session. Equally, each session includes
my commitment to make every class worth attending. I will do everything possible to help you learn and develop
your abilities, but you must decide if you want to engage in this experience. If you do decide to join this enterprise,
you have responsibilities to everyone else in this community of learners and there are some things you must resolve
to do to make it worthwhile for yourself and this community. You will need to schedule a minimum of 4~6 outside
class lab hours per week for taking photographs, reading the text and artist books, processing film, printing
photographs, matting images, and helping others. If you are excited to spend time in the darkroom printing,
participating, and taking well-composed images, you will have a wonderful time. Making excuses for time, $$, or any
personal problems is just that; making excuses and will solve nothing. Everyone will have personal problems and
difficult times; those who take these challenges as an opportunity to rise higher will receive the fruits of self-respect
and accomplishment. Ultimately, what you bring to this class is yourself and your desire to participate, and what you
do in here depends finally upon that. The choice is yours, nobody is forcing you to take this class or get an education.
I want to help you, not control you, while giving you the confidence to do well.

Portfolio required: 10 or more well matted images. The final project must demonstrate all the skills you
have learned in this class. We will finish the semester with a final group critique and potluck party.

Attendance:
Subtract 10% from semester grade percentage total for each absence beyond 2. If you accumulate more than four (4)
absences you may be dropped from the course. If you reach four absences in the semester a warning for excessive
absences will be directed to Student Support Services. If you reach six (6) absences, I will request that the
administration remove you from the course. To avoid being dropped, you must contact me within two days of
accumulating your 6th absence. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on material missed due to absence and/or
tardiness (students who miss more than 10 minutes of class by arriving late or departing early will be considered
absent).

The Photo Lab Registry Sign-in Book must be signed each time you work in the lab. Outside lab attendance
will be tracked via this signature.

Grading standards:
Students are expected to complete all assignments on time and to a level of quality expected of a successful KCC
student. Work turned in up to one week past due date is marked down one letter grade; work turned in past this one
week period will be considered an “F”.

Incomplete:
A grade of incomplete may be granted to students who have suffered serious illness during the academic term,
resulting in failure to complete all assignments by the end of the semester. Appropriate physician documentation is
required with petition for incomplete; see university attendance rules and regulations.

Conferences:
Time will be allotted for students to schedule at least one conference during the semester, preferably around midterm
and/or finals. Students are encouraged to use office hours or any available time outside class for additional help or
guidance.

Equipment requirements:
A variety of black and white films, papers, and chemistry are required. See distributed Materials List. It is strongly
recommended that all students own a sturdy tripod; students who are intent on photography as their area of focus
should also consider a hand-held light meter. (College equipment is not available for exclusive semester use)

Class Conduct and Participation:
Class participation is required. We will follow the established KCC policies regarding conduct, sexual harassment,
and nonsexist language, for further info please see the KCC course catalog. Students are expected to create an
atmosphere of respect. No name calling, interrupting, foul language, or horseplay is allowed. Come on time and
prepared with an open attitude that is professional and shows that you are ready to learn.

Safety:
It is expected that students will read and become familiar with the established KCC Photo Facilities Lab Policies and
all relevant Material Data Safety Sheets

Classroom building and evacuation information:
It is important that the student familiarize oneself with fire extinguisher locations and the most appropriate
route to emergency exits in the classroom building. Emergency exits and procedures are indicated on the
charts posted in classrooms, hallways, etc. Should a drill or emergency occur that would require evacuation,
the class is to meet in a predetermined location away from the building. Attendance will be taken in an effort
to account for all students.

Kellogg Community College Academic Integrity Statement:
The Kellogg Community College policy on Academic Integrity is spelled out in the Student Handbook. If it is
suspected that you are cheating, fabricating, facilitating academic dishonesty, or plagiarizing, there may be serious
consequences. The incident will be documented and may be reported to the academic chair and/or program director
for possible disciplinary actions up to and including course, program, or college expulsion.
Students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, staff, and students. Any work that is not the
current product of the student’s own efforts is considered dishonest and plagiarism and will not be tolerated.
The same work may not be submitted in more than one class. Students may be expelled for academic
dishonesty.

Kellogg Community College Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Statement:
Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of
disability. KCC is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS must be on mute during class. If you must take or return an emergency call,
please go out in the hall to do so.
CHILDREN CANNOT attend class. Childcare services may be available in the evening at the Battle Creek campus
through Kid’s Campus, call (616) 969-6270 for more information.
DRINKS AND SNACKS, not complete meals, may be brought into the classroom. Please show respect for your
classmates when it is necessary to eat during class time.

NO FOOD ALLOWED WITHIN THE LAB AREA.

Instructor Syllabus Rights Statement:
Information contained in this syllabus was to the best knowledge of the instructor considered correct and complete
when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract
with Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between the instructor and any student. The instructor
reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg Community College, to make changes in the
course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.

OTHER SCHOOL INFORMATION:
The Learning Place
The Learning Place is a no charge program that provides students with opportunities to develop the skills they need to
be successful in college. Our professional staff is here to assist students in becoming competent, motivated, and selfdirected
learners. We can help students develop skills in reading, writing, science, mathematics, computer basics,
study skills, and many other subject areas. Located in the Ohm Information Technology Center, Upper Level, Rooms
206 & 207. Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday thru Thursday, and 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday. Stop by The
Learning Place, or call (269) 965-3931, ext. 2296, for more information.
Tuition Refund maybe granted up until a specific time. (See Student Handbook)
Course withdrawal, administrative withdrawal, and change to\from audit status are allowed before 7/8th of the course
duration. (see Student Handbook). More detailed information available from
HREF="http://www.kellogg.cc.mi.us/customer/index.html"§ MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor Customer Service.
Students registered for this class have access to the web/Internet, and an e-mail account is available. See the KCC
Academic Catalog 2006.2007 (page 16) for procedures.
The HREF="http://www.kellogg.edu/library/index.html"§ MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor Library is available
for all the students taking this class. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a participant in the On-line Library
Computer Center and Interlibrary Loan Programs to obtain information that the college does not own. Students also
can use the materials in other Michigan libraries by participating in the Michigan Card Library Access Program
available at the LRC.
Student ID cards can be obtained at Customer Service to be used at many school facilities.
Dean's List: Full time students who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in each session will be
recognized as 3.50 - 3.89 High Honors, 3.9 - 4.00 Highest Honors.
For information on KCC's Academic Excellence Award, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Federal Programs, State of
Michigan Programs, Honors Program and College Employment Program please see the Academic Catalog
2006.2007.
mleczewskim@kellogg.edu
I answer ALL e-mails, if you don't hear from me: re-send the e-mail! Contact the Photo office if I don't
respond a 2nd time, or for any last minute messages (to be put in my mailbox).
OFFICE# 965-3931 (ext: 2554)
Ed Williams (para-pro) 965-3931 (ext: 2583)

Materials List
Supplies, film processing, or digital printing fees may be required. This supply list will be distributed during the first
class. All black & white darkroom chemicals and the first 5 sheets of 8X10" RC papers (for your initial printing experience)
are provided. You will have access to photographic equipment including a 35mm SLR camera and a locker. I recommend
sharing the locker with a partner. The following list of supplies will get you started. Some supplies will need to be repurchased
as needed during the semester. The class can put together a group bulk mail order to reduce costs and inconvenience.

There are many brands to choose from, I have listed only a few:

1. Black & White Film - 3 rolls of one of the following brands should get you started
WARNING: do not buy Kodak ‘Select Black and White’ film or any film that says ‘process C-41’;
these are not true black and white films and will not work for this class!!!
• Ilford HP5, ISO 400, 36 exposure rolls
• Ilford Delta, ISO 400, 36 exposure rolls.
• Kodak Tri-X, ISO 400, 36 exposure rolls
• Kodak T-Max, ISO 400, 36 exposure rolls

2. Choice of RC Photographic Paper
• Ilford Multigrade IV RC deluxe Paper, 8” x 10”,
Pearl surface Packed in 25, 100, or 250 sheet packs.
• Forte, Polygrade V Neutral RC Paper, 8” x 10”. semi-matte. 100 sheets
• Arista variable contrast RC Paper, 8” x 10”. Packed in 25, 100, or 250 sheet
packs.

3. 18% Gray Card: Used for camera light-metering

4. Towel, to tuck into your belt or pocket for use during film/print processing. This is a must!!!!

5. Plastic Workbox or Negative Safekeeper: for keeping your negatives and prints in.

6. Plastic storage pages
35mm negative 7 strips of 5 negatives
8” x 10” clear plastic print storage pages.

8 1/2 “ x 11” Clear plastic pages, 3-ring punched to store handouts in your binder.

9. Pencil, and a extra or ultra fine point Sharpie marker to keep in your negative storage binder.

10. Dust remover: canned compressed air blower gun or Air Blaster (Giottos)

Materials needed for finals:
Presentation materials:
Archival Mat/Mounting Board
4-ply 14 x 18 Bright White pre-cut Museum mat board for matting and mounting your photos.
(Calumet# LJ7130) Light Impressions #3507 (price goes down w/ quantity)
Archival Clamshell/Portfolio folder, a 14” x 18”x3” folder constructed of hard archival
materials to store and present your final portfolio in. I will also show you how to build your own!
Light Impressions # 2026

USEFUL LOCAL ADDRESSES:
Ritz Camera Norman Camera & Video
5775 Beckley Rd Suite 335 3602 S. Westnedge Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49015 Kalamazoo, MI 49008
979 9709 800-900-6676
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 9am-6pm
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-7pm
USEFUL MAIL ORDER INFO:
Calumet Photographics (Chicago) Freestyle School Photo Supplies (Hollywood, Ca.)
www.calumetphoto.com www.freestylephoto.biz
1-888-367-2781 1-888-205-8177
Light Impressions (Brea, Ca) American Frame
www.lightimpressionsdirect.com www.americanframe.com
1-800-828-6216 1-800- 628-3833
Presentation Supplies BULK ORDER:
Remember it is usually cheaper to mail order supplies as a bulk order! You may use this form for that purpose.
Light Impressions offers a 15% discount when you call the listed number (Larry Proctor).
However, be sure to price shop, as even with the 15% discount sometimes the shipping charges from California cost more than the savings. Other
sources are Calumet and the KCC bookstore. The bookstore sells full size sheets (32”x40”) of the same matboard only.
Be sure to mail order early because shipping will take up to 2 weeks (or more). At time of ordering ask to make sure items are not back-ordered!
Contact:
Light Impressions; Larry Proctor 1 800 411 7038 ext 2263 discount code # B8222 (15% discount)
1 per person: Tan Drop-Front Black Archival Box 14 X 18x3 $16.95 item
Light Impressions #2026
1 per person 14x18 4-ply Museum Matboard (25) Bright White $56.95
Light Impressions #3507 (price goes down w/ quantity) Calumet #7130
$8.00 a person for shipping!
TOTAL EACH PERSON
Grand Total:

Photography Basics Class Schedule
Spring 2007 T 6:00 PM - 09:20 PM 01/23/2006-05/01/2006
(content, dates, & times subject to change)

Week 1 September
Lecture: Introduction/orientation/supplies
Sept 8th Lecture: photography

Week 2
Sept 15 BRING YOUR CAMERA TO CLASS!
Lecture: Lenses, light, camera, and film
Lecture/Demo: Basic Camera - exposure/metering/gray card
Assignment: read chapters 6, 9, 10 (112 pages)
Assignment: project # 1: shoot 1 roll “LIGHT”

Week 3
Sept 22 Lecture/demo: film processing/contact printing
Assignment: read chapters 7, 8 (30 pages)

Week 4
Sept 29 Supervised Lab Day 'LEARNING TO PRINT'– use this time to print,
DO NOT PROCESS FILM!
REVIEW Contact sheets for assignment

Week 5 October
Oct 6 CRITIQUE: project #1
Assignment: Project #2

Week 6
Oct 13 DUE: BOOK REVIEWS – bring a photographic artist book and be
prepared to talk about it in front of the class; hand in a 1-page
type-written critical review.
Lecture:TBA

Week 7
Oct 20 Supervised Lab Day – use this time to print, DO NOT PROCESS FILM!
REVIEW Contact sheets for assignment

Oct 27 CRITIQUE: project #2
Assignment: Project #3 Due: April 10th
MID-SEMESTER EXAM
Assignment: read chapter 12 (18 pages)

Week 9 NOVEMBER
Nov 3 Lecture: Presentation

Week 10
Nov 10 Assignment: Final Project
You must check in with me each week to look at final project progress
Supervised Lab Day – use this time to print, DO NOT PROCESS FILM!

Week 11
Nov 17 TBA

Week 12
Nov 24 Thanksgiving Break: No class!

Week 13 DECEMBER
Dec 1 WORK IN PROGRESS CRIT –bring prints & contact sheets

Week 14
Dec 8 Supervised Lab Day
REVIEW Contact sheets for assignment

Week 15
Dec 15 Final Critique Presentations & Closing Reception