Photo I: A Seven Week Class

Curriculum

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Class Schedule

Once a week for class and once a week for computer lab.

Week 1

This first class is free to all prospective students. It is free to allow someone to evaluate whether they have the time and financial resources to continue with the class, without spending any money first. All of the classes require students to take notes in the provided notebook. You may use your own notebook if you wish but you will still have to take your own notes. (Men, we will not allow your wife or girlfriend to take notes for you and we ask you to put the seat down when you're finished in the bathroom.)
In your first class, you'll learn about the "program", and hear the first of three lectures on proper exposure. At the start of class we will set up your Digital Cameras to the settings we think are suitable for the class. You will also get your first shooting assignment. Some of our classes, including the first class, may run to 10 PM. We will do our best on most evenings to complete the class by 9-9:30 PM, depending on the size of the class.

Week 2

Payment is due at the beginning of the second class –- checks or money orders, payable to Chicago Photography Classes and of course cash is always accepted. You'll also schedule your five digital lab sessions (see below), so bring your personal calendar or date book. You will receive the second of three lectures on exposure. We'll emphasize shutter speeds and you will be given an assignment that focuses on using shutter speeds. You will also learn how to burn a DVD, if don't already know how to do so.

How to sign up for Digital Photo I Lab time: When you come to class, there will be someone to help the class choose lab times, please be prepared with three lab time choices. There will be "weekday evening" and "weekend" choices. Lab sessions last for about three hours and have one teacher for every 5 students. We prefer that you attend the same Lab 5 weeks in a row.

Please Note I: People with child care responsibilities receive first choice. People who have to work get second choice. Everyone else are on there own. All disputes are settled, if necessary, using the "rock, paper, scissors" corollary

Please Note II: The Photo I Computer Lab and Film Darkroom are located on the Ground Floor of 4001 Ravenswood, take the stairway located behind the front elevator, down to the Lab or Darkroom.

Please Note III: In your first Lab you will make contact sheets from the assignment given to you at the first class, "Follow Rule # 1" - 48 shots.

Week 3

We will review the "proof sheets" you made in your first lab.You will hear the third lecture on exposure, with emphasis on depth of field, and be given an assignment that helps you explore the principles of depth-of-field.

Week 4

We will review the "proof sheets" from the Shutter Speed assignment at the start of class. Then this class explores the subtleties of exposure meters and photo composition and includes our first share/critique session. You will also receive two "shooting" assignments for the week, "three people interacting" and "24 different angles of to sculptures". For some people this assignment is very difficult because we do not want you to "pose" people. If you do not want to learn how to photograph people then this course may not be for you.

Week 5

Class will start with a review of the proof sheets of the depth-of-field assignment and than a photo share/critique. Then you'll hear the first of three lectures on the psychological relationship between the photographer and subject. The shooting assignment this week creates interdependence among class members; you'll work with two of your fellow students to complete it

If for some reason you are not able to attend this class than you will not be allowed to participate in this assignment. If you will not be able to attend the 7th class you will also not be all allowed to participate.No Exceptions!

Week 6

When this class begins, if you were unable to make two sets of "proof"sheets, you will give your digital negative files of the photos you took for the Week 5 assignment. We will make proof sheets for you while you are in class. You'll learn more about the psychological relationship between the photographer and subject and we'll have a share/critique session of "24 different angles". You will also get your print (lab) assignment for the 7th week.

Week 7

This class is devoted to an extensive share/critique of the photographs you took of another student and the ones that were taken of you. You'll also hear the final lecture on the psychological relationship between the photographer and subject. The success of this session depends on each student fully completing the assignment and coming to class ready to participate in the critique. There will also be a discussion about Photo II and other classes you may wish to attend.

Some Additional Thoughts

The curriculum described above is just that – a curriculum. It can't begin to share with you what really happens as you move through the seven week session. You'll learn to understand your camera better – all of the buttons, knobs and attachments that seemed so intimidating when you signed up for Photo I, will start to make sense to you. You'll have a collection of digital files that you'll know how to turn into finished images to show and share with others. Photo I is designed to provide you with a solid and stable platform for you to continue your life long learning about photography. After more than forty years I am still curious and engaged and learning about photography and image making and communicating through my work. It's unlikely that one seven week class can teach you everything about anything (one place in town thinks they can teach it in 4 weeks, LOL). This class is just what someone needs to achieve sustained learning. When you complete Photo I you will have all of the information necessary to continue your journey from solid ground. After completing Photo I you are entitled to call Richard with questions the rest of his life, and our promise is that Laughter Will Have Been Heard & Learning Will Have Occurred - or your money back ;-)