Inspiration

A meaningful photograph—a successful photograph—does one of several things. It allows or forces, the viewer to see something that he has looked at many times without really seeing: it shows him something he has never previously encountered; or, it raises questions—perhaps ambiguous or unanswerable—that create mysteries, doubts, or uncertainties. In other words, it expands our vision and our thoughts. It extends our horizons. It evokes awe, wonder, amusement, compassion, horror, or any of a thousand responses. It sheds new light on our world, raises questions about our world, or creates its own world. —Bruce Barnbaum

Course Description

This class has been designed as an introduction to some of the technical and conceptual issues surrounding photography as a means for artistic exploration and expression. This class is entirely traditional (not digital) black and white darkroom based. By the end of the quarter, students will have control over their cameras and be processing and printing their own black and white images.

Methodology

The class will consist of digital talks and lectures, quizzes and assignments, demonstrations, lab time—in and out of class, group critiques, and individual meetings.

Attendance

Attendance is taken in the classroom C253 before going into the lab. A late arrival will be considered an absence. You will need to talk with another student to find out what you have missed and get caught up. You may miss 3 classes without penalty, the 4^th absence will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter, and the 5^th absence will result in an F for the class. Please keep track of your absences. It is mandatory to attend critiques and participation is expected both in the lab and during lecture.

Lab Time

It is important to be respectful of other students when working in the lab. Plan on spending from 2 to 4 hours in the lab each week outside of your regular class time. Please come to class prepared with your photographic supplies and camera. You may select one of the small gray lockers outside in the hallway. If you have any technical or lab related questions,

Syllabus, page 2

please feel free to ask the lab tech on duty at that time. Available lab hours will be posted on the white board in the lab.

Lab Safety

Chemicals used in these darkrooms may be hazardous. If you suffer any ill effects, consult your physician immediately and report the matter to me. If you are currently pregnant, or become pregnant, I would discourage you from taking this class.

Grading

These factors will be considered when assigning grades: effort, attitude, participation, attendance, technical accomplishment, and conceptual exploration. Work is due at the beginning of the critique. Late assignments will not be accepted unless we have discussed it prior to the due date. You are expected to hand in projects via a pocket folder with your name on it. You will be expected to keep up with assigned readings.

Final Grade

33.3% quizzes and assignments

33.3% participation and effort—in class, in critique and lecture, in the lab and when photographing.

33.3% final project—must be turned in at the final critique.

Materials

The student will provide a fully adjustable, 35mm, film based camera, film and photo paper. Students should anticipate spending at least $150 per semester on photographic materials not supplied by the college. This does not include the cost of a camera. There are many makes and models to choose from.

Materials are available for purchase at:

Freestyle Photo, (800) 292-6137, www.freestylephoto.biz, Los Angeles.

Seattle:

Glazer’s Camera, 430 8th Ave N., (206) 624-1100

Camera Techs, 2034 NW Market Street, (206) 782-2433

Camera Clinic 518 NE 165^th St, (206) 367-2440

Supplies

Supplies are available through Freestyle Photo.

Go to http://www.freestylephoto.biz/get—sl.php and enter your class code: 62941.

• 12 rolls of Arista Premium black and white, 400 ISO, 36 exposures. Other option: Kodak Tri-X black and white print film, 400 ISO, 36 exposures.

• 100 sheets of Arista Private Reserve, 8x10, semi-matte/pearl. Other option: Ilford Mulitgrade RC paper, pearl. Make sure you don’t open this box unless you are in the

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darkroom. It will ruin the box of paper!

• Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual, 3^rd revised edition by Henry Horenstein.

• Vue All negative saver archival negative sleeve 35 mm, 7 strips of 5 negatives—25 pack. Other option: Print File.

• 3 ring binder or box with rings for negatives, prints, contact sheets and assignments.

• Extra fine black sharpie.

• Pocket folder.

• Hand towel.

• Can of compressed air.

Accommodations

***If you would like to request academic accommodations due to a disability,

please contact The Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in B132, (425) 564-2498 or DisabilitySrv@bellevuecollege.edu.

If you have a letter from the Disability Resource Center indicating you have a disability that requires academic accommodation, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the accommodations you might need for the class.***