PH: Photography
PH 000 — PHOTOGRAPHY
1-3 credit; 1 lab hour
PH 003 — Basic Photography Studio
0 credits; 1 lab hour
For Fine Arts students. Students learn the practical applications of digital camera operations and studio lighting techniques.
Corequisite(s): PH 103.
PH 100 — Photography for Artists
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This is an introductory course for visual arts students on the basics of digital photography. Through lectures, demonstrations, assignments and critiques, students learn proper exposure, dynamic composition, and creative use of camera functions. Students acquire technical skills and develop conceptual and aesthetic approaches to photography. Photographing two and three-dimensional artwork is also covered.
PH 103 — Basic Photography
2 credits; 2 lecture hours
For Fine Arts students. Fundamentals of modern photographic practices including technical principles, aesthetic camera operation, and lighting techniques. Geared to aid the creative efforts of fine artists.
Co-requisite(s): PH 003.
PH 104 — Basic Digital Photography for Visual Design Communication
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
An introduction to the basics of photography from visual, aesthetic and technical viewpoints using camera technique, basic digital photo editing, scanning and printing. Students explore basic studio setups, lighting techniques, model direction and digital image capture.
PH 117 — Principles of Photography Including Darkroom Instruction
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Introduces students to the techniques of black-and-white photography, including basic studio setup, lighting techniques, model direction, and related film exposure as applied to the 35mm camera. Instruction on enlarging techniques and film processing through the use of the darkroom are also covered.
PH 118 — Beginning Digital Photography
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
An introductory course that familiarizes students with the basics of photography from visual, aesthetic, and technical viewpoints. The course explores the differences between conventional, silver-based (analog), and digital photographic tools. Students learn camera technique, the transfer of the image from the camera to the computer, basic scanning, and digital printing. Students are required to possess their own digital (DSLR) cameras.
PH 121 — Large Format Photography
2 credits; 4 lab hours
Basic techniques in professional operation of a large-format view camera as applied to commercial still-life photography. Covers fundamental camera movements, lighting setups, 4x5 film processing, and printing skills.
PH 130 — Lighting I
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students are introduced to the craft of lighting. They explore the qualities of various kinds of light and observe light from a scientific perspective, which informs their aesthetic decisions. This course is taught using digital cameras.
PH 131 — Lighting Principles
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
The student photographer is introduced to the creative practices of lighting for studio and outdoor photography. Use and control of continuous light, natural light, and pre-existing light are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): (for students not majoring in Photography) PH 117
Co-requisite(s): (for students majoring in Photography) PH 112.
PH 132 — Introduction to Light
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course focuses on the observation of light for application to photography. Topics covered include metering, direction, control and modification of ambient light and introduction to studio lighting. Students begin with observations and slowly build their understanding of the nature of light through increasingly complex exercises.
PH 141 — Creative Approaches in Photography
1 credit; 1 lecture hour
This course stimulates students’ creativity through exploration of journaling, brainstorming, and lateral thinking. Guest speakers challenge students to question where ideas originate, and how they can be expanded. They are introduced to a wide range of artists from diverse fields through guest lectures, field trips, and film screenings.
PH 152 — Photography 1: Introduction to Photography
4 credits; 3 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course introduces photography students to the concepts of photography and digital workflow. They learn exposure, composition, and editing, and develop their own aesthetic sense through lectures and by participating in critiques of assigned projects. Students practice with digital cameras and execute guided coursework in the studio and on the computer. They learn appropriate workflows and apply digital best practices.
PH 153 — Photography 2: Photographic Techniques
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course expands students’ technical and visual vocabulary by adding portable flash, tethered capture, and reflective metering. The creative possibilities of light metering, and lens choice are reviewed. Multi-paneled images combining perspectives and shifting focus are explored. Assignments are shot digitally and presented in print and digitally for critiques.
Prerequisite(s): PH 152.
PH 162 — Photographic Styling
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Introduces the elements of photographic styling, stressing both creative sensitivity and technical skills, through lectures and demonstrations. Assignments include fashion, beauty, illustration, tabletop, and food styling.
PH 171 — Digital Darkroom
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course offers an in-depth study of the workflow necessary for the storage, editing, and output of digital photography. Students are introduced to computer-aided tools and techniques that apply to the production and aesthetic concerns of photography in the digital environment.
PH 172 — Photographic Post-Production
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course introduces students to the concepts and methods of post-production, examining the creative and technical processes that take place after photography has been shot. It covers workflow from raw files through prints, discussing standard practices and the reasoning behind them. Non-destructive editing of exposure and color is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): PH 152.
PH 181 — Shooting the Narrative: Visual Storytelling I
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course introduces students to narrative storytelling through visual images. Through screenings and hands-on instruction, students learn to create images with specific narrative outcomes, and their own image-based narratives. Imaging software including iPhoto, Keynote, iMovie, and Quicktime Pro are introduced.
PH 201 — Digital Photography for Accessories and Jewelry
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students learn to light and capture digital images of accessory and jewelry items. They explore lighting techniques for various surfaces and learn to enhance item color, contour, and contrast. A DSLR camera is required and a basic knowledge of an image-editing program such as Adobe Photoshop is strongly suggested.
Prerequisite(s): PH 118, or approval of chairperson.
PH 230 — Lighting II
2.5 credits; 1 lecture and 3 lab hours
Students continue the exploration of light begun in PH 130. They apply techniques learned with continuous lights to strobe lights, the standard lighting tool of the professional photographer. Students explore the unique quality of strobe lights and develop techniques using the monoblock strobe.
Prerequisite(s): PH 130 or PH 132.
PH 231 — Electronic Flash
4 credits; 8 lab hours
Advances photographic skills through the use of electronic lighting equipment and techniques. Small-, medium-, and large-format cameras are used to photograph models and still-life subjects in black-and-white or color mediums. Includes related darkroom procedures.
Prerequisite(s): PH 115.
PH 241 — Foundations of Color
2 credits; 4 lab hours
Exploration of color as it applies to photography. Includes additive and subtractive color mixing, color harmony, lighting for color, light balancing, color correction, film, and digital color reproduction techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PH 112
Co-requisite(s): PH 115.
PH 242 — Advanced Projects and Portfolio Development
4.5 credits; 9 lab hours
The relationship of advanced studio lighting, set preparation techniques, and digital image capture are explored in conjunction with color theories that apply to model and still-life photography for the printed page. Students complete industry-level assignments and personal interest images in the studio and on location. Emphasis is on preparation of an individualized portfolio presentation.
Prerequisite(s): PH 231 and PH 241 or approval of chairperson.
PH 251 — Photography 3: Advanced Photographic Solutions
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course builds on techniques from PH 132 and PH 153, and applies them to advanced photographic projects. Students employ tethered capture, as well as advanced post-production techniques, to execute visions and are encouraged to explore the application of various combinations of techniques for different photographic outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): PH 153.
Co-requisite(s): PH 275.
PH 252 — Photography 4: Project Development
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course is about developing a body of work. Through weekly assignments, students solve conceptual photographic puzzles and practice critiquing and describing photographs. They research contemporary photographers to understand the current photographic landscape. Technical demonstrations advance lighting and post-production skills. Students develop a personal vision and method of making images. Throughout the semester students will be assigned written assignments in response to a reading, lecture or exhibition.
Prerequisite(s): PH 251.
PH 253 — Traditional Photography
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students are introduced to historical photographic tools. They learn to expose and process film and paper, use of large-format cameras, and make pinhole cameras. Students learn a variety of non-silver printing processes such as cyanotype and gum bichromate printing. They are encouraged to experiment and merge older techniques with digital processes.
PH 254 — Ecology and Photography: Sustainable New York (Interdisciplinary)
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
This is an interdisciplinary course cross-listed with SC 254. It is an introduction to field ecology, environmental storytelling, conservation, and wildlife photography and videography. Students are exposed to field trips, lectures, and discussion within some of New York’s parks and habitats. Through exploration and personal observations, applied scientific research methods are translated into a series of still pictures and moving images about environmental issues. (G6: The Arts).
PH 262 — Professional Procedures for the Commercial Photographer
2 credits; 2 lecture hours
An in-depth understanding of owning and operating a small professional photography business is provided. Students learn and practice organizational and career goal planning techniques, assignment pricing structures, the use of standard contracts, maintaining accurate records, and the creation of standard business forms. Emphasis is on understanding copyright law and tax structure, and learning criteria for retaining legal and financial services.
PH 265 — Professional Procedures/Contemporary Trends
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course gives photography students an understanding of the realities of running a small photography business. Students are introduced to the basics of record keeping, budgeting, career and business planning, estimating, billing, contracts and standard business forms. Communicating through email and social media outlets is emphasized. Weekly lessons are reinforced through case studies and guests.
Prerequisite(s): PH 172.
PH 272 — Photoshop I for Photographers
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students engage in a comprehensive study of Adobe Photoshop tools using the Macintosh platform. Methods and management techniques for scanning, creation of selections, layers, color correction, and basic image manipulation are studied.
PH 274 — Photoshop II for Photographers
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students develop an advanced knowledge of layers, channels, curves, image merging, color correction, and color matching in the Adobe Photoshop program. Scanning devices, file formats, and resolution levels are explored.
Prerequisite(s): PH 272.
PH 275 — Digital Media Techniques
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students study tethered digital capture workflow, then move into video capture from a static viewpoint, transitioning still photography skills into videographic methods. This study of the video frame moves on to narrative video and culminates in a rich media project where students use still and moving images to tell a visual story.
Prerequisite(s): PH 172.
PH 281 — Shooting the Narrative: Visual Storytelling II
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students learn the techniques required to create complex, narrative digital films. Using a combination of screenwriting, pre-production, production and editing techniques, they work in groups to complete a short narrative film of their own design from start to finish.
Prerequisite(s): PH 181.
PH 282 — Basic Video Editing
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course is an introduction to non-linear editing in a digital environment. Students learn to use industry standard software to edit capture footage and establish an efficient editing workflow. Basic sound editing and video compositing are also covered.
PH 283 — Framing the Shot
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course is an in-depth study of framing content for film and video art production. Using the frame both visually and conceptually, students construct narrative space using composition, color and light. They explore techniques such as perspective, camera angle, micro/macro view transformation, placement and juxtaposition of subject, and mixing of genres.
Prerequisite(s): PH 282.
PH 284 — Editing Concepts
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students learn to enhance the story and its visual meaning by applying major theories of editing. They analyze editing strategies used for manipulating screen time and space. The philosophies and techniques of montage and continuity editing are addressed, as well as the process of storytelling using parallel and disjunctive editing strategies.
Prerequisite(s): PH 282.
PH 299 — Independent Study in Photography
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design.
PH 306 — Digital Photography for Packaging Design
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students learn to produce professional-quality images for their portfolios. The course focuses on studio tabletop photography, lighting techniques, and use of image-processing and editing software. Problem-solving skills are also acquired by working with a variety of materials used in packaging.
Prerequisite(s): PK 342.
PH 311 — International Photographic Study and Practice
2 credits; 4 lab hours
Employing photo documentary practices, students gain a general understanding of digital photographic principles and a deeper understanding of another culture. Exploring that culture's history with regard to art, fashion, architecture and social mores, students make imagery that has both immediate and lasting value. Through blogging assignments, students learn how to meld text and images to effectively communicate both subjective and objective points of view.
PH 331 — Lighting for Still and Moving Images
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
An in-depth study of the aesthetics, history, and expressive power of lighting, both natural and artificial, as it is used in still photography and the moving image. Camera experience is required.
Prerequisite(s): PH 118 or PH 130 or PH 132 or PH 181 or FI 111.
PH 341 — Digital Craft and the Exhibition
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
Students explore methods for capture, editing, and sequencing groups of digital images as cohesive statements with the aim of producing a photographic exhibition. Through field trips, critiques, and working with a guest art director, students study the signature styles and trends of various photographers.
Prerequisite(s): PH 242.
PH 342 — Advanced Project in Style and Media
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
This course pairs photography and fashion design students to create and produce professional press kits and a short digital documentary interpretation of style and fashion.
Prerequisite(s): PH 371.
PH 351 — Professional Approach to Photojournalism
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students learn how to unite image-making and writing skills to produce newsworthy picture stories. Topics covered include the legal and ethical issues that affect the process of photojournalism as well as the difference between objective and subjective judgments.
Prerequisite(s): PH 274 or approval of chairperson.
PH 352 — Photographic Concepts and Exhibition
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
In this course students produce an exhibition of large-scale prints and explore capture methods from shooting single images to presenting multiple images as a cohesive statements. Themes are surveyed through lectures, class discussions, and web research. Examples of exhibitions and published work are provided and discussed along with presentations and critiques.
Co-requisite(s): PH 373.
PH 353 — New Documentary Practices
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course examines the practice of documentary photography from contemporary and historical contexts as a basis to conceptualize, photograph, and develop projects as an observer of the real world. Topics including defining documentary photography, content and ethics are explored. Various cameras, materials, and presentation strategies and multimedia techniques are considered.
PH 361 — Logistics of Location Photography
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students develop the techniques of location photography, including environmental portraiture, industrial, fashion, and architectural photography for editorial and advertising purposes. Assignments stress image design and are performed with medium- and large-format cameras using digital capture technology, as well as indoor and outdoor lighting techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PH 371.
PH 371 — Retouching/Prepress Solutions for Photographers
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students explore ways to convey their ideas onto the printed page through retouching, editing, and preparing digital files. High-end scanning, RGB to CMYK conversions, digital versus analog proofing, and the differences between photographic, inkjet, and offset printing are also explored from both theoretical and real-world perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): PH 274.
PH 372 — Digital Media Technology I
2 credits; 2 lecture hours
This course provides practical, technical instruction in the use of high-end digital image capture backs coupled with traditional, medium-format camera system hardware. Students explore the concepts and processes required to create photographic imagery using Adobe Photoshop, iMovie, and iDVD programs.
Prerequisite(s): PH 371.
PH 373 — Digital Production Strategies
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course focuses on developing adaptable techniques for large scale digital imagery. It covers masking and compositing techniques, large format digital printing processes, and an introduction to current progressive trends in digital picture making. Students gain knowledge and an appreciation of exhibition-quality photographic objects.
Co-requisite(s): PH 352.
PH 374 — Multimedia Workshop
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
This course combines techniques from PH 275, along with picture-making strategies developed in PH 252 and PH 352 to construct complex, rich media projects. Students study the use of multimedia strategies through reference to the work of masters, discussions of still and moving image concepts, and multimedia storytelling techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PH 352.
PH 404 — Basic Interior Design Photography
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
For baccalaureate-level Interior Design students or those interested in interior photography. A foundation for understanding and achieving control of the photographic medium as it applies to interior and architectural photography is provided. Students learn scale model and flat art photography, use of black-and-white and color films, metering, camera control, lighting, and filtration.
PH 406 — Digital Special Effects and Photographic Retouching
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students enhance their traditional illustration skills in a digital environment. Exploring Adobe Photoshop and its plug-ins for retouching and special aspects, they achieve the technical ability to transform initial creative inspirations into powerful imagery.
Prerequisite(s): IL 324.
PH 451 — Multimedia Concepts
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
Students develop a critical point of view regarding video, electronic, digital, and print media through discussion, viewing, and critiquing published work. Assignments examine the relationship between art and media industries, covering topics that will include advertising, documentaries, the news, personal identity, and media imaging.
Prerequisite(s): PH 372.
PH 461 — Multimedia Portfolio
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
Graduating students assemble a professional-quality, digitally processed electronic and printed portfolio of imagery from thematic work produced during the sixth, seventh, and eighth semesters.
Prerequisite(s): PH 451.
PH 471 — Digital Media Technology II
2 credits; 2 lecture hours
Students study various forms of state-of-the-art lighting techniques used for digital high-end photography. Lighting for the specific commercial areas of still life, portrait/fashion, architecture/interior, jewelry, and corporate/industrial are demonstrated and studied.
Prerequisite(s): PH 371 and PH 372.
PH 472 — Advanced Photography and Video Workshop
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 lab hours
This photographic workshop course provides a laboratory for students in PH 493. Students learn to identify technical and production needs for creating and completing their senior design projects, focusing on creative problem solving. They test ideas while pushing the limits of their technical abilities.
Co-requisite(s): PH 493.
PH 491 — Research for Senior Design Project
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course assists students in developing a thesis proposal for the creation of a multimedia portfolio. Students research a chosen area of study and learn how to effectively plan and organize multimedia projects to be used in their senior design projects.
Prerequisite(s): PH 341 and PH 342.
PH 492 — Senior Design Project
2 credits; 4 lab hours
Students prepare a capstone project resulting from the senior design project research completed in the prior semester. The course culminates in a multimedia presentation to faculty, mentors, and invited professionals and Advisory Board members for critique.
Prerequisite(s): PH 491.
PH 493 — Senior Photography Seminar
4 credits; 2 lecture and 4 lab hours
Students define a concept and develop a production strategy and schedule for a long-term photographic project. Through studio time, critiques, guest curators, and museum and gallery visits, they refine their projects, ultimately presenting to a panel review. They study basic critical theory to position their projects within a cultural context. Research and writing help the student unite their visual media focus with their artistic vision.
Prerequisite(s): PH 374.
Co-requisite(s): PH 472.
PH 494 — Senior Photography Seminar II
4 credits; 2 lecture and 4 lab hours
This course guides students through the final production stages and exhibition of their Senior Project. Through group critiques and individual meetings, students learn to hone in on the salient conceptual and aesthetic features of their projects and design their final exhibition installations accordingly. Visits to local multi-media gallery and museum exhibitions, as well as photographic printers and mounting labs broaden students' understanding of the possibilities involved in exhibiting photography.
Prerequisite(s): PH 493.
PH 499 — Independent Study in Photography
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design.