Class Notes

Topics: Beginning Digital Photography DMA 102
Tuesday 2:00-4:10 Rm. 516a

Theodore Greer
tgreer@theodoregreer.com
Home phone: 575-829-3090

This course concentrates on raster imaging as it pertains to digital photography. A survey of digital still cameras and other hybrid imaging devices, and the preparing of imagery for Internet or print via color management procedures are included in this course.

Course Objectives:
Students will:

1. Gain a basic understanding of Digital Photography .

2. Gain a basic understanding of color management when printing raster images.

3. Understand the concept of resolution, bit depth, color modes and file formats with raster images.

4. Know how to color correct and set contrast for an image in Adobe Photoshop

Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course students will:

1. Understand the workings of digital cameras and other imaging devices.

2. Know concepts behind color management and different output devices

3. Have at least two color-corrected printed images using the Epson 4000

Topics to be Studied / Class Meeting Outline:
Week:

1. Why Digital? Resolution and Bit Depth, File formats
2. Digital Photography Foundations- How a digital camera works
3. The Digital Darkroom- intro to Photoshop, Color modes
4. Image enhancement (editing and retouching photos)
5. From Capture, to Monitor, To Print
6. Creating a Digital Portfolio (online)--images for the web
7. Using the Epson 4000 for printing

Evaluation Criteria / Assignment Schedule:
Evaluation will be based on the following and weighted as indicated:

70% - Final Project: A printout of your work (at least two) using the Epson 4000 (to be presented orally in class)

20% - Homework

10% - A short quiz on Digital Imaging terms regarding resolution, color management, and printing

Attendance Policy:
Students should limit their absences to 2 per semester. After 2 absences, final grade will be dropped by one letter grade per absence thereafter. Being late to class, by more than 30 minutes, is considered an absence. Please try and be prompt as students entering the classroom late interrupt the lecture.

Make-up in case of absence:
Quizzes: a make-up quiz will be given the following week during/after class (depending on topics to be discussed or reviewed).

Homework: Homework will be checked during break or after class the following week (it is the student’s responsibility to bring their missed homework to my attention).

Final Project: Attendance is mandatory, in case of an EMERGENCY I will meet with the student individually to discuss. If missed, grade for final project will be dropped 2 letter grades.

Extra Credit:
Occasionally extra credit problems will be given. Each extra credit problem will be considered a quiz grade. So, if you received an 80 on one quiz and then hand in an extra credit assignment that you receive a 100 on, your total quiz score will be raised to 90.

Students with Disabilities:
Students should inform the instructor of any special need(s) as soon as possible to ensure that such need(s) is/are met in a timely manner.

Computer Account Policy:
Each student is required to obtain a UNM-LA computer account, available in building #3. Students are responsible for any information e-mailed to them by either the course instructor or by the University and should therefore check their campus e-mail frequently. Students who prefer to use an account other than their campus account may forward all e-mail from their UNM-LA account to their preferred account(s). Students may visit the Computer Center in building #3 for simple instructions on how to forward their campus e-mail.

Cell Phones: Please turn off all cell phones as cell phones interrupt the flow of discussion and lecture in class. If your cell phone should ring (if you forgot to turn it off), please discretely hit the "off" or "ignore" button. If you decide that you are going to answer it, your final grade will be dropped by 1 letter grade... fair warning.