Lighting: Theory & Practice PHTI-UT 1013
This course is an introduction to photographic lighting, one of the most basic and important aspects of photography. We will examine the studio environment, professional practices and location lighting situations. A series of lighting demonstrations and assignments thoroughly acquaints the student with the application and control of electronic flash and natural lighting. Students discover the creative advantages of a variety of lighting equipment, camera controls, synchro-daylight and painting with light. Color theory, color temperature and color correction are taught by utilizing film and digital mediums. Lighting demonstrations incorporated the use of analog cameras and computer-tethered digital cameras. Students may also work in color print form, provided they have a working knowledge of color printing prior to this class. Students may work in any genre, including but not limited to: figure, portrait, still life, fashion. A final creative portfolio is required by the end of the semester. Cameras, lighting equipment, and basic materials are provided. Students are expected to furnish additional film and supplies.
Directed Projects: Advanced Lighting Techniques PHTI-UT 1030.003 (The same as PHTI-UT 1202)
From Gregory Crewdson to David LaChapelle, photographers are making images that are increasingly complex in their production techniques-rivaling those of Hollywood films. This class picks up on the skills students have learned in basic lighting and allows them to develop a body of work that utilizes more complex lighting and production skills. The class begins with a series of demos and assignments designed to challenge and hone the students existing skills and transitions into a directed project of the students choice later in the semester. Students may work on any project/portfolio they choose, from fine art to fashion, with an emphasis on using light consistently throughout the body of work to convey a unified vision. Students are encouraged to have the broad ideas for a project/portfolio before registering for the class. Topics covered will be: Advanced lighting techniques/light shaping, casting talent/crew, production organization, special effects, RAW image conversion, shooting/lighting on location, and special lighting techniques for documentary projects.
Directed Projects: Portraiture PHTI-UT 1030.001
Photographers have used portraiture to reveal a certain beauty or truth within their subject. This course will explore traditional and non-traditional approaches to making a portrait through slide lectures, museum and gallery visits, and relevant readings. Students will focus on the development of a body of work that mines the idea of the portrait. The class will explore issues in portraiture including beauty, identity, truth, and artifice. In addition, demonstrations and discussions will deal with lighting, camera format, and project presentation. The course will address the use of text, video, and other media to expand upon traditional notions of the portrait. Critiques and discussions will focus on improving technique, editing, and developing one’s content. Slide lectures will include photographers from the medium’s rich past as well as contemporary photographers working in portraiture. The class seeks to develop in the student a greater understanding of his/her own image making and the potential of the portrait.
The Headshots for Charity events (Katrina, Haiti and Japan) have been a way to bring several photography classes (Lighting, Portraiture, and Advanced Lighting) together for a community teaching experience as a form of pragmatic idealism. Photography & Imaging students shoot headshots for the Tisch Drama students at a very affordable, below market fee (typically $50-75) while the Photography & Imaging faculty watches and offers on-site tips and criticism. Additionally, the Drama students serve as subjects in a situation that challenges the Photography & Imaging students to produce professional quality work in a situation that mimics the real professional pressures of working with clients. Photography & Imaging faculty Mark Jenkinson, Editha Mesina, and Paul Owen stay for the entire event and all three of them help run the individual stations. Additionally, Photography & Imaging technical staff Mike Berlin, Kar l Peterson, and Edgar Castillo are invaluable on helping with logistics as well as on-site tutorials on Lightroom and Image processing. Photography & Imaging administrative staff Liz Andrews and Irene Cho handle all the contributions and pre-event publicity in collaboration with Tisch Student Affairs. Many other Photography & Imaging students who are not in enrolled in a class also come to help out as camera assistants, digital technicians, and photographers. During these daylong events, three individual studios are set up and 50-60 subjects are photographed in one day. Headshots for Haiti raised $4,000 for relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in 2010.
