Studio Lighting Syllabus • PHT 251A
Winter/Spring 2010 January 14 thru April 22 2010
Thursday 6-9:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Richard Kelly, Instructor
E-mail: Richard@richardkelly.com
mobile: 412-370-0582
Objective: This course provides a working knowledge of studio lighting equipment and techniques.
Students will create photographs using artificial light- using available ambient light, “hot” lights and electronic flash units. Students will be required to test out on various pieces of lighting equipment before checking them out of the equipment office for assignments. Assignments will include table-top/still life and portraiture. Students can use/any professional, quality format cameras to complete assignments. 4x5 & medium cameras are available to all studio lighting students through the equipment office.
We will be discussing both film and digital capture devices in this class. You may use either as long as the results are of professional quality. There will be no Photo/Digital lab time included during class meeting. During class we will be using a D-SLR digital cameras for demos. To successfully complete assignments students, will be required to provide their own materials (which may include film, paper, film, processing, ink or lab charges, these are not included in the class time or fee’s) and props and to spend time outside of class working on assignments. The class may visit off-campus galleries and museums; we may invite photographers for special presentations.
Performance Outcomes:
Understanding and the proper use studio flash, hot lights, flash meters, studio equipment.
Proper metering techniques and exposure controls
Proper care and safety of using of studio & lighting equipment
Use of light modifiers including reflectors and diffusion devices,
Lighting ratios, color and white balance
Collaboration and assisting other students on assignments
Understanding of lighting techniques and concepts
Recognize various stylistic schools of photography and the work of historical and contemporary photographers
Text:
Photographic Lighting Essential Skills by John Child & Mark Galer 4th Edition Focal Press.
as well as PDF handouts and web resources provided throughout the semester.
Blog: http://rkstudiolighting.blogspot.com/
Grading:
You will be graded on the following criteria:
- Visual acuity
- Understanding of vocabulary terms: verbal and visual.
- Understanding of digital camera controls
- Ability to learn and explore digital processing and workflow.
- Ability and willingness to explore visual creativity.
- Ability to create and discuss a finished portfolio of prints.
- See assignments below for percentage of grade.
A = Superior work in all areas
A- = Superior work in most areas
B+ = Good work in most areas
B = Good work in many areas
B- = Good work in several areas
C+ = Fair work, needs improvement in some areas
C = Fair work, needs improvement in many areas
C- = Fair work, needs improvement in most areas
D = Poor work
F = Failure, course objectives have not been realized
Plagiarism and cheating:
All work completed for class assignments must be the student’s creation. Cheating on an exam, turning in assignments for more than one class, or work that is not of your own creation is considered plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Any student who does not turn in any assignments or a final portfolio presentation will receive an F for the course. Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive an F for the course.
Class rules: Please, no use of cell phones in class. Please arrive on time, if you are going to be late to class please e-mail the instructor in advance.
Class topics/assignments schedule:
The content and order of this syllabus is subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor in case of absence.
T.A. Sessions & studio / lab:
In addition to the Thursday Evening class session, students are required to attend 10 (per semester) contact hours with the Photography Teaching Assistant. Including small-group hands-on practice with studio photographic lights, the medium format camera, open studio and lab sessions that will make trained personal available to work with students. Exact times for hands on sessions and T.A. open studio / labs will be posted the second week of class. There will be a sign-in book at the in-house equipment office to log in your hours and to have the T.A. sign off. No student will be allowed to check out a piece of equipment until they have been tested in class with the instructor or attended a T.A. session for that type of equipment.
Recommended Equipment and or Materials:
Camera (any format film or digital). Flash meter (note the PF Equipment office has 4x5, medium format cameras and flash meters for use in the class.) Gels and Diffusion materials (class may want to purchase as a group. Various backgrounds, reflector cards, props and surfaces. An artist journal / lighting notebook. Folder or portfolio for assignments.
Photo Assignments: : A list of assignments (film or photo projects, papers, exams, etc) spelling out what is required and expected for each assignment.
2 examples of observed light in life or in some printed or online medium. Resources may include books, magazines, or online printouts. (assigned 1/14) due on 1/21 (extra credit 5%)
2 prints minimum size 5x7, presented of two different lighting setups of a solid object still life using one primary light source. (assigned 2/11) due on 2/25. (5%)
2 prints, minimum size 5x7, presented of two different lighting setups of a transparent object still life using at least one primary light source. (assigned 2/18) due on 3/11. (5%)
2 prints, minimum size 5x7, presented of two different lighting setups of a portrait in their environment using at one primary light source. (assigned 2/25) due on 4/1. (10%)
2 prints, minimum size 5x7 presented of two different lighting setups of a portrait in studio using at one primary light source and a white background. (assigned 3/25) due on 4/15. (10%)
Final Portfolio of a Minimum 8 finished prints, minimum size 5x7, with a theme and consistency of techniques or approached that was discussed in class. Studio Lights must be used in at least three of the final images presented. (Assigned 4/1 ) Due on 4/22 (50%)
Quiz on material covered in class and in reading assignments. (4/8/10) (5%)
Attendance and Class Participation: (15%)
* At least two of these assignments and the final project must use the studio flash equipment.. All students will be tested on the studio lighting equipment before being allowed to check it out the equipment office.
Class #1: (1/14/10)
Orientation & Facility Tour
Intro to Light
Lecture:
- Introduction to class, syllabus, equipment and materials
- Introduction to light
- Camera Settings
- Color profiles, white balance
- Shutter sync speeds
- What is a flashmeter
- Build a list of subjects to cover in class
Assignment:
Assignment due 1/21 NEXT WEEK! 2 examples of observed light real world or printed samples. Bring next week any camera or handheld meter you plan to use in class.
Reading Assignment: pages 9-58
Class #2: (1/21/10)
Lighting One on One + Flash meter & Exposure
Critique: 2 examples of observed light real world or printed samples.
- Lecture: Review Assignment 2 examples of observed light
- Flash Meter calibration with Camera, film or sensor
- Gray Card
- White Balance
- Color of Light / Kelvin Temps and color gels
- Reflectors
- Demo: Using one light and a flash meter
Assignment: No Assignment
Reading Assignment: pags 75-104, 145-152
Class #3: (1/28/10)
REVIEW & FLASH SYSTEMS
TESTING (ONE on ONE)
STUDIO TIME 1
Assignment: No Assignment
Reading Assignment: 153-163 & 61-72
Class #4: (2/4/10)
Still Life • Solid Object
Lecture
- Review:
- Metering - Key and Fill Light
- Metering Ratios
- Qualities of Light / Contrast
STUDIO TIME 2
Assignment: Due 2/25/10
2 prints presented of two different lighting setups of a solid object still life using one primary light source.
Class #5: (2/11/10)
Painting with Light
Assignment: No Assignment
Reading Assignment: 129-143
Class #6: (2/18/10)
Still Life • Transparent Object
Lecture
- Review:
- Qualities of Light / Color
STUDIO TIME 3
Assignment: Due 3/25/10
2 prints presented of two different lighting setups of a transparent object still life may use multiple sources.
Reading Assignment: 109-127
Class #7: (2/25/10)
Environmental Portrait
CRITIQUE: STILL LIFE SOLID
Assignment: Due 4/1/10
2 prints presented of two different lighting setups of a portrait of a person in their environment using at least one primary light source.
Class #8: (3/4/10)
FIELD TRIP • DIGITAL STUDIO (T.B.D.)
SPRING BREAK (3/11/10
Class #9: (3/18/10)
Guest Lecturer - TBD
Class #10: (3/25/10)
CRITIQUE: STILL LIFE TRANSPARENCY
Assignment: No Assignment
Portrait White Background
Lecture
- Lighting a background
- Using ratios to control background to foreground lights
STUDIO TIME 4
Assignment: Due 4/15/10
2 prints presented of two different lighting setups of a portrait of a person with a white background, using techniques discussed in class.
Class #11: (4/1/10)
Projects:
Assignment: Due 4/22/10
Final Project of Final Portfolio of a Minimum 8 finished prints with a theme and consistency of techniques or approached that was discussed in class. Studio Lights must be used in at least three of the final images presented.
Class #12: (4/8/10)
Quiz
Hot Shoe Flash Photography
Lecture
- Fill - Flash
- Synchro – Strobe
Assignment: No Assignment
Class #13: (4/15/10)
Business of Photography
CRITIQUE: Portrait White Background
Assignment: No Assignment
Class #14 (4/22/10)
CRITIQUE: Final Project
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