Assignments

syllabus

readings

Szucs Home

I expect assignments and readings to be done on time. We will be looking and talking about work on a weekly basis and if work is not brought in, you will miss the benefit of a class evaluation. If for some reason you are not able to completely finish work, I will expect the “work in progress” to be brought in. NEVER miss a critique for lack of work - I expect everyone to be to class regardless of the status of their own work.
For every assignment, I expect you to write a paragraph of self-evaluation that should help you to prepare for class critique. Within this summary you should address the following issues:

• what did you learn;
• what are the strengths of the project;
• what could you have worked harder at;
• what changes would you make if doing it again.

An A student will be shooting at least two rolls a week, not just for assignments. I will ask to see contact sheets, but you should be bringing them to me as well. Bring all your negatives and contacts, and come prepared to print every class.

#1 Naming Light

due week 5

#3 Self-Portrait

due week 11

#4 Funky Image

due week 13

Final Project

You will create a final porfolio consisting of 10 images that demonstrate an understanding of the techniques we have explored this semester. You will also produce and present a statement describing self evaluation of progress made in class

• You may choose your images from, but are not limited to, the best of what you have made this semester.
• All images must be reprinted to the best of your ability:
• They should be free of dust and spots, free of water spots and scratches.
• They should be printed in the classical style, with bright highlights with detail, full midtones and deep shadows with detail.
• They should be printed using filters with an attempt to bring out the most appropriate contrast level for the individual image.
• They will be mounted (matting is optional) and spot toned as necessary.
• You may print some or all of them larger.
• You may choose negatives that you have not yet printed.

Some of you might decide to do more shooting and frankly I would suggest that all of you shoot at least 3 rolls of film so that you do not limit yourself to what may be inferior negatives. A good way to go about this is to look at what you have done and evaluate what you might be most interested in to focus on to explore further. This also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your accomplishment with the camera and compositional tools.

Final crits:

week 15

Crit dates will be assignmed by lottery.

WebX & Email

You will be expected to participate in online discussions via WebX with both readings and images. You will be expected to discuss your own ideas and to respond to other's postings.We will discuss the logistics of this in class. You will be evaluated on the quality not only the quantity of your participation.

All communication about this class will take place via email - please know how to use your UMD email address, check in often and allow at least 24 hours for an email response (48 on the weekend).

due dates will be ongoing and discussed in class.

Classroom participation

Critiques

You will be expected to participate in class by being in class, being vocal during discussions and being active in presenting work and criticizing work. It is expected that everyone talk at least once about each person's work during crits and has at least one thing to contribute regarding readings or what ever subject matter is being presented. A strong discussion is comprised of varied viewpoints and tolerance for eachother's opinions. A useful crit will investigate both the strength's and weaknesses of an individual's work. Again, you will be evaluated on the quality of your participation.

Critiquing means that we talk about both the successes and failures in work. We will always attempt to contructively criticize work, however, you should try not to take anyone's comments personally. Critiquing in class is about trying to help you become a more successful photographer, not a better person!

Lack of participation can often mean the difference between an A and B student.

Attendance

Attendance is considered as an aspect of class participation. You will be expected to be in class and on time every day. An exception to this are certain open lab days. Please check in prior to missing a lab day to ensure there is no demo rescheduled for that day. Keep in mind that you are only guaranteed lab time and contact time during class lab time and that being in lab during class time will reflect on your participation.

Demos will happen only once, so you should be advised to not miss those classes. It will be your responsibility to catch up on any information that is missed in class.

Review of Artist Lectures

due date TBA

Grades

• To earn an A in this course means going above and beyond the requirements both technically and creatively.
• B is above average work – demonstrating a thorough understanding of the assignments and a higher level of creativity.
• C is average work, fulfilling the basic requirements and demonstrating competency with the work.
• D is work that does not fulfill the basics and we won’t even talk about F, cause none of you will go there, right?

Photography is fun, but this is college, so you will be graded at a University level.
I grade according to individual effort, how well the requirements have been fulfilled, and the level of creativity demonstrated. Here is an approximate breakdown of the guidelines I use:

Assignments and final index: 50%
Participation, research paper and attendance: 25%
Midterm and Final exam: 25%

If you have concerns or questions about your grades, please email or visit me in my office.

Materials & Expenses

Two things you should know about this course - Time and Money

• Unfortunately, this is an expensive class. To set up with supplies can cost $200 - if you don’t have a camera already, it is going to be more. I have known students to have spent $1000. I try to keep it as cheap as possible, but please let me know immediately if you foresee a problem.
• Your time is something else. Expect to spend at least 6 hours a week outside of class to complete projects on top of lab time.

Required Text:

Photography by Henry Horenstein - available in the bookstore and on reserve in the library

We will also be reading articles related to class lectures.

What you can expect from me:

My goal is to help guide you through your discovery of the photographic process and to help you to establish a firm grasp on that technique. I will be here for you to bounce your ideas off of, to lead critiques and to promote a high level of conversation regarding class work. However, I don’t presume to have all the answers you will need. I am a touchstone, someone to help guide you to the next step, someone who is enthusiastic in her own work and terrifically enthusiastic about photography and art. Don’t try to please me, try to please yourself. If you follow your own fascination, your enthusiasm for your subject will be infectious. As your teacher, I will be looking to see how you push yourself to look at the world in creative ways. I am here to challenge you, and in that regard I am honest and hard, but ultimately, I want the best for all my students and will try to provide individual as well as group guidance.

Obviously, one course cannot be all things to all people, so you might have some disgruntlement or some concerns with the process. Please remember that I am always happy to deal with issues that might come up for you - send emails, make office hour appointments - ask questions and be vocal - you will make yourself visible and will learn much more.