Course Code

DSGN19402
Course Name (Long)
Introduction to Digital Photography Course Outlines

Section I: Administrative Information

Course Name (Short):Intro to Digital Photography Credit Value: 3

Program(s): Visual & Creative Arts Credit Value Notes:
Program Coordinator(s): Andrew Bodor Effective Term: Fall 2008
Course Leader or Contact: Prerequisites: DSGN 27545
Corequisites:
Equivalents:
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes:

Calendar Description
In this course students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and photographic genres. 
Students gain an understanding of photographic terminology, develop technical photographic skills, and 
apply principles of design and composition to photographic imagery.

Instructional Format Total hours (e.g. 3 hrs/wk x 14 wks. = 42 hrs)

Lecture 42
Lab
Other (please specify):
Total 42hr

Section I Notes:

Approved by

_________________________________________________ ___________________________
Name and Signature of Dean/Director or Designate Date (yy/mm/dd)

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Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
In this course students are introduced to the basics of digital photography and photographic genres. 
Students gain an understanding of photographic terminology, develop technical photographic skills, and 
apply principles of design and composition to photographic imagery. Topics include lighting, colour, optics, 
composition and exposure. Electronic file management, file format, image storage media, photographic 
printing technologies and image correction/manipulation will also be explored. 

Through lectures, demonstrations, in­class assignments and individual projects, students will become 
proficient with digital (DSLR) cameras. Emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical information 
and aesthetics to practical photographic problem solving. 

Program Context
Students continue to develop their facility with technology and experience how technology can be 
integrated into an art or design practice. The skill and knowledge gained is applied to other courses in 
semester five and six.

Program: Visual and Creative Arts           Coordinator: Andrew Bodor

Course Critical Performance & Learning Outcomes

Critical Performance
By the end of this course students will demonstrate the ability to use a digital camera, employ correct 
photographic terminology, create original and distinctive photographic images, and demonstrate 
competence with a variety of photographic concepts, materials and processes.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Use photographic terminology in a professional context 

2. Generate a number of images that adhere to a central theme 

3. Edit photographs digitally to enhance composition, color balance and density 

4. Store and manage digital images using appropriate methodology 

5. Incorporate feedback from peer and faculty critiques into final projects

6. Apply theoretical and practical information to photographic assignments 

7. Demonstrate professional attitudes and behavior including: 
­ openness to peer critiques 

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 ­ acceptance of differing view points 
­ willingness to work collaboratively 
­ commitment to meeting project due dates 
­ willingness to be self­directed

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:
Assignment 1 - Basic technique 10%
Assignment 2 - Composition 10%
Assignment 3 - Colour 15%
Assignment 4 - Portraiture 15%
Assignment 5 - Documentary 15%
Assignment 6 - Landscape 15%
Assignment 7 - Portfolio 20%

Faculty of the Visual & Creative Arts Program at Sheridan encourages students to submit all projects on
time, as this is excellent training for professional practice.

For all Submissions:

All assignments and exercises must be submitted on the date and time specified in the assignment brief
unless stated otherwise. If an assignment is not handed in at the time specified, i.e. beginning, during or
end of class, it will receive a 10% grade reduction. An assignment submitted a week late will receive a
20% grade reduction. Assignments more than one week late will not be graded unless a prior
arrangement has been made with the teacher.

If there is a valid reason for the late assignment, the student must email the teacher no later than the date
the assignment is due to indicate it will be late. If the reason is deemed to be valid, there will be no late
penalty.

There will be no resubmission of work unless, under exceptional circumstances, this has been agreed to
or suggested by the teacher.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills: Essential employability skills emphasized in the course:

_x_ communication _x_ numeracy _x_ critical thinking &
problem solving
_x_ information management __ interpersonal __ personal
Notes:

General Education: This General Education course relates to the following themes as specified by the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
__ arts in society __ social and cultural understanding
__ civic life __ science and technology
__ personal understanding

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Prior Learning Assessment:
PLA Contact:
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes
through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following
method(s):
Challenge Exam Portfolio Interview Other Not Eligible
__ _x_ __ __ __

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations,
College and student activities, and class timetabling.

Effective As of: Fall 2008

Instructor: TBA

Textbook:
Warren, Bruce. (2001). Photography: The concise guide. Nelson Education Ltd., Scarborough, ON.

Applicable student group(s): Visual & Creative Arts

Description:
Subject matter for photo assignments may include student work from other term classes Professors in the 
relevant classes will inform students in class. Photographic equipment is provided to students on a sign 
out basis. 

Week 1 
Introduction to course and faculty 
­ Materials and equipment/programs required for course
­ Course outline and evaluation procedures and class norms
­ Equipment demonstration 
­ Initial presentation of photographic theory 

Week 2 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Camera & Software
­ Camera controls 
­ Downloading 
­ Transferring images 
­ Image storage 
­ Review of Photoshop Interface 
­ Storage devices 
­ Archiving 
Assignment 1: Basic Technique (10%)  ­ Due Week 4

Week 3 
Lecture & in class exercise: Exposure control 

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­ Basic exposure 
­ Built in meters 
­ ISO rating 
­ Bracketing 
­ Middle gray 

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Week 4 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Composition 
­ Rule of thirds 
­ Rule of odds 
­ Depth of field 
­ The frame & cropping 
­ Vantage point 
Critique assignment 1 
Assignment 2: Composition (10%) – Due week 6

Week 5 
Lecture & in­class exercise: File format 
­ Jpeg, Tiff, and RAW 
­ Compression & sizing / resolution 
­ Save for web 
­ Color modes (RGB,CMYK) 

Week 6 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Exposure & color control 
­ Levels & curves in Photoshop 
­ Color balance 
­ Color spaces 
Critique  assignment 2 
Assignment 3: Colour (15%) ­ Due week 9

Week 7 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Lighting 
­ Artificial light versus daylight 
­ Low light 
­ High versus low key 
­ Highlight & Shadow 
­ On camera flash 

Week 8 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Options for output 
­ Epson printers 
­ Fine art printing 
­ Save for web – auto web galleries 

Week 9 
Lecture & in­class exercise: Portraiture 
­ Options for lighting
­ Natural light 

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­ Flash 
Critique Assignment 3 
Assignment 4: Portraiture (15%) – Due week 10

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Week 10 
Lecture ­ The Documentary 
­ Photojournalism 
­ Visual storytelling 
­ Themes & motifs 
Critique  Assignment 4 
Assignment 5: Documentary (15%) – Due week 11

Week 11 
Lecture ­ Landscape 
­ The masters 
­ Current trends 
­ Post cards versus landscape 
Critique Assignment 5 
Assignment 6:  Landscape (15%) – Due week 12

Week 12 
Lecture ­ Portfolio workshop 
­ Towards a personal style 
­ Visual diary 
­ Ethical & legal issues 
­ Elements of style 
Critique Assignment 6 15%
Assignment 7: Portfolio Presentation (15%) – Due week 14

Week 13 
Review of major themes 
­ Portfolio preparation 

Week 14
Critique Assignment 7

Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work
of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects
arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student’s own violates this principle and
will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in
the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are
advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment

Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person
engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan’s

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policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.

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