PHO 11 - Alternative Photographic Processes

Transfer Status

CSU

Prerequisite

PHO 2

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
• Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of non-silver alternative photographic processes with emphasis on technical skills, aesthetic values, and critique of photographic work. Students will learn skills related to safe chemistry usage, scanning, Photoshop manipulation of digital negatives, paper coating and contact printing techniques. Historical and contemporary trends in non-silver alternative photography will also be discussed.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Use the photography darkroom equipment and chemicals in a safe manner according to standard rules and regulations.
2. Describe the history, contemporary uses, theories and aesthetics of non-silver photographic technologies.
3. Produce photographic prints using Cyanotype, Van Dyke, and Gum Bichromate processes
4. Mount and frame alternative photographic work using accepted museum quality standards.
5. Employ digital applications, such as Adobe Photoshop or Light Room, to create photographic images that will produce functional digital negatives.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Class Activities
2. Demonstrations
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Problem-Solving Sessions
6. Reading Assignments

1. Portfolios
2. Projects
3. Homework
4. Written Assignments
5. Mid-term and final examinations

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter in the class text on Cyanotype printing and prepare a 100-200 word outline of the procedure for the process.
2. Select an article on alternative processes from the list approved by the instructor. Write a 100-200 word summary. Be prepared to present your findings in class.

Writing Assignments

1. Select an alternative process photographer from the instructor supplied list. Write a 500-word paper on the artist including links to online portfolios or exhibits. Be prepared to present to the class at least 5 images produced by your chosen photographer.
2. In 100-200 words, describe how you could use one or more alternative processes to promote a product from the list supplied by the instructor. Be prepared to discuss your response in class.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Photograph subjects for each of the three alternative processes properties discussed in class. Be prepared to present the images in class and describe your work.
2. Do an internet search for watercolor and printmaking papers that work best for each alternative process discussed in class. Write a 500-word report on your findings. Be prepared to discuss your research in class.

James, C. (2015). The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Delmar Cegage Learning, 3rd. 978-1285089317.

Cotton, C. (2020). The Photograph as Contemporary Art. Thames and Hudson, 4th. 978-0500204481.

Photography (Masters Required)