PHO 6 - Intermediate Black and White Darkroom Photography

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

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 formation, construction, and presentation of gallery-ready black and white photographs. Students will make professional quality prints while they perfect their own personal style and expression. Students will use film to learn the Zone System, basic sensitometry, advanced printing techniques, and archival preservation techniques. Students will also develop advanced proficiency in the use of digital cameras, scanners and inkjet printers to produce black and white prints. Students will also study historical and contemporary photographic trends.

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

1. Properly expose and develop film by using the Zone System.
2. Use a spot meter for exposure control.
3. Conduct a film speed test/sensor speed test.
4. Use a densitometer to analyze negatives.
5. Use a medium and/or large format camera in conjunction with a spot meter.
6. Load and process 120mm film and/or 4x5 sheet film.
7. Mat prints to meet archival standards using selenium toning.
8. Describe specific artistic goals and how the content of photographs expresses goals.
9. Describe and interpret the work of other photographers.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

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

1. Portfolios
2. Projects
3. Homework
4. Performance Examinations
5. Mid-term and final examinations
6. Short papers

Reading Assignments

1. Read the textbook chapter on the Zone System and label the ten values of the gray scale on one of your black and white photographs. Be prepared to discuss your choices in class.
2. Read the class handout on “Subject Brightness Range.” Use the Zone System to identify the value range of three prints supplied by the instructor: flat light, normal light and high contrast light. Be prepared to discuss your choices in class

Writing Assignments

1. Write down at least one positive and one negative comment made during the class critique of your five selected photographs. Write a 100-200 word response to each detailing why you agree or disagree with the comments.
2. Read the class handout “Criticizing Photographs.” Choose two of the photographs supplied by the instructor. In 100-200 words, identify its type according to Barrett’s classification and assess how well they reflect his major theories of art criticism. Be prepared to discuss your analysis in class.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Select a poem from an approved list. Interpret a line from your chosen poem that describes a quality of light. Then use the Zone System to guide your exposure and development plans to best express your line of poetry.
2. Read the class text on testing film speed and ISO settings. Then shoot a film speed test at your favorite ISO and use a densitometer to quantitatively measure the optical density of your film. Write a 100-200 report of your findings and be prepared to present them in class.

London, B., Stone, J., Upton, J. (2025). Photography. Pearson Publishing, 13th. 9780137988679.

Barrett, T. (2020). Criticizing Photographs. McGraw-Hill, 6th. 978-1350097377.

Photo Tech/Commercial Photo

Photography (Masters Required)