Photo Basics 1

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Department

The subject provides Department of Photography

Contents

The aim of this course is, through a sequence of interconnected exercises, to help students acquire fundamental knowledge of classical photographic techniques. Students will become familiar with procedures for image-making, including lighting objects of various materials, and will develop essential working habits related to both photographic practice and studio preparation. They will also learn processes leading to the visualization of the latent image and its fixation, both in negative and positive workflows. During the course, students progress from the structural depiction of flat surfaces to working with three-dimensional objects, culminating in a portrait assignment that integrates all acquired knowledge. At the same time, the basics of landscape photography are introduced, including examples of both contemporary and historical approaches as well as the technical possibilities for their realization. A specific location is assigned, which students will work with according to given parameters.

Main Topics of Instruction

Weeks 1–3: Fundamentals of Light, Technique, Darkroom Practice, Outdoor Work, and Exposure

• Introduction to the UVS Beroun facilities: tour of workspaces, technical orientation, and safety rules
• Light: working with natural and artificial light, characteristics of light sources and their modification
• Exposure: photometric units, use of light meters, measuring scene contrast, and exposure tools
• Equipment: construction and types of cameras, their specific advantages and practical applications
• Darkroom basics: safety, negative and positive processes, development of the latent image, characteristics and composition of developers, image fixation
• Outdoor practice: site visit, definition of location, approaches, techniques, and technologies

Weeks 4–5: Surface Structures and the Scheimpflug Principle

Focus on photographing surface structures with maximum sharpness across the entire image plane.

• Practice: working with a large-format Sinar camera (sheet film 9 × 12 cm), practical application of the Scheimpflug principle
• Photochemistry: negative processing in a JOBO tank, developers (reducing agents, alkalis, preservatives, anti-fog agents), R09 developer—its specifics, dilution, and visual characteristics; specifics of sheet film processing; positive process
• Output: 1 enlargement (30 × 40 cm) on baryta paper
• Ongoing consultations: techniques and landscape assignment

Weeks 6–9: Solids, Perspective, Rectification, and Tonal Range

Study of the relationship between focal length and perspective, with emphasis on vertical correction (rectification).

-Output A (Analog): composition of geometric solids with precise tonal gradation (difference of surfaces 1.5 EV) and accurate rectification, photographed using Sinar 9 × 12 cm

-Photochemistry: choosing appropriate developers (soft, standard, hard), controlling grain, physical development methods, bleaching, intensification and reduction of negatives, toning

-Output B (Digital): free composition of geometric objects with the possibility of creative deviation (high/low angles, hard light without shadow fill)

-Output: 1 enlargement (30 × 40 cm) on baryta paper + 1 digital file/print

Weeks 10–12: Large-Format Portrait

Preparation and realization of a representative portrait using a large-format camera.

• Phases: portrait concept, working with a model, test shots
• Technique: shooting on 18 × 24 cm format using flash or daylight
• Darkroom: specifics of working with large-scale prints, chemistry capacity and adjustment, processing and mounting of photographs
• Output: 1 contact print (18 × 24 cm) and 1 large-scale enlargement on baryta paper
• Final consultations: preparation for evaluation and group presentation of the landscape assignment

Learning outcomes

Students will:

-gain an overview of studio practice, including basic knowledge and skills in the use of studio equipment and large-format cameras

-acquire fundamental skills in studio lighting, including working with light and shadow, through practical demonstrations and independent work

-become familiar with the principles of photographic chemistry, including the development and fixation of the latent image

-prepare, test, and produce a large-format portrait

-develop basic competencies in outdoor (plein air) photography

-gain practical knowledge of exposure metering in both interior and exterior environments

Prerequisites and other requirements

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Literature

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Evaluation methods and criteria

Assessment is based on a written test and the submission of all assigned and approved works.

Note

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Further information

No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Photography EN - Bachelor - 2026 (Required subjects)