Photography Techniques 1

Display Schedule

Subject guarantor

Martin STECKER

Name of lecturer(s)

Martin STECKER

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The aim of this subject is to introduce the students with the physical rudiments of photography together with the applied exhibitions of specific tasks. The students will also learn how to use technical equipment of the Department of Photography, including the ways how to compare images processed by the analogue and digital technologies.

Mode of study

On the practical examples students are taught how to realize assignments taking pictures of different surfaces with respect to the appropriate sharpness and lighting conditions with possibilities of Scheimpflug principle. Students also learn how to take pictures of geometric objects in the space with focus on differences in lighting ratios of main and additional light source, light measuring of the scene and taking care of the ranges of objects.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

There are no prerequisites or co-requisites needed for enrollment to this course.

Course contents

1. Introductory technical exercise in form of acquaintance with studio equipment. The aim of this exercise is to acquire a basic knowledge for managing the classical technology, introduction to photography processes and lighting objects of various materials:

a/ Daylight and artificial light, types of studio lights, basic priniciples, potential changes of light character and maintenance of various lights. Advantages of individual light sources and light systems. Basics of exposure measurment, photometric units, various types of measuring device and their advantages, process of measuring and maintenance of the devices, range of scene`s brightness, additional exposure measurement tools.

b/ Basic types of photographic cameras, their construction, advantages and use.

1. Photographing structure`s surface that is perfectly lit and focused on the entire plane. Overall sharpness is checked by a practical application of the Scheimpflug principle. Camera to be used for this practical exercise is a large-format Sinar with a 9x12 cm sheet film cassette. The material is to be developed in a JOBO tank. Final output to submit: 1 technically perfect enlargement on fiber-based paper, size 30x40cm.
2. Perspective and focal length, perpendicular alignment - perspective control, precise measurement of studio scene`s light range. Practical part:

a) 1 photograph of a composition of wooden geometric objects (provided in the studios) with a difference of 1.5EV exposure value of the individual objects` surfaces and precise use of perspective control / perpendicular alignment. Camera to be used for this practical exercise is a large-format Sinar with a 9x12 cm sheet film cassette. Final output to submit: 1 technically perfect enlargement on fiber-based paper, size 30x40cm.

b) 1 photograph of the above mentioned geometric objects taken by a digital camera. The principles and rules from analog part (a) of this may be violated: high-angle/low-angle shot, perspective not in control, use of hard lighting without backlighting and similar techniques, depending on each student's own creative approach.

1. A studio portrait shot on a large-format 18x24 cm camera with use of flash or daylight. After processing the sheet film negative, a contact print is copied on a fiber-based paper and a large-scale fiber-based photograph is to be enlarged from the paper roll. Final output to submit: 1x1,5 m enlargement and 1 contact print on fiber-based paper.
2. Shot-term assignments taken by a digital camera (or film, if desired by the student).

These quick exercised are usually announced on a Studio group meeting and the output is to be always presented one week later. Selection of these short-term assignments` topic is based on the content of the classes. Their aim is to initiate a thought process on specific photographic problems like sharpness/unsharpness, contrast, movement, stylization etc.

Recommended or required reading

ZAORAL, Ladislav. Fyzikální základy fotografie, 1956

SCHRODER, Gottfried. Technická optika, 1981

JIRÁČEK, M., HÁLKOVÁ, A., MORÁVEK, J. Fotografický slovník, 1955

JIRÁČEK, M. Ostrost a osvit fotografického obrazu

ŠMOK, Ján. Umělé světlo 1978

Scheufler, Mikš, Růžek, Spevák, Stýblo, Jiráček, Opočenský. Technické základy fotografie 2002

Assessment methods and criteria

Credits are awarded for:

• 85% attendance of entire number of class hours
• submission of the following requested work:

a/ 1 enlargement of a structure, size 30x40cm

b/ 1 enlargement of geometric units, size 30x 40 cm

c/ 1 large-scale enlargement of a portrait, size about 1 x 1,5 m

d/ 1 contact print of a portrait, size 18x24cm

e/ on-going submission of short-term exercises like light/shadow, contrast or

sharpness/unsharpness

• completion of the final interview

Note

none

Schedule for winter semester 2018/2019:

• Week view
• List

Schedule for summer semester 2018/2019:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Photography CZ - Bachelor - 1819 (required subject)