MACA 2320 - Portrait Photography

Credit Hours: 4.00

Prerequisites: None

(formerly MACA 2310)

This class is primarily a studio portraiture photography class, but it will also involve photographing people in a variety of settings other than in a photo studio. Individual, group, executive, environmental, and outdoor portraits will all be examined. Students must have their own digital SLR (DSLR) or digital mirrorless camera with removeable lenses and manual exposure controls. Students must also have a telephoto, telephoto zoom, or portrait lens, as well as a dedicated detachable flash for their camera and a tripod.

Billable Contact Hours: 6

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Transfer Possibilities
Michigan Transfer Network (MiTransfer) - Utilize this website to easily search how your credits transfer to colleges and universities.

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify the basic operational features of a photographic studio.

Objectives:

Demonstrate and measure the power output of a light source.
Explain and demonstrate requirements for color balance lighting.
Demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of different types of studio lighting.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use studio lighting equipment.

Objectives:

Produce images demonstrating the correct use of lighting for portrait settings.
Demonstrate the controlled use of bounce flash.
Demonstrate the use of soft boxes.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create portraits in a variety of light situations.

Objectives:

Demonstrate posing of individuals and groups.
Demonstrate and explain portrait light patterns.
Demonstrate the use of natural and artificial light sources.
Demonstrate the use of mixed lighting situations.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to photograph people.

Objectives:

Produce images of individuals and groups in studio light conditions.
Produce images of individuals and groups in natural light conditions.
Compose individuals and groups in a visually appealing way.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES (CDO)
• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

CDO marked YES apply to this course:
Communication: YES
Critical Thinking: YES
Global Literacy: YES
Information Literacy: YES
Quantitative Reasoning: YES
Scientific Literacy: YES

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Week 1.

Introduction, course goals and objectives, grading and attendance policy, assignment of equipment, procedures on equipment use and care; material and supply list
Lecture: Studio set-up, demonstration of equipment, procedures, and rules

Week 2.

Lecture: Handheld light meters
Lab: Metering a studio flash
Lecture: Adjusting the studio flash and manipulating light
Lab: Calibrating your camera, your light meter, and your flash.

Week 3.

Lecture: Lighting the human face and posing
Lab: Assignment #1 - Single Light Individual Portrait Light Patterns Composite

Week 4.

Critique and grading of Assignment #1
Lecture: Fill Light and controlling contrast with light ratios
Lab: Assignment #2 - Two light portrait composite

Week 5.

Critique and grading of Assignment #2
Lecture: Editing the human face
Lab: Assignment #3 - Edit Assignment #2 images

Week 6.

Critique and grading of Assignment #3
Lecture: Accent lights in portraits
Lab: Assignment #4 - Three and four light studio portrait composite

Week 7.

Critique and grading of Assignment #4
Lecture: Outdoor Portraiture, outdoor flash, full-length posing
Lab: Assignment #5 - Outdoor Individual Portrait Composite

Week 8.

Critique and grading of Assignment #5
Lecture: Environmental Portrait
Assignment #6 - Environmental Portrait

Week 9.

Critique and grading of Assignment #6
Lecture: Group Portrait, Lighting, and Posing
Assignment #7 - Group Studio Portrait

Week 10.

Lecture: Editing Group Portrait
Critique and grading of Assignment #7
Lecture: Candids, Event, and Photojournalistic-style Portraits
Lab: Assignment #8 - Candid shots of people

Week 11.

Lab: Edit Assignment #8
Critique and grading of Assignment #8
Lecture: Senior Pictures in Studio and Outdoors
Lab: Assignment #9 - Senior Picture composite

Week 12.

Lab: Edit Senior Pictures and build composite
Critique and grading of Assignment #9
Lecture: The Executive Portrait
Lab: Assignment #10 - On-Location Executive Portrait

Week 13.

Lab: Edit Executive Portrait
Critique and grading of Assignment #10
Lecture: Model and Fashion Photography
Lab: Assignment #11 - Model Composite in studio, outdoor and on-location

Week 14.

Lab: Assignment #11 (continued)
Lecture: Editing a model/Fashion photograph
Open lab/open studio

Week 15.

Critique and grading of Assignment #11
Lecture: Creating your class portfolio
Lab: Assignment #12 - Class Portfolio
Final Exam Review

Week 16.

Critique and grading of Class Portfolio (Assignment #12)
Final exam

Primary Faculty
Soule, William
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Thero, Laura
Dean
Hutchison, Donald

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088