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PHOTO 150 - Cameras and Composition - Amy Tierney

Course:Cameras and Composition
Professor:Amy Tierney
Email:Amy.Tierney@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Photograph of Photographer Amy Tierney holding a camera

Greetings!  I am Amy Tierney, an adjunct Photography Instructor and working professional photographer.  I welcome you to get to know more about my work and the skills I bring to this class by visiting my website www.thriveimages.com

I am teaching this class because I want you to be skilled at photographic exposure control and knowledgeable about composition (how we see and how the way we compose photographs influences the people that view our images).

I am so glad that you are interested in learning more, practicing more and setting yourself up for success.

Course Description

The course is designed to teach two learning outcomes: manual exposure control and photographic composition, as well as techniques to hone your photography practice via group aesthetic critique.

What to Expect in this Course

The course will require reading course materials, photography assignments in daylight and at night, participating in online discussion assignments, identifying equipment,  quizzes and a final online exam.

It is required students provide a digital SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment.  Cameras can also be checked out from the College.

The course requires an average of 10 hours per week; 4 for reviewing per week and 6 for accomplishing assignments and quizzes per week.  You will need to calendar yourself successfully to read course materials, participate in discussions (group critique), complete assignments, complete quizzes and create your final project.

You will find this Photography 150 Class useful if you:

  • Want to learn how the three key exposure settings of  ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture work together
  • Want to learn the history and practice of composition
  • Want to hone your photography practice via group aesthetic critique

Technology required:

  1. Digital SLR camera, lenses, batteries, battery charger and camera cards (these can be checked out from the College)
  2. Working WIFI
  3. CANVAS application –  working knowledge to see and deliver assignments
  4. Word processing application – e.g. Microsoft Word

Assignment requirements:

1. Read 1-2 chapters from the textbook per week

2. Photograph:  2-3 hours per week to take photographs in daylight, while it is light outside

3. Complete weekly quizzes

 

Types of Assessments

1. Discussion and Critique:  Students will be required to show their own work and effectively comment on the work of others.  For critiques you will be asked to review peers' work with at least 1 pro, 1 con, and 1 alternative approach about the work being presented.  These are graded.

2. Assignments and Exercises: Students will have photo assignments that will be graded on how well specific problems are solved. Each assignment (or exercise), unless otherwise noted, will be given a numerical grade.

3. Quizzes: Students will be given several quizzes relating to the presentations and demonstrations.  Some will be in person.  Some will be online.

4. Final Exam: Students will be required to complete a final online exam

Textbook Information

Stone, Jim; London, Barbara: A Short Course in Photography: Digital

4th Edition ISBN: 9780134525815

Other Relevant Course Information

­­­­­This Photo 150 course will also have required reading located as links within your Canvas assignments.

Additional Notes

More information about the course will be detailed in the class syllabus, which you will find when you log into the course shell the week before the course begins. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the course, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to starting this class with you very soon!


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 07/24/2023 Sub#: 1609

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