Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Photo-150 - Cameras and Composition - Clover Leary

Course:Cameras and Composition
Professor:Clover Leary
Email:clover.leary@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
  • OnlineLive
  • Hybrid
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

This is a picture of me the last time I taught a class in person at COC

Hello! My name is Clover Leary. I would like to welcome you to the course. I have been teaching a range of classes in the Photography department since 2003, and I am your instructor for this online course.

 

Course Description

This is a fully asynchronous online course, so there are no classroom meetings and no required zoom meetings.

Many students register for distance-learning courses believing that it will require less time. Though you will spend less time in the classroom, the art of discovering information, and the responsibility of scheduling learning into your busy lives will be on your shoulders. In reality, many distance-learning courses are more of a time commitment than a traditional lecture course, though there are some advantages. You have also signed up for a short-term intensive class, which means that you will cover the same amount of material and assignments that are covered in a full-term 16 week course but crammed into just 5 or 8 weeks! For a short-term intensive course you do need to be disciplined and organized, and have a plan for your success. The course moves really fast with multiple due dates each week, so it is especially important that you pay close attention to the schedule and plan ahead.

There is often some confusion about the differences between Photo 150 and Photo 155, as they cover some of the same content. Both courses cover basic camera control, manual operation and photographic composition. Photo 155 also has a lab component and requires software-post processing and RAW shooting and processing. You can use either a SLR or DSLR camera for Photo 150, though using a film SLR does require a greater time commitment and access to a photo lab that handles color negative processing and scanning. For Photo 155 you must also use a DSLR or equivalent mirrorless camera that is capable of producing RAW camera files.

Photo 150: Introduces the fundamental historical development, theory, technology, and basic applications of photography. Examines principles and analysis of artistic and aesthetic qualities of photographic images through group interaction and discussion. Provides demonstration, analysis of function, and technical experience with digital and film single lens reflex cameras. It is recommended students provide a digital DSLR or 35mm film SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment. UC credit limitation: PHOTO-150 and PHOTO-160, credit for one course only. Course Hours Per Week: Lecture 3, Lab 0. Semester Hours Credit 3

Photo 155: Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and techniques of photography and camera RAW, including the theory and basic principles of image correction and print technologies. It is recommended that students provide a digital SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment. Course Hours Per Week: Lecture 2, Lab 3. Semester Hours Credit 3

What to Expect in this Course

It is recommended students provide a digital DSLR, equivalent mirrorless camera or 35mm film SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment.

Other Relevant Course Information

There are several things you should be aware of before we begin:

  • It is essential that you read through all course materials located on the Canvas course website in the Syllabus Module  and the Week 1 Module. The course website will be available beginning the first day of class.

  • This is a short-term, intensive, 100% online course. The course runs either 5 or 8 weeks. There are NO face-to-face meetings for this course. This is a fast passed course, we will be covering a semesters worth of material in just 5 or 8 weeks. This course moves quickly, so you will need to keep careful track of due dates through the Class Calendar.

  • The course will require approximately 10-12 hours of time per week reading and accessing Canvas. Extra time will be spent photographing your assignments. 

  • Course Website: https://coc.instructure.com note there is NO “www”)

  • Your Username login is your 7 digit COC student ID number: ID #1234567, would login 1234567. Password is “student”

  • For assistance with the Canvas site: http://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/ Links to an external site.or call 661-362-3344 or direct your question via e-mail to cvsupport@canyons.edu

  • You must have access to a film or digital, fully manually adjustable camera. Your camera must be able to shoot in fully manual M Exposure mode and be capable of manual focus. All DSLR cameras and many Mirrorles cameras have the ability to shoot in fully manual M mode, but please be aware that many compact cameras do not. If you are not sure if your camera is suitable for this class please contact me and we can discuss cameras and options. 

  • If you do not have a camera or computer to use COC may be able to assist you with camera and computer checkout. Camera checkout instructions can be found at the end of the Syllabus Module.

  • For Photo 150 you will not be required to shoot in RAW mode, though if you do choose to shoot in RAW mode please shoot in RAW+JPG mode so you will have a JPG version to submit (Flickr does not accept many RAW file types). 

  • All images tuned in for all assignments must be new photographs shot for the specific assignment by you. No work shot before the start of class will be accepted as this class is about learning to take better photographs. 

  • All images turned in for assignments must be Large unaltered JPG  files straight from your camera.  I will not accept processed or altered images without the original files submitted as this class is about using your camera to take the best photos you can and getting the most from your camera. I need to be able to see how you are shooting and metering before processing in order to provide feedback.

  • Textbook: Barbara London, “A Short Course in Digital Photography, 4th edition”. ISBN-13: 978-0134525815 (The 3rd edition is also acceptable.) You do not have time to order the book and wait for it to come standard mail. If you would prefer a less expensive option you can also rent the textbook through Amazon and other booksellers for a fraction of the cost. There are also a number of deeply discounted used options. However you chose to buy it, make sure you acquire the book as soon as possible. 

  • Email: Student E-mail - COC provides student email account for all college business and communication. You need to access this email account often as all class communication will go through this email account. Please go to http://www.canyons.edu/offices/admissions/Pages/StudentEmail.aspxLinks to an external site.. In order to comply with FERPA, correspondence with the college not coming from your student email account will be disregarded. I will be sending out announcements through the course site and you will miss important information if you forget to check your email. Certain e-mail providers will either block or forward emails automatically to a bulk mail folder. Please double check that course email communications are not in your spam folder.

  • Students have been having a number of difficulties viewing all necessary information when accessing courses through a mobile app. Please access the course whenever possible through a desktop or laptop computer. Many things on Canvas are inaccessible when viewed through a phone or tablet, so you will likely miss necessary documents, lectures, comments, grading comments in the assignment rubrics and assignment deadline information if you are only accessing the course through your phone. Please also access Flickr from a desktop or laptop when giving critique. When viewing the Flickr group images you will likely not be able to see shooting and camera data from a mobile device, which is necessary for critiques once we are using only M manual exposure settings. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me. I would prefer that you email me through the Canvas Inbox, but you can also email me from your COC email account to cloverleary@yahoo.com. I generally respond within 24 hours M-F when classes are in session. If you would like to chat with me online you are welcome to make an appointment to chat or have a Zoom meeting with me during my office hours, just email me and we can set it up.


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: 05/11/2023 Sub#: 1462