VART 261 – Introduction to Photography: Portfolio of Florence

Description
This course offers students a foundation in one of the most diffused media of the contemporary world: photography.
Students get immersed in the world of imagery by walking tours in the Florentine landscape including urban sites and historical monuments. Florence is an ideal city for photographic imagery. Apart from hosting some of the most precious artworks in the world, it is blessed with a variety of buildings and the unforgettable Tuscan landscape. Relying on these unique features, students focus on beginning digital photographic techniques, which include professional portfolio presentations and stimulate creative thinking.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will know how to:
– Use a DSLR camera in Manual mode.
– Edit an image through Adobe Photoshop software.
– Develop and understand the language of photography.
– Produce a professional portfolio and develop a critical eye.
– Describe basics of the history of photography from its beginnings to the present.
– Develop artwork and styles of a selection of masters of photography.

Required Materials
Students must be equipped with:

− Digital camera (although it is recommended to have a DSLR camera students could use any digital camera preferable with “Manual” controls to adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and White Balance settings). Cameras could be compact, mirrorless, or DSLR. Minimum 8 Megapixels of resolution is suggested.

− In alternative to a digital camera students may use a smartphone like iPhone 6 and above or any smartphone with a minimum of 8 Megapixels of resolution. (Example of Android smartphones with good cameras are OnePlus 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy).

− Memory card -SD or micro SD- for your device (at least 8 G card is suggested).
− Card reader compatible with your computer.
− Battery charger and at least 1 battery for your camera.
− Laptop computer with access to a photo edition software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom or Photopea (free).
− USB of good capacity (at least 8 G is suggested).

• No traditional film based cameras may be used.

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

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