This document provides the syllabus for a Digital Imaging I course at El Paso Community College in Spring 2015. It outlines the course requirements including assignments, grading scale, textbook, and calendar. Students will learn about the history of photography, basic camera functions, lighting, composition, Photoshop, storage, the internet, portraits, landscapes, macros, and complete a final portfolio. Assignments include photos exploring concepts like depth of field, motion blur, composition, scanning, black and white images, restoration, profiles on websites, environmental portraits, landscapes at different times of day, and macros. The course aims to teach digital photography skills and techniques.

1. EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Syllabus
Instructor’s Course requirements
Spring 2015
I. DIGITAL IMAGING I
COURSE NUMBER & Instructor information
30051 ARTC 1302 01
Instructor: Luis C. Rodriguez
Campus and office: VV rm. A1114
Phone: 915-831-2431
visionayer@gmail.com
Office hours by appointment
II. Text and Materials
A. Text:
A Short Course in Digital Photography
Barbara London- Jim Stone
B. Materials required for the course
Single Lens Reflex Digital camera with manual capabilities,
Other camera types accepted but not recommended.
Camera data storage device card at least (2 Gig.)
Flash drive (thumb drive) minimum storage (4 Gig.)
Note taking material, pencil/pen, highlighter and notebook (subject to change)
Portfolio Book ( Include: minimum 10 prints )
III. Course Requirements
A. Assignments given will present 40% of final grade.
B. Portfolio of (10) 8 x 10 Prints in Photo lab of student’s choice.
Portfolio represents 20% of the grade.
C. Students will be given assignments which are expected to be completed and
turned in on the following classroom day for evaluation in the requested format.
RE-Do’s are only given to on time assignments and maybe turned in for a higher
grade.
D. Evaluation Grading scale:
PowerPoint Presentation 15% 90 -100 = A
Final Exam 10% 80 - 89 = B
Assignments 50% 70 - 79 = C
Photo Experience Papers 10%
Final Portfolio 15% 60 - 69 = D

2. IV. Instructor Policies
A. Attendance, participation in class, lab and completion of assignments
on time are essential. Students are expected to participate in class discussions
and critiques. The student is responsible to withdraw from class if he/she fails to
meet the class criteria.
B. Assignments should be completed and turned in on time for grade.
Late assignments will be deducted 10 points off total evaluation.
Late assignments ( after two weeks ) will be deducted 20 points.
Assignments turned in on time can be “REDO” for a higher grade.
C. Students not meeting the course requirements are responsible to drop.
The last day to drop this course with a “W” is / /_____
D. No Children, persons or students not registered in the class are
Permitted in the Classroom, without Instructor approval.
E. The use of computers during Photography class or Lab is strictly for
assignments, Practice and or Digital imaging work.
Absolutely no Facebook permitted during class time.
YouTube is permitted for “How-to” instructional videos only.
F. Credit will be given to all students who remain active on
Chuco Artist as photographers and critics. Social Networking is important and
introduction to this principal will be nurtured via this and other websites.
G. EPCC offers a variety of services to persons with documented sensory,
Mental, physical, or temporary disabling conditions to promote success
In the classroom. If you have a disability and believe you may need
Services, you are encouraged to contact The Center for Students with
Disabilities so you may discuss your needs with a counselor.
All discussions aredocumented and kept confidential.
Locations:
VV rm.C-112 831-2426
TM rm. 1400 831-5808
RG rm. B-201 831-4198
NWC rm. M-54 831-8815
MDP rm. A-125 831-7024
The El Paso Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age or disability in providing
educational programs and services or in employment opportunities and benefits.

3. V. Calendar Lecture Titles
Week 1 History of Photography
-Introduction
-Review Syllabus and Classroom Expectations
-Student Introductions
-Photography- Past to Present (pages 172-179)
Week 2 Basic Photography,
-Understanding the Camera (pages 4-9)
-Single Lens Reflex
-Shutter and Aperture (pages 16-25, 42-47)
-Understanding Lenses (pages 32-39)
Week 3 Light and Exposure
-Lighting is Everything! (pages 51-59)
-Composition Today
-White Balance / ISO
-Exposure Issues and Problems (pages 66-71)
Week 4 Basic Photoshop
-The Digital Darkroom (pages 74-83)
-How to Scan an Image
-Black and White Basics
-Introduction to Photoshop
Week 5 Printing, Storage and Restoration
-Printing and Death of the Lab
-Photo Restoration
-Storage Principals
-Adobe Photoshop Continued (pages 87-107)
Week 6 Photography and the World Wide Web
-Digital Image Formats
-The Myth behind DPI

4. -Watermarks and Social Media
-Metatags and Photography (page 125)

5. Week 7 The Portrait
-Enviornmental Portrait (pages 160-163)
-Self Portrait (pages 180-181)
-Portrait Studio Tour (pages 130-145)
Week 8 The Landscape
-Landscape (pages 164-167)
-Cityscape
Week 9 Macro and Textures
-Macro Enviornmental
-Textures in the Immediate Enviornment
Week 10 Powerpoint Presentation
Students shall present a 8-12 min video highlighting the work of professional
photographer including the contributions made to our lives through their work.
Week 11 Nightime / Nightlife Photography
Week 12 Experimental Photography
Week 13 Mimic the Masters
Students choose a photograph that they will be responsible to re-take, the final grade
will be based on how true the student photograph pays tribute to the original work.
Week 14 Makeup Week
Students should take this opportunity to finish all pending assignments and complete
their portfolios. Due the in following week.
Week 15 FINAL PORTFOLIOS DUE
Final Exam Review
Week 16 FINAL EXAM
Final Exam will be based on the readings from the textbook highlighted by the
assigned readings as listed on the course calendar.
El Paso Community College District does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religion, gender, age or disability in providing
Educational Programs and Services or in employment

6. Digital Imaging I Assignments
Week 1-
History of Photography
Here we will learn about the History of Photography and some of the great minds that
have catered to the evolution of photography as an art form. We will briefly study the first
cameras and how they compare to today’s equipment. We will learn how to make the transfer
from 35mm to digital format and explore the differences between them.
Assignment: Photo Experience Paper expressing the student’s knowledge in the photographic
process, what they wish to accomplish in and in photography.
Week 2-
Basic Photography
We begin discussion on the basics of photography in a digital world. Including but not
limited to understanding the camera; Why a single reflex camera is the best in the business;
What is Aperture and Shutter ( and how do we use them ). We also explore the basic
functions and parts of DSLR camera.
Assignment: One image using Aperture to capture Depth of Field.
One image using Shutter to capture Motion Blur.
Week 3-
Light and Exposure
Students will learn about the wonderful world of light. Why is lighting important to
photography. How can we manage and manipulate light. We will learn about sources of light
and temperatures. We review the rule of thirds and the ten rules of composition you should
never forget. You will learn about ISO, Exposure and the infamous Egg Theory.
Assignment: Bring a Damaged Photo ( medium to heavy damage )
One image shot with Composition in mind including TWO:
( Leading Lines, Rule of Thirds, Patterns, Framing, Symmetry )
Week 4-
Basic Photoshop
Discussion of what Digital Imaging is and how it relates to Advertising. We introduce
Adobe Photoshop and the concept of Graphic Design in Photography. We learn the basics of
scanning, file transfer and manipulaiton. We also discuss why next generation photographers
are taking the responsibility to print and why the print lab is a dying breed.
Assignment: One Scan of a Damaged Photo

7. Image of an Egg in Black and White ( Exposure )
Week 5-
Organizing, Storage and Restoration
Students will be introduced to digital organization skills and workflows. What options
do photographers have for storage. We continue to learn about Photoshop and how it’s used
for photographers and use these skills to restore an old family photo.
Assignment: One restoration of an old family photo.
Restoration must be placed side by side with original scan and printed.
Week 6-
Photography and the World Wide Web
We introduce the concept of digital images in the world wide web. Students will learn
how to best optimize for the internet. They will learn the difference between GIF, JPG and
PNG and when to best apply these. The myth behind DPI will be explored and answered.
Watermarks and Meta tags will be discussed and how one can best protect their images.
Assignment: A profile will be created on a number of websites including, but not
limited to: Photobucket.com, Chucoartist.com and Instagram.com. Each student must
convert any digital image into an HTML embed code in the form of a slideshow or
individual image and place it online.
Week 7-
The Portrait
Portraits have been an important aspect in Photography since the practice began. We
will cover the beginnings of portraiture in photography from the late nineteenth century to the
early twenty first century. We will discuss what makes a portrait and what elements are
important to the photographers and clients alike. We begin to study the Photographic studio
and how it changed the photography landscape. Field Trip to Ayer Eternal Studios~
Assignment: One image of an environmental portrait
One image of a self-portrait.
Week 8-
The Landscape
We begin to explore landscapes, nature and city photography: What elements make a
breathtaking landscape; why are shapes and contrast important; Understanding nighttime
photography and how it affects the mood of a picture. We also discuss the Golden Hour and
why it is so special to photographers abroad. This Assignment is variable…
Assignment: One Landscape and One Cityscape shot either at day or at Golden Hour
One Landscape or Cityscape shot at Day, Nighttime, and the Golden Hour
Week 9-
Macro and Textures

8. The world of photography has a tiny world within it we call Macro. We begin
exploration of this theme through the exercise of Macros and Textures. We review the
principals of dodging and burning and the element of surprise in the details of a photograph.
Assignment: One Macro image of animate object.
One Texture picture of inanimate object.
Week 10-
PowerPoint Presentation Week
During Week 10, students will commence and finish their PowerPoint presentation of
their favorite photographer. Presentation must be at least ten minutes with combination of
pictures and text. Bibliography must be done via MLA format with at least “5” sources.
Assignment: Student must have PowerPoint presentation ready of favorite photographer.
Week 11-
No flash Nightlife Photography
Shooting at nighttime is difficult for any novice photographer. We will discuss some of
the challenges that comes in shooting at night inside a bar or night club and the actions that
can be taken to better the outcome of the photograph. For this assignment, Flash is not
permitted. Student must take a good shot of this type with only the use of available light.
Assignment: One image of nighttime/nightclub photography without use of flash indoor.
One image of nighttime/nightclub photography without use of flash outdoors.
Week 12-
Experimental Photography
Here we explore the new age of photography and the many experimental techniques
used today. We explore the frame within a frame concept, the movement and manipulation of
lights concepts, and the under what circumstances- you may break the rule of thirds. We also
discuss some of the most experimental photographers currently active and what makes them
so experimental.
Assignment: One image that breaks conventional photography rules and therefore
listed as experimental. Subject could be any that student chooses.
Week 13-
Mimic the Masters
This week, the student must mimic and demonstrate the ability to recapture an image
“in their own way” that has been tested through time. The original photograph must be at
least 50 years old. The student in responsible for giving this classic image a modern remake.
Original photograph is to be decided upon by student and remade to the best of their ability.
Assignment: Remake of popular image that is at least 50 years old. The remake must
be presented side by side with remake image (Please see Photo Restoration for sample)

9. Week 14-
MAKE UP WEEK
This week is reserved for students to make up any assignments missing or to re-do any
assignment in an effort to make a better grade.
Week 15-
FINAL PORTFOLIOS DUE
Final Portfolio due of the Best Ten images with at least Two New Photographs not
presented before included.
Week 16-
FINAL EXAM WEEK
Comprehensive questions in regards to Digital Imaging and the various subjects
discussed in class. Accounts for 10% of overall grade…

10. Week 14-
MAKE UP WEEK
This week is reserved for students to make up any assignments missing or to re-do any
assignment in an effort to make a better grade.
Week 15-
FINAL PORTFOLIOS DUE
Final Portfolio due of the Best Ten images with at least Two New Photographs not
presented before included.
Week 16-
FINAL EXAM WEEK
Comprehensive questions in regards to Digital Imaging and the various subjects
discussed in class. Accounts for 10% of overall grade…