ARTS(P)300 Intermediate Black & White Photography, Romeo Di Loreto, Fall 2019

PHOTOGRAPH > noun a permanent record of an image that has been produced on photosensitive film or paper by the process of photography.
> Verb (photographed, Photographing) tra & intr to take a photograph of (a person, thing, etc.).

PHOTOGRAPHY > noun the process of making a permanent record of an image on light-sensitive film or some other sensitized material using visible light, X-ray or some other form of radiant energy.

PHOTOGRAPHIC > adj (1) relating to or similar to photographs or photography. (2) Said of memory: retaining images in exact detail. Photographically adverb.

Photography is one of the most exciting forms of image making. Invented in the 1820’s to 1840’s, it still remains a mystery for whomever uses it. For me it is still magic. Mistakes can easily become tools for beautiful image making. Photography’s weakness can even be its greatest strength; one can discover this very early or it can take years and years. Making photographs means making thousands of decisions almost instantly. To bring all the technical limitations and the artistic possibilities together into a single, well-seen and rendered photograph. A picture which conveys information and emotion is a juggling act that requires years of training to master.

What do I mean “to master”?

Simply not to think about what you are doing, but to respond instantly. It means to work intuitively, with feeling rather than with intellect. (I did not say intelligence.) Thinking about your photography is important, especially during the learning stages, but as you progress you will find you are doing less and less “thinking” and more and more responding.

A guitarist does not think of the individual notes, but is feeling the music. The hands and fingers are responding to the music. It is a physical, emotional and feeling activity. Should the artist “think” about what he or she is doing, mistakes flood in, the musician stumbles, misses notes and music fails. The same thing happens when we make photographs. We are musicians. Our instruments are the cameras and shutters, lenses and apertures, the film we select, the chemistry we use to bring out the nuances of light and shadow in our negatives and prints. Eventually you will be able to work without thinking, you will work intuitively.

Learning to work intuitively will take time. Within the first year, you will have found you have mastered many of the technical elements of photography and no longer have to think about them. This class is meant to help you along that path of mastery. However, the path is a long one, and in that there is joy. Learning is more important than arriving, the voyage more wonderful than the destination. Most successful artists and photographers will tell you it will take ten years for you to master all the elements and to begin to make your own statement. This may be frustrating news for the novice, but take heart. Photography is fun almost every step of the way. There will be periods of pain, disappointment, frustration, depression and even anger as you struggle to learn all the elements. Do not be discouraged, be overjoyed that you have ten great years to look forward to, to grow in, to experiment, to learn and to develop. It is a magical time, so use it wisely. Learn each of the steps well, and then proceed to the next. Do not rush. There are no short cuts, no quick solutions, no secrets, other than to work very hard.

PLEASE CHASE THE WIND… MOREOVER, I HOPE YOU NEVER CATCH IT!
BE A CHILD, ENJOY, INVESTIGATE, BE CURIOUS, QUESTION NOT ONLY WHAT YOU HEAR BUT ALSO WHAT YOU SEE ……… JUST DO NOT QUESTION WHAT YOU FEEL.

Course Content & Objectives

This course is designed to teach beyond the fundamental skills and basic techniques in black and white photography. Special emphasis will be placed upon aesthetic and visual concerns as well as craftsmanship. The course will base itself on the intermediate understanding and operation of the camera, the lens, film types, film exposure, black and white film development, the negative, black and white print making, toning, and the final re-touching and presentation.

The second half of the term is designed so that the student can work on a continuous longer term project, to help develop not only a personal vision but a concrete understanding of this project. Students in this course are expected to do personal testing and push their aesthetic ideologies. Please remember that the program you set out to complete in your college or university degree truly depends on the work you set out to complete.

I try to structure my classes so that it becomes a sort of studio, with demonstrations and hands–on experience. Through my personal and teaching experience, I have come to the conclusion that certain things are taught much more efficiently by watching and doing, rather than talking and doing.

You are required to keep a journal. I suggest you keep two! One as a technical notebook where you write class notes and keep all hand–outs, assignments, contact sheets and darkroom data (this notebook can be a binder). The second notebook is your creative journal. Be as creative as possible! Draw in it, paste and glue things in it, record data and feelings. I always make double contact sheets: One I put in my negative archive, the second I use to cut out the images that I feel are strong and glue them into my journal, where I write my ideas, quotes, re–write a poem or write a poem.

There will be a series of slide presentations to give you an idea of the history of photography and a sense of visual aesthetics.

We will go on several field trips: Giardino di Boboli, Archive Alinari and to as many contemporary photography and art related exhibitions as possible.

Attendance

This includes participation/full participation.

Attendance and promptness are mandatory. Two absences will result in one grade less. Chronic lateness will result in same (2 lates = 1 absence). Assignments must be turned in the day requested. No exceptions.

Critiques are like tests; therefore, they cannot be missed! Check the final exam date on your schedule. No final critique absences will be excused; therefore no flights can be scheduled before or on this date. Missing the final critique will greatly affect your grade, resulting in a high risk of failure. Any exceptions to this rule will be made by the instructor and the dean, so please talk to us in advance.

Grading

This class is designed to teach the fundamental skills in photography. Each assignment requires a certain skill level, presentation and thought. This is university level.

Students can achieve a passing grade by completing the assignments, having good attendance, and participating in class and during critiques.

Standards: Depending on your school, + or - grades can or cannot be given.

A = Work that far exceeds the minimum requirements in craftsmanship, presentation, and visual/intellectual order. Your concepts, ideas, and insightful participation in class and in critiques have to be of high level to obtain this grade.

B = above average work that far exceeds the minimum requirements. Skillful handling of the materials with good concepts, showing initiative in critiques and in class.

C = Average work completion with only adequate control of the materials. Minimum class and critique participation.

D = Failure to complete assignments resulting from a minimum amount of effort, poor execution, and sloppy craftsmanship in the handling of the materials with little or no class participation.

F = Little or no effort with consideration to the assignments. No participation in class or critiques.

Grading System:
Midterm - (completion of assignments, punctuality/attendance, quiz grades, journals): 40% of the grade.
Final - (final presentation and project, and punctuality/attendance): 60% of the grade.

Graduate Students
Students in MFA, MA, and Post-Bac programs are expected to complete additional assignments and to produce work at a level appropriate for students in a graduate program. They are graded accordingly and, if they successfully complete all course requirements for graduate students, receive graduate-level credit for the course.

Required Materials

35 mm or Medium or Large Format (must be manual) - macchina fotografica
50 mm or equivalent lens - obiettivo
20 + rolls of 35mm B/W film (Suggested film Kodak Tri-X 400 A.S.A) – Pellicola
(I suggest all students purchase film here, due to risk of airport x-ray fogging and suggestions of diverse film from professor. This will be taught during the term.)
18x24 variable contrast / resin – coated photographic paper pearl finish (carta politenata / perla 18x24)
24x30 variable contrast / resin – coated photographic paper pearl finish (carta politenata / perla 24x30)
(More advanced students may use Fiber based paper)
35mm or other format clear plastic negative sleeves - porta negativi
Binder to keep all negatives and contact sheets - quaderno per porta negative
(It is a good suggestion to buy the last two items in North America or country of origin, this will allow for a consistent system of archiving of your negatives.
Ilford anti–static cloth - panno anti–statico
Towel - asciugamano
Apron - grembiule
Scissors - forbici
Rubber gloves (optional) - guanti di gomma

Where to Purchase Photo Materials

Bongi Ottica (they give a student discount)
Via Por Santa Maria, 82/r Firenze
Tel: 055-2398811
Ottica Fontani
Viale F. Strozzi, 18-20a
Tel: 055–470981
Toscana Foto Service / Internet Mail Order Service. www.toscanafotoservice.it
Internet Ordering: These websites are excellent for finding photo materials required by MFA students. You can also find good pre-cut or custom cut archival matt board (with sufficient notice) at Fotomatica at very good prices!
www.fotomatica.it
www.ilfotoamatore.it
www.tuttofoto.com

For Camera Repairs

Ask Romeo
Bongi Ottica
Via Por Santa Maria, 82/r Firenze
Tel: 055 2398811
TECIAS (for digital equipment and some analog)
Viale Corsica, 39AB
Tel. 055 359968
Web site: www.tecias.it - E-mail: info@tecias.it

For Computer Repairs (MAC)

Juice Apple Premium
Via Fra Giovanni Angelico, n.6/R
Tel. 055 660337
www.juice.it/firenze
Apple Firenze
Piazza della Repubblica,
Apple I Gigli
Via San Quirico, 164, Campi Bisenzio (FI)

Course Goals

1. To strengthen B&W photographic skills
2. To develop individual artistic expression
3. To develop skills in discussion of photographic work
4. To have fun

Assignments are designed to help explore options for technical control as well as visual experimentation. Keeping in mind the inseparability of photographic technique and expression, students will be expected to articulate their particular choices in relation to the overall conceptual approach of the projects.

Course grades will be based on class participation/discussion, assignments, critiques, quantity/quality of energy and imagination invested in each assignment, oral presentations and final critique. Attendance and promptness are mandatory. Three absences will result in one grade less. Chronic lateness will result in same (3 late classes = 1 absence).

Assignments must be turned in the week requested. No exceptions, unless one has a note from the dean.

General Safety & Emergency Instructions

Click here for a pdf of SACI's General Safety and Emergency instructions.

Additional Safety Information

First-Aid Kit in the Photography Darkroom
In the darkroom upstairs, next to the entrance, is a green first-aid kit for eye injuries. It contains a solution for application to the eyes, eye patches, a plastic container, and scissors.

Schedule

(Please note: The following schedule is subject to change.)

Week 1	Monday September 9 Introduction to course. Visit Photo store to buy all material for class. SUGGESTION! GET A LOCKER TO STORE YOUR MATERIALS.
	Wednesday, September 11 The camera and the lens: How they function. Test of light meter, aperture and speed (reminder: Bring camera and manuals if you have them). Assign Project #1 (expose at least three rolls of film). One of the rolls must be made at SACI (example, the gardens) – yes, the entire roll and this is the only requirement! Use your creativity, you are individuals and you all have a personal language. Photograph – Sensations, feelings and fears…notes of the new! I would like to see you use the camera and film like a notebook. Transmit your state of mind. Observe the blindingly obvious! Is a photograph a window or a mirror? ** Read chapter #1 "In Plato’s Cave" of Susan Sontag’s On Photography** and write a short description of your thoughts, a personal opinion would be appreciated. I would like it typed, short and anonymous. Due September 18.
Week 2	Monday, September 16 Film development (reminder: Bring one exposed film and negative sleeves). Lecture and demo on film development (break any bad habits).
	Wednesday, September 18 Contact Sheets (reminder: Bring developed film, 24x30 cm paper and 18x24 cm paper). * Hand in reading assignment, paragraph on Susan Sontag * Printing test, with negatives that you choose. Use one or two negatives for all your technical printing exercises. In this way you have comparisons and can see differences. If we have time we will have a quick overview on the use of aperture and shutter speed for creative use, the importance of selective focus. Printing test, with negatives that you choose. Use one or two negatives for all your technical printing exercises. In this way you have comparisons and can see differences. The camera as a television screen. OR Slide shows on a variety of photographic artists.
Week 3	Monday, September 23 Printing: Demo and explanation on use of contrast filters and burning and dodging. Split filter printing method. Printing and verification of students' level. Check bad printing habits. (Reminder: Bring developed negatives and 18 x 24 cm paper). THE MORE PROCESSED NEGATIVES YOU HAVE THE BETTER IT IS Printing demo in trays and in the processing machine. Perhaps a demo by teaching assistant! On tray processing of paper. Assign reading.
	Wednesday, September 25 Hand in first assignment, contact sheets in an envelope with name, class and first selections. Slide show (The Landscape and Nature). Assign assignment #2 “The Urban or Natural landscape could include Natural Form” Due October 14, I would like a minimum of 6 images
Week 4	Monday, September 30 Negative evaluation, what a negative should look like, how they should be interpreted. Review on aperture and speed controls and film development in theory. Demo: Contrast control. Flashing of the photographic paper and Farmers Reducer. Free printing time for assignment #2.
	Wednesday, October 2 Field Trip to San Salvi or Le Cascine park. Bring lots of film. Lesson on the hand-held light meter.
Week 5	Monday, October 7 Printing and processing film from field trip, printing is suggested. Assign reading.
	Wednesday, October 9 Light and how it can fool the camera - white subjects, dark subjects, skin tones and back lighting. Pushing and pulling. If we have time, review of work completed. Perhaps: Visit to exhibition Printing (Reminder: critique next class.)
Week 6	Monday, October 14 Critique of assignment #2 (6 images or more).
	Wednesday, October 16 Slide show (people, portraiture, self-portrait and the human form). Assign assignment #3 “ The Portrait or the Human Form ” (6 images or more). Due November 18. Contact and non-contact: The psychological impact of the subject and the power of the camera. Requirements: 1. At least one image must be of someone in our class or a self-portrait. 2. One of the portraits must be manipulated during or after printing. or must be taken or stolen from any source you wish (example: magazines, films, internet).
Week 7	Monday, October 21 Field Trip: The MNAF – The Alinari Photography Museum (if they re-open) or another exhibition in Florence if possible! Assign reading and written project on the found portrait.
	Wednesday, October 23 MIDTERM EXAM Lecture on how image syntax can change with papers, developers and different photographic techniques and even size. Lecture will include demonstrations. If the lecture finishes early, you have printing time to practice what we discussed. REMINDER: A PERSONAL INVESTIGATION PROJECT WILL BE ASSIGNED ON NOVEMBER 13. THINK ABOUT IT, THERE IS A MINUMUM OF 12 IMAGES.
Week 8	MIDTERM BREAK (October 26 - November 3)

Week 9	Monday, November 4 I will show my work and discuss my philosophy as a photographer. If we have time, open dark room lab.
	Wednesday, November 6 Free Printing time. Take up midterm tests.
Week 10	Monday, November 11 Free printing and processing time.
	Wednesday, November 13 Assign assignment #5 “A Personal Investigation.” Start thinking about it! Requirement: A written project proposal, and individual meetings with Romeo. I would like the written proposal ASAP. Printing for assignment #3 REMINDER! CRITIQUE NEXT CLASS.
Week 11	Monday, November 18 Critique of assignment #3 (6 images).
	Wednesday, November 20 Slide show on indoor photographs or Projection of a DVD called “Contacts” Printing.
Week 12	Monday, November 25 Presentation and demo on mounting and matting. Where to buy boards. Demo on Spot Toning or printing. * Perhaps visit to exhibition * Assign reading. Reminder of assignment #4 Final Project “A Personal investigation.” I would like the project proposals today.
	Wednesday, November 27 DEMO AND LECTURE. CONTINUOUS TONED LITH FILM (MACRO FILM) FOR INTER NEGATIVES OR FOR LIGHT BOXES. Printing. Individual meetings with Romeo.
Week 13	Monday, December 2 Printing for final project. Sign-up sheet will be posted for the final critiques.
	Wednesday, December 4 Demo on how to make reproductions of your work for galleries and portfolios. PLEASE BRING A FEW PRINTS FROM YOUR FINAL PROJECT SO I CAN MAKE REPRODUCTIONS. Printing for final project.
Week 14	Monday, December 9 WORK ON FINAL CRITIQUE! Wednesday, December 11 WORK ON FINAL CRITIQUE!
	(FINAL EXAM WEEK: December 16 to December 20)
Week 15	Monday December 16 and Wednesday December 18 FINAL CRITIQUE (12 images and a written paragraph of the presentation). I may keep your work until the end of the week, so I can make reproductions for SACI documentation purposes. All students must be present at both final critiques. A sign-up sheet will be posted for the final critiques on December 2. Students have the option of signing up to have the final critique on Monday December 16 or Wednesday December 18, depending on the progress of the final project. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR MISSING A FINAL CRITIQUE! YOU ARE TO ATTEND BOTH CLASSES MONDAY DECEMBER 16 AND WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18. STUDENTS CANNOT BOOK EARLY FLIGHTS OR MISS THEIR SCHEDUALED CRITIQUE ORDER. THIS IS A FINAL EXAM, AND IT IS CONDUCTED IN GROUP (CLASS) FORM NOT INDIVIDUALLY.

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