PROGRAM COORDINATOR: James
E. Paster
FACULTY: Barnosky,
Jackson, Paster,
Seifert
The Photography Program at Sam Houston State University is dedicated to the proposition that photography, whether commercial, or fine art, relies on a set of technical skills that serve one goal: communication. The student who is best prepared to solve the challenges that photography presents is the student with a command of the fundamental principles and practices involved.
Three degrees are offered in order to tailor the course of studies to the student’s individual needs and interests. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes technical fundamentals and business practices that prepare students to begin a career in professional photography. The Bachelor of Arts degree, while also preparing the student to enter a career in photography, blends an emphasis on technique with a consideration of the aesthetic aspects and social effects of photographic practice. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, offered in conjunction with the Art Department, places photography as an area of specialization within an intensive study of the fine arts and serves either to prepare students for a career in photography or to pursue an advanced degree.
Competence in the various degree tracks is achieved within a strong and broad-based curriculum that includes a wide variety of courses, practical applications, and facilities that are among the finest available.
Students
may minor in Photography by completing a minimum of 21 semester hours.
Requirements for the minor include: PHO 182, 184, 231, 6 hours from the
following - PHO 181, 232, 235, 263, 282 - and 6 advanced hours of PHO electives
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit | |
| PHO 182, 184, 235, 3 hrs. PHO | 12 | PHO 231, 232, 262, 263, 282 | 15 | |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 275, or 295 | 3 | |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | Foreign Language (one field) | 8 | |
| BIO, CHM, GEL, or PHY | 4 | Other Lab Science | 4 | |
| ART 161, 3 hrs. ART | 3 | CS 133 | 3 | |
| MTH 164 (or approved substitute) | 3 | Minor Area | 3 | |
| Kin 215 (or approved substitute) | 1 | Kin (or approved substitute) | 1 | |
| 38 | 37 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit | |
| PHO 337, 430, 3 hrs. PHO | 9 | PHO 495 and PHO electives | 9 | |
| Criterion VI, Cluster 1 and 2 | 6 | Criterion VI, Cluster 3 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language (one field) | 3 | Foreign Language (one field) | 3 | |
| POL 261 | 3 | POL (300-400) | 3 | |
| English (200 level or higher) | 3 | PHL 366 | 3 | |
| Minor | 9 | Minor | 6-12 | |
| 33 | 27-33 |
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit | |
| PHO 182, 184, 235, 3 hrs. PHO | 12 | PHO 231, 232, 262, 263, 282 | 15 | |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 275, or 295 | 3 | |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | POL 261 | 3 | |
| BIO, CHM, GEL, or PHY | 4 | Same science | 4 | |
| ART 161 | 3 | CS 133 | 3 | |
| MTH 164 (or approved substitute) | 3 | Minor | 3 | |
| Kin 215 (or approved substitute) | 1 | Kin (or approved substitute) | 1-3 | |
| 35 | 32-34 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit | |
| PHO 337, 362, 3 hrs. PHO | 9 | PHO 430, 495 and PHO electives | 12 | |
| Criterion VI, 3 hrs. from Cluster 2 and 3 hrs. from Cluster 3 | 6 | Criterion VI, Cluster 1 | 3 | |
| BIO, CHM, or PHY | 4 | Same science | 4 | |
| POL 261 | 3 | POL (300-400) | 3 | |
| English (200 level or higher) | 3 | Electives | 6 | |
| Minor | 6-9 | Minor | 6-9 | |
| 31-34 | 33-37 |
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit | |
| PHO 182 | 3 | PHO 184 | 3 | |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 275 or 295 | 3 | |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG (200 level or higher) or SCM | 3 | |
| ART 160, 161, 163, 164, 265 | 15 | ART 260, 269, 271, 365, 370 | 15 | |
| KIN 215 or accepted substitute | 1 | Lab Science | 8 | |
| KIN activity or accepted substitute | 1-2 | 32 | ||
| 32-33 | ||||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit | |
| PHO 231,235, 3 hrs. advanced PHO | 9 | PHO 430, and advanced PHO | 9 | |
| ART 366, 466, Art history | 9 | ART (300-400) | 9 | |
| POL 261, 3 hrs. POL excluding 371 | 6 | Criterion VI | 6 | |
| MTH (college level algebra or higher) | 6 | Criterion IV | 3 | |
| 30 | Electives (300-400) | 6 | ||
| 33 | ||||
Students enrolling in PHO 182 and/or 184 must furnish their own 35mm single lens reflex camera. Upon completion of the freshman year students majoring or minoring in Photography may wish to purchase their own professional equipment.
Cost. Students enrolled in photography courses should be prepared to meet expenses for consumable supplies (film and paper). The costs for each class varies depending upon actual consumption of materials. However, a student should expect to spend a minimum of $125 per course. A nominal laboratory fee is charged for some classes.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PHO 181 INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY. This is a beginning course intended for non-photography majors. Content of the course includes a study of cameras, photographic materials, and visual principles. Students must provide a 35mm camera. May be applied toward a minor in PHO. Credit 3.
PHO 182 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES I. This course provides a foundation for the serious study of photography. The fundamental principles and practices of this medium are explored and applied in practical assignments including darkroom work. A 35mm single lens reflex camera that can be operated manually is required. Credit 3.
PHO 184 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES II. This course is a continuation of PHO 182 and is designed to give additional laboratory experience in order to develop professional skills. Prerequisite: PHO 182. Credit 3.
PHO 231 PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN. Students are introduced to the basic principles of visual design as they apply specifically to photographic media and methods. Prerequisite: PHO 182. Credit 3.
PHO 232 VIEW CAMERA TECHNIQUES. This course introduces the student to the various uses of the 4 x 5 view camera. Technique of processing and printing large format black and white negatives are presented, and control of outdoor lighting situations is emphasized. Prerequisites: PHO 184. Credit 3.
PHO 235 HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY. A study is made of the history of photography from its earliest beginnings. Technical, visual, aesthetic and social aspects are considered. Credit 3.
PHO 262 INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. A study is made of fundamental studio lighting and posing. Processing and printing of black and white portraits is taught with emphasis on professional quality. Prerequisite: PHO 184 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 263 COMPUTER-BASED PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGING. This course will present to the student the tools and technique of photographic imaging, manipulation, and printing on computer-based equipment. Credit 3.
PHO 282 INTRODUCTION TO COLOR PRINTING. The student will learn how to properly expose color negative film and how to make color corrected prints from negatives. Professional print quality will be stressed. Learning how to work with professional color labs will be an important part of the course. The student will also be introduced to copy stand work using transparency materials. Prerequisites: PHO 182. Credit 3.
PHO 333 PHOTOGRAPHIC SCIENCE. In this course, students undertake a serious study of the scientific aspects of photography. Major topics of study include: physical aspects of light, lenses, exposure, light sensitive materials, sensitometry, tone reproduction, and future technologies. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.
PHO 337 ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES. In this course students are introduced to a variety of non-standard photographic processes. Prerequisites: PHO 232. Credit 3.
PHO 361 ADVANCED PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. This course is a continuation of PHO 262 and is designed to introduce the student to advanced studio techniques. Students will work with color materials. Emphasis will be placed on development of a personal style of portraiture. Prerequisite: PHO 262 and 282 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 362 COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This course is a continuation of PHO 232 and is concerned with producing commercial photographs in the studio as well as on location outdoors using view camera equipment. The student will be introduced to the use of 4 x 5 transparency color film. Professional quality will be stressed. Prerequisite: PHO 232 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 364 FILM APPRECIATION. A critical examination of the unique way in which movies tell their stories. Each semester a different film genre such as science fiction, documentary, Film Noir, or the films of one director or actor are examined. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours. Credit 3.
PHO 381 EXHIBITION PHOTOGRAPHY. The course deals with the fundamentals of gallery exhibition. Emphasis is placed on developing and promoting a personal photographic style. A study is also made of archival techniques. Prerequisite: 6 hours photography. Credit 3.
PHO 383 FILM PRODUCTION. An examination of the complete film production sequence from original idea to pre-production planning, to shooting, post-production finishing, marketing, and distribution. Credit 3.
PHO 430 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This course explores the creation, manipulation, and use of the digital image. It includes experience in the use of 3-D, page layout, video, and multi-media applications in visual communication. Credit 3.
PHO 462 PHOTOGRAPHIC FIELD STUDIES. This course introduces the students to the specialized skills used by documentary photographers. Each student will produce a professional quality photographic project which documents a subject that is of interest to the students. These projects will be done in the field outside of the studio. Prerequisite: PHO 182 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 464 LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY. In this course students are introduced to those specific principles and practices that pertain to photographing the landscape. Prerequisite: PHO 182 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 484 ADVANCED COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This course introduces the student to the skills and techniques of commercial photography meant for reproduction. Exposing color transparencies of various subject matter including architecture, product, fashion/glamour, and food is emphasized. Studio electronic flash equipment is introduced and a study of graphic art reproduction is also undertaken. Prerequisites: PHO 232 and 362. Credit 3.
PHO 487 EXPRESSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY. An exploration is made of the creative application of the photographic image as a means of personal expression. Course requirements include the completion of a portfolio of creative work. Prerequisites: 15 hours of photography or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 489 ADVANCED COLOR PRINTING. This course introduces the student to the specialized services of a professional photographic laboratory. Special techniques involving contrast masking and the use of color print analyzers are presented. A variety of color materials such as color internegative film, duplicating films, print films, Ektachrome Infrared Film, and reversal print materials are introduced and explained. Prerequisites: PHO 282 and 232. Credit 3.
PHO 491 PHOTOGRAPHY LABORATORY OPERATIONS. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the techniques, procedures, and equipment involved in the operation of a professional photographic processing laboratory. Special emphasis is given to understanding the theories of chemical performance, quality assurance; and equipment design, function, operation and maintenance. Prerequisite: PHO 282. Credit 3.
PHO 495 PORTFOLIO. This course is designed to assist students in preparing a final presentation portfolio and in addressing issues involved with entering the work force. Recommended for all graduating seniors. Credit 3.
PHO 499 DIRECTED STUDIES. This course is provided to allow the student, under the supervision of a faculty member, to develop specialized skills, to conduct an investigation into an area of special interest or to set-up and complete an internship with an established professional photographer. Regular meetings will be held with the faculty sponsor. The course will culminate in a portfolio of photographs and/or a scholarly written report. Departmental approval is required before student may enroll in this course. May be repeated or taken concurrently to a maximum of 6 hours. Variable credit. (Credit/No Credit Course)
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