Course Syllabus

Course Information
HUAS6391.06A, Photography: View Camera, Summer 2006

Professor Contact Information

Prof. Marilyn Waligore, 972-883-2001, waligore@utdallas.edu, AS 2.104 (visual arts building)

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Shooting with the view camera is a physical activity, requiring standing for considerable lengths of
time. The cameras themselves weigh about 15-20 lbs. Students should limit conflicts, such as
travel, that prevent attendance in class workshops during the six week session. Prior experience
in photography is helpful.

Course Description
This intensive six week workshop-based course merges study of photographic history with
creative practice. For some contemporary artists the view camera is seen as an anachronism,
while for others the camera remains a familiar tool. The introduction of digital processes has
prompted a reconsideration of our definition of photography. Before we embark upon that task,
an examination of photography's history and processes appears as an appropriate first step. This
introduction to large format black and white photography allows for reflection on 19th century
photographic conventions that have continued to the present.

The large format or “view” camera is basically an accordion box with a lens attached at one end.
The photographer holds a black cloth over the camera back to preview the image as it appears in
the “viewfinder”--in actuality a piece of ground glass. The negative produced is 4 x 5 inches in
size, providing twenty square inches of photographic information. As a learning tool the view
camera facilitates careful selection of subject and composition. Many fine art and commercial
photographers prefer this slower process, which allows time for visualizing the image prior to
exposure. Practice with the view camera can facilitate a rediscovery of photography, and foster
an understanding of the mechanical and optical properties integral to the medium.

We will examine photographic genres and categories, such as portraiture, landscape and
architectural photography, documentary photography, and staged photography, reviewing the use
of the view camera over the past 150 years. For example, our investigation of artists working in
portraiture will include 19th century photographers Juliet Margaret Cameron and Nadar,
extending that study to the present with Richard Avedon, Sally Mann, Nicholas Nixon, and
Thomas Ruff. We will also consider work by photographers who seek to understand the nature
of the medium itself, such as Hiroshi Sugimoto and Abelardo Morell.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Students will create photographic images, applying concepts relating to the history and process of
large format photography and black and white photographic processes.
Students will interpret photographic concepts and apply photographic methods to create artworks,
with an examination of various genres--portraiture, landscape, and still life—and approaches—
documentary, staged photography.
Students will assess and evaluate the creative work of their peers through both written and verbal
critique.
Students will research and analyze the creative work of a contemporary artist and write a

Course Syllabus Page 1

scholarly paper.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Vicki Goldberg, ed. Photography in Print: Writings from 1816 to the Present

Several articles on contemporary photographers, available electronically.

Technical handout provided in class.

JOURNAL**-- Students must keep a journal for recording exposure of film as well as ideas for
their projects. The journal may include notes for shooting, developing film, and printing. 51/2” x
8” spiral or hardbound
PADLOCK--for locker BE SURE TO LABEL YOUR LOCKER FOR SUMMER 2006***
BINDER OR BOX--for storage of contact sheets and negatives.
HAND TOWEL**--for darkroom work**
LUPE--REQUIRED inexpensive plastic Agfa lupe is fine $ 6.50
(if you prefer to purchase an expensive lupe for under $50 confer with the instructor)
DUSTING BRUSH and/or CANNED AIR ( SOFT camel hair brush ) i.e. Kostiner, Staticmaster,
Kodak camel hair, Kinetronics, or inexpensive craft store substitute)
NEGATIVE PRESERVERS: 4x5 sheet film style 45-4B Vue-All or Print-File 25/pack, could be
shared
PRINT SLEEVES: standard archival 8x10 or 8 1/2 x 11 sleeves for protecting your prints/turning
in assignments
FILM: 4x5 film--ISO 100 or 400 50 to 100 sheets $50.00 (prices vary with brand and
quantity)
4x5 Kodak TMAX 100 ( for outdoors with plenty of light, for use with flash, for use with tripod)
4x5 Kodak TMAX 400 (for indoors, at dusk, at night, low light, cloudy skies, to stop action)
Other films: Kodak PluxX (100) or TriX(400); Ilford FP4 (100) or HP5 (400); Ilford DeltaPro (100)
USE KODAK OR ILFORD 4X5 FILM EMULSIONS
NOTE WELL: Try to work with a single film emulsion (brand/type) over the course of the
semester. i.e. Kodak TriX 400 is different from Kodak TMAX 400. Consult with instructor
regarding the determination of film development times for any film besides TMAX.

(DO NOT PURCHASE or use C-41 or color negative “black and white” films such as Ilford XP2 or
Kodak’s generic Black and White film that is distributed to the consumer market. Students who
choose to use C-41 process films that are either color or black and white will receive a failing
grade.)

PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER:
Variable contrast or Multigrade FIBERBASE DOUBLE WEIGHT GLOSSY PAPER
$25 / package of 25 sheets (plenty of paper for this workshop-based course)
for students who wish to do a lot of printing: $ 65.00 /box of 100
Ilford Multigrade (pink/green box); Agfa Multigrade Classic; Forte poly contrast; 25 or 100 sheet
packages.
(RC resin coated paper is satisfactory for contact sheets and proofing only, not for
assignments)
PAPER SURFACE: The preferred surface is GLOSSY (F) or (G); options include lustre, semi-
matte (E), or matte (N) or (M).

PHOTOGRAPHY VENDORS: REQUEST STUDENT DISCOUNT

WP Warehouse Photographic 972-416-7110

2225 E. Beltline Rd. Carrollton (b/t Webbs Chapel and Josey Lane)
Dallas Camera 1321 Chemical Street , Dallas, 214-630-4040 (south of Motor Street)
Competitive Camera 2025 Irving Blvd. Dallas (b/t Wycliff and Manufacturing) 214-744-5511

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Film Depot Plano 1405 Vontress Dr, Suite 1103, NE corner Avenue K and 14th Street, Plano, on
the ground floor of the Eastside Village apt bldg. new location! 972-424-6958 (on the north side
of 14 th St.)
Film Depot Dallas 11111 N. Central Expwy Dallas (Royal Lane + Central) 214-265-0650

mail order:
calumet photographic http:// www.calumetphoto.com
B&H Photo http:// www.bhphotovideo.com
Other vendors: uniquephoto.com porters.com
Freestyle Photographic: http://www.freestylesalesco.com
5124 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-660-3460 800-292-6137 fax order: 800-616-3686

Suggested Course Materials

Henry Horenstein. Beyond Basic Photography : A Technical Manual

Assignments & Academic Calendar

MAY 16 INTRODUCTION
Working with the view camera
Reading: Goldberg/ Early Processes selections

MAY 18 Shooting Workshop with polaroid and standard film

Bring Lupe, Journal---and dusting brush if possible
Loading Sheet Film Holders
Outline of Assignment # 1: approaches to portraiture & figuration
Reading: Goldberg/ Portraits & the Figure

MAY 23 Camera Movements: in-class practice

Portraiture Shooting Session
Bring Lupe, Journal, Dusting Brush, Sheet Film Holders (loaded with film)

MAY 25 Outline of Assignment #2: Landscape

Introduction to Contact Printing from Sheet Film Negatives
Bring Towel, Exposed Film, Negative Preservers, Photographic Paper
Reading: Goldberg: Landscape Selections
Discussion Research Paper Assignment

MAY 30 Bring Lupe, Journal, Sheet Film Holders (loaded with film)
Off-Campus Shoot at Spring Creek Park (at Plano Road, south of Renner)

JUNE 1 Assignment #1 DUE: Portraits

Discussion of Landscape Readings
Research Paper Assignment TOPIC DUE
Reading: Goldberg / Modernism Selections

JUNE 6 Bring Lupe, Journal, Sheet Film Holders (loaded with film)
Architecture/Interior shoot / on campus
Outline of Assignment #2: Architecture/Documentary Photography
Readings: Goldberg / Documentary

JUNE 8 RESEARCH PAPER DUE

Discussion of Documentary Photography
Darkroom Printing: Demonstration of printing and enlarging techniques
Open Darkroom lab for contact printing and print development

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 Bring Towel, Exposed Film, Negative Preservers, Photographic Paper

JUNE 13 Assignment #2 and #3 DUE: Landscape & Architecture/Documentary

Outline of Assignment 4: Staged Photography
Readings: Goldberg: Later Process / 20th Century

JUNE 15 Bring Lupe, Journal, Sheet Film Holders (loaded with film)
Staged Photography shoot / on campus
(negatives will be available promptly after shoot; images must be printed
outside of class)

JUNE 20 Assignment #4 DUE: Staged Photography

Demonstration: (time/weather permitting) cyanotype alternative process printing

Grading Policy

class attendance and participation in workshops 30%

--active participation in critique and discussion
--preparation for class including materials needed for developing film or printing and for group
critique

class assignments: 40%

Four assignments will provide a framework for experimenting with the view camera.

research paper: 30%

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR CREATIVE WORK:

1-the relationship between content and form: Is the image a work of art?
How does the idea that serves as the point of origin for the image influence the selection of
materials and processes for execution? How does the meaning of the work and its construction
interrelate?

2-experimentation: Have we seen this before?

What risks were taken to arrive at the final form of the work? Does the work surprise the viewer
in terms of correspondences between content and form? Are there new combinations of familiar
methods, materials, visual approaches to design?

3-presentation: Are we convinced?

Considering the limitations of the workshops, what kind of care and attention was devoted to the
creation of the photographs/images? If the project was less ambitious in terms of scale and
execution, perhaps a series of images will best demonstrate the overall intention of the artist in
terms of concept. Does the execution of the work demonstrate a confidence both in terms of
visualizing and producing the final image?

4-concept: What’s the idea?

The concept informing the creation of the final project may be complex and multi-faceted.
Photographic work may be more conceptual and less dependent upon traditional aesthetic criteria
for evaluation.

Course & Instructor Policies

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PHOTOGRAPHY is a practice-based studio course. During specific course periods when studio
worktime is scheduled, students should be prepared to print, to develop film or to review contact
sheets with the instructor. Evaluation will be based on attendance and participation, class
assignments, a final portfolio and essay, discussion of specific reading assignments, the
individual midterm review and participation in critiques. Attendance at critiques is comparable to
exams in lecture courses. The studio assignments are designed to assess the student's ability to
apply principles discussed in class and to measure the individual student's improvement over
time. Consequently, assignments that are turned in late are downgraded one letter grade and
must be submitted within two weeks of the deadline.

Class Participation Attendance is required and the final grade for class participation will be
lowered due to absenteeism. Arriving at class late or leaving early is disruptive, and should be
avoided. Students, who are absent from class when assignments are announced, need to check
with other students regarding the parameters of the exercise. The instructor will only clarify
specific points. UTD students enrolled in art courses must attend the prescribed three hours of
class per week. This arrangement of scheduled time is designed to accommodate the UTD
student population. Most studio courses offered by universities require six hours of contact per
week. Hence, attendance during the stipulated three hours is necessary. Also, students need to
work outside of class time--at least those three remaining hours if not more--in order to finish
assignments in a timely manner. Proper academic conduct during class is expected. Work
submitted for evaluation must be generated by the individual student and must represent the
product of activity from the current semester and class. Any student with a severe illness or with
other problems that hinder their attendance should contact the instructor at 972-883-2001 or
waligore@utdallas.edu Students have the responsibility to obtain a written medical excuse from a
doctor and to submit it to the instructor if absences are due to medical problems. Students with
special needs that relate to physical challenges should consult with the instructor as early as
possible during the semester.
Proper academic conduct during class is expected. Enrolled students are responsible for
maintaining a cooperative environment. The syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s
discretion.
Withdrawal Dates Observe the university calendar online for the deadline to withdraw from
classes (with an automatic “W”: June 12). Requests for an incomplete grade are in general not
considered unless 70% of the work is completed.
Equipment and the Laboratory: Instruction in the use of equipment and care of facilities is
designed to prevent damage through misuse. Questions on the use or location of equipment
should be directed to the instructor. Enrolled students are responsible for maintaining a
cooperative environment. Only currently enrolled photography students are permitted to use the
darkroom. Students may gain access to the lab during scheduled building hours. Students may
check out view cameras for off-campus use.
Class Structure: The course alternates between studio and lecture/discussion. During studio
session the class will meet formally for a short lecture. The remaining time will be set aside for
work in the studio darkroom. Students must arrive with necessary materials, prepared for studio
work .
Workshops and Creative Projects: The workshops provide an opportunity to experiment with
photographic processes. Individuals with prior experience in photography will work at their
respective skill levels. An emphasis will be placed on view camera shooting techniques. black
and white photographic printing methods and darkroom techniques.

Field Trip Policies

Student Conduct & Discipline

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 The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations
for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and
each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern
student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is contained
in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each academic
year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and
Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3, and
in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of Operating
Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the
Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship.
He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules,
university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the
standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or
criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because
the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the
student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual
honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work or
material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the
following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students
suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other
source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see
general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the
web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between
faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues
concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university
encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email
address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a
UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the
identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD
furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with
university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

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 The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses.
These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures
must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any
class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork
to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the
class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities,
of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments
of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to
resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the
grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members retain
primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at
that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the
respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the
respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not
resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of
Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic
appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade
must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the
required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the
specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities
equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the
Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments
necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary
to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for
students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be substituted (for example,
a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes

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 enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities.
The college or university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members
to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special
accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for
the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are
exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding
the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to
take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period
equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the
instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A
student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a
failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of
observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has
been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the
student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or
his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative
intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief
executive officer or designee.

Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the website address given below.
Additional information is available from the office of the school dean.
(http://www.utdallas.edu/Business Affairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm)

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

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