Day: Thursday and Online
Time: 10:00 – 1:00 PM
Room: V107 Graphic Design Lab
This course is designed to provide students with the photography skills to become proficient in the use of digital cameras. Topics include composition, file formats, quality settings, resolution, characteristics of light, controlling the shutter speed and aperture. Students will utilize their own digital cameras for assignments that require understanding and adjusting shutter speed and aperture, commonly identified by (M) Manual Mode, (S) or (TV) Shutter Speed Mode and (A) or (AV) Aperture Mode. Smart phones and/or tablets are not permitted. This class is geared toward the cultivation of work for inclusion in the student's final portfolio.
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Communication
COGT1113 Digital Photography was designed to meet specific needs of student enrolled in the Computer Graphic Technology program. While this course is not designed for transfer to a four-year institution, articulation may be possible. Transferability of this course will be determined by each transfer institution. Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer option. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for more information.
Faculty Contact Information
Appointments are available upon request.
Thursdays before class 9:30-10:00 AM
Instructor: Bre Settle
Email: bsettle@kcc.edu
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Be able to identify different types of cameras and their features
- Be able to apply different file formats, quality settings and resolution to images
- Be able to perform advanced digital camera exposure techniques
- Be able to perform advanced digital camera lighting techniques
- Be able to compose photographs
- Be able to do basic correction or modification of photographic images using digital photo editing software
- Be able to formally analyze and critique photographs
- Our Visual World - Camera Handling, Care, and Support
- Commercial Photography
- Lenses
- Light and Exposure
- Image Capture Media
- Making a Picture
- Making Exposure Decisions
- Action and Event Photography
- Outdoor Photography - Travel Photography
- Portrait and Studio Photography
- Image Input and Scanning
- Advanced Digital Darkroom
- Image Output and Presentations
- Final Portfolio
Required Textbook
Book Name: Photography, Portfolio to Profession
Author: Klasey/Clark
Copyright: 2024
Publisher: Goodheart-Wilcox
ISBN-13: 978-1-63776-709-2
Edition Number: Fourth
Required Supplies:
Digital Camera (Not a cell phone camera/tablet)
*** Must be able to adjust Shutter and Aperture PriorityCamera battery
Camera memory card
Tripod
USB Flash Drive (1GB or larger)
USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader
Recommend: Tripp-Lite Model U352-000-MD-AL
3 Ring Binder (1”-1 1/2”)
8.5” x 11” Paper
Large 8” Flashlight and Medium 6” Flashlight
Camera Bag
Evaluation for the course will be based on study questions, labs, quizzes, class attendance, visual notebook, 10 shot challenges, critique, and a digital photography portfolio.
Program Grading Scale:
| Grade | Points |
| A | 900-1000 |
| B | 800-899 |
| C | 700-799 |
| D | 600-699 |
| F | 599 or less |
Point Distribution:
Study Questions: 140 Points
Labs: 410 Points
Quizzes: 130 Points
Attendance: 75 Points
10 Shot Challenge: 55 Points
Visual Notebook: 40 Points
Final Portfolio 140 Points
Final Portfolio Critique 20 Points
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Calendar
Week 1, Our Visual World - Camera Handling, Care, and Support, 8/20/2026 Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the significance of photography in our visual society.
- Explain the six most common types of photography.
- Identify the major photographic opportunities.
- Describe the basic skills important to succeeding as a professional photographer.
- Understand what it means to “see” a photograph.
- Create a portfolio for use as a career tool.
- Identify the physical attributes and controls common to most digital cameras.
- Identify digital controls and features specific to most digital cameras.
- Discuss the importance of protecting cameras from environmental dangers, such as water and dust.
- Demonstrate proper procedures for cleaning the camera body, LCD screen, lens, and image sensor.
- Recall different methods of storing and transporting photographic equipment.
- Explain various camera carrying methods that allow for immediate use.
- Describe the proper techniques for supporting different types of cameras.
- Explain the components of and appropriate use of a tripod.
Before Class Activities:
- Review Syllabus
- Review Canvas
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 1 and Chapter 4
In-Class Activities:
Study Questions: Our Visual World – Camera Handling, Care, and Support
o Due Week 1: Wednesday 1:00 PM
Lab: Photography Equipment
o Due Week 2: Thursday 12:55 PM, In-Class
Week 2 Professional Photography, 8/27/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Define professional photography.
- Determine the skills and career preparation needed to enter the professional photography field.
- Describe the four different forms of business organization.
- Identify several different ways of financing a new photography business.
- Explain the importance to a photographer of retaining all rights to an image.
- Compare various methods of marketing a photography business.
- Recognize social skills needed to work effectively with clients and with fellow professionals.
- Explain the importance of continuing education in the professional photography field.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 3
Study Questions: Professional Photography
o Due Week 2 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Our Visual World – Camera Handling, Care, and Support
- Lab: Local Architecture Photo Shoot
- o Due Week 3 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 3, From Pinholes to Pixels – The Camera System, 9/3/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the birth of photography and the various methods developed to attain a permanent photographic image.
- Explain the significance of Eastman’s roll-film camera in making photography a popular activity.
- Understand the impact of color photography on the history of photography.
- Summarize the growth of digital photography.
- Discuss the future roles of both film-based and digital methods.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the three interactive systems of the camera.
- Describe the various camera viewing methods.
- Understand various camera focusing methods and the differences among them.
- Explain the light control functions of the aperture and shutter.
- Identify the various types of sensors used in digital cameras.
- Recall the characteristics of the major camera types.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark – Chapters 2 and 5
Study Questions: From Pinholes to Pixels – The Camera System
o Due Week 3 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Professional Photography
- 10 Shot Challenge – Collection of Library Books
Lab: A Collection of “Something” Photo Shoot
o Due Week 4 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 4 Lenses, 9/10/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how a lens focuses on an image on film or a sensor.
- Understand how the shape of a lens affects how it works.
- Describe the effects of the six types of lens aberrations.
- Describe the relationship of focal length to image size.
- Explain the multiplier effect on lenses used with most digital DSLR cameras.
- Recall the characteristics of the various types of lenses.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 6
Study Questions: Lenses
o Due Week 4 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: From Pinholes to Pixels – The Camera System
Lab: Macro Photography Photo Shoot – In Class
o Due Week 5 – Monday 9:00 PM
Visual Notebook #1 (Pinterest)
o Due Week 6 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 5, Light and Exposure, 9/17/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the basic characteristics of light.
- Select filters for different lighting conditions or special effects.
- Explain how exposure is affected by the interrelationship of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO rating.
- Describe how the f-stop system functions.
- Discuss how exposure is affected by the interrelationship of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO rating.
- Demonstrate proper light metering techniques.
- Describe the use of the Zone System.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 7
Study Questions: Light and Exposure
o Due Week 5 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Lenses
- 10 Shot Challenge – Backlit Subject
Lab: Same Scene Throughout the Day Photo Shoot
o Due Week 6 – Monday 9:00 PM
Visual Notebook #1 (Pinterest)
o Due Week 6 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 6 Digital Image Capture Media, 9/24/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the differences between digital image capture and the traditional chemical method of image capture.
- Explain the digital imaging process.
- Describe how bit depth relates to color in an image.
- Recall various digital sensor sizes.
- Understand how various memory cards work.
- Identify common file formats used by digital cameras.
- Recall common post-shoot storage methods.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 8
Study Questions: Digital Image Capture Media
o Due Week 6 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Light and Exposure
- 10 Shot Challenge – Extract a Detail
Lab: Night Time and Shadows Photo Shoot
o Due Week 7 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 7, Making a Picture, 10/1/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the difference between “taking a picture” and “making a picture.”
- Recall the six basic traditional elements of composition.
- Understand the concept of selective framing in composition.
- Explain how the rule of thirds is used in composing a photograph.
- Identify the various methods of focusing viewer attention.
- Describe techniques that can be used while shooting to create interesting visual effects in photographs.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 9
Study Questions: Making a Picture
o Due Week 7 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Digital Image Capture Media
- 10 Shot Challenge – Extract an Image
Lab: Composition Photo Shoot
o Due Week 8 – Monday 9:00 PM
Visual Notebook #2 (Flickr)
o Due Week 9 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 8, Outdoor Photography - Travel Photography, 10/8/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the types of subjects covered by the term outdoor photography.
- Explain why manual exposure, focus, and white balance controls should be used when shooting a panorama with a digital camera.
- Understand how to properly photograph smaller-scale subjects such as flowers and insects.
- Describe water photography and various forms of water used as a subject.
- Identify key factors to consider when shooting animal photography.
- Define close-up photography.
- Compare the various types of close-up equipment and identify the most suitable use for each type.
- Recall methods of research used by photographers to prepare for both long and short trips.
- Explain the importance of bringing backup equipment, using a portable storage device for digital images, and transporting equipment safety when traveling.
- Describe various ways that buildings can be photographed to emphasize different qualities or points of view.
- Understand how to photograph people in various locations.
- Discuss the different strategies a photographer can use to cope with unfavorable weather or lighting conditions and when to move indoors.
- Demonstrate methods of supporting a camera at slow shutter speeds when a tripod cannot be used.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapters 13 – 14
Study Questions: Outdoor Photography – Travel Photography
o Due Week 8 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
Timed In-Class Quiz: Making a Picture
Lab 10: Landscape Photography Photo Shoot
o Due Week 9 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 9, Improving Lighting – Making Exposure Decisions, 10/15/2026 Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of lighting and how it affects a photograph.
- Define the different types of lights and light qualities.
- Recall the basic goals to accomplish when creating a lighting design.
- Identify common lighting approaches.
- Explain common lighting setups and understand how to achieve them.
- Understand how to obtain proper exposure.
- Determine proper exposure using your camera’s built-in light meter.
- Make appropriate corrections to resolve exposure problems.
- Select appropriate aperture/shutter combinations for different situations.
- Identify the various types of lighting used in photography.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 10, 11
Study Questions: Improving Lighting – Making Exposure Decisions
o Due Week 8 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Outdoor Photography – Travel Photography
- 10 Shot Challenge – Minus and Plus
Lab: Depth of Field Photo Shot
o Due Week 10 – Monday 9:00 PM
Visual Notebook #2 (Flickr)
o Due Week 9 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 10, Action and Event Photography, 10/22/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Recall the major categories of action and event photography.
- Identify the techniques used to stop action.
- Describe the different focus techniques used in action photography.
- Explain the two types of camera motion used to induce blur to create visual interest.
- Describe the differences among the four main types of photojournalism.
- Understand how to work with flash and differences among different types of flash units and techniques.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 12
Study Questions: Action and Event Photography
o Due Week 9 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Improving Lighting – Making Exposure Decisions
- 10 Shot Challenge – Shake It Up
Lab: Stop or Blur Action Photo Shoot
o Due Week 11 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 11, Portrait and Studio Photography, 10/29/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the difference between formal studio portraits and environmental portraits.
- Explain how fill flash and white balance can help modify ambient light.
- Recall the various lighting used in a studio and how to work with them safely.
- Identify various lighting methods in the studio.
- Discuss the techniques for controlling light in the studio.
- Discuss the techniques for measuring light in the studio.
- Apply the basic techniques of studio lighting for both portrait and product photography.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 15
Study Questions: Portrait and Studio Photography
o Due Week 11 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Action and Event Photography
- 10 Shot Challenge – Studio (Still Life) Lab: Portrait Photography Photo Shoot
Lab: Portrait Photography
o Due Week 12 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 12, Importing Imaging – Digital Postprocessing Basics, 11/5/2026
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASS
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the ways files are imported from a digital camera.
- Explain how to import digital images using a scanner.
- Recall different methods of downloading digital images from the internet.
- Discuss and apply copyright laws.
- Identify the various types of online image sources.
- Understand the importance of developing a method of image management. Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between digital image processing and digital image manipulation.
- Understand the general procedure for using image editing software.
- Recall why it is important to create a working file for processing.
- Describe digital postprocessing techniques to adjust the size and resolution of an image.
- Determine how to work with layers.
- Explain how to adjust the overall exposure of an image.
- Understand how to alter contrast and adjust color in an image.
- Describe different methods of converting a color image to monochrome.
- Identify when spotting is necessary and identify various methods to clean up digital images. • Explain the process of sharpening on digital images.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapters 17-18
Study Questions: Klasey – Importing Imaging – Digital Postprocessing Basics
o Due Week 12 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed In-Class Quiz: Portrait and Studio Photography
- Lab: Photoshop – Greyscale Landscape
- Due Week 13 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 13, Mobile Photography, 11/12/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the difference between traditional photography and mobile photography.
- Identify various mobile camera controls and understand how to use them • Explain how to use traditional camera controls with a smartphone camera.
- Understand the difference between a phone’s native camera app and third-party photography applications.
- Recall tips and tricks for shooting with a phone camera.
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Klasey/Clark - Chapter 16
Study Questions: Mobile Photography
o Due Week 13 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed Quiz: Importing Imaging – Digital Postprocessing Basics
- 5 Shot Challenge – Mobile Photography
Lab: Mobile Photography
o Due Week 14 – Monday 9:00 PM
Week 14, The Finishing Touches, 11/19/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Recall common ways to display digital images.
- Describe the types of printers used for digital images.
- Describe methods used for monitor calibration
- Select appropriate mounting materials
- Identify the most suitable mounting method for a print
- Mount a print using various mounting methods
- Understand the reasons for using different types of overmats.
- Define high resolution photos
- Demonstrate the workflow of printing to the photo plotter
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Online
- Study Questions: The Finishing Touches
- Due Week 14 – Wednesday 9:00 PM
In-Class Activities:
- Timed Quiz: Mobile Photography
Lab: Basic Photo Editing
o Due Week 15 – Monday 9:00 PM
- Digital photography portfolio production
Week 15, Large Format Printing - ONLINE - Happy Thanksgiving, 11/26/2026
Before Class Activities:
- Reading Assignment:
- Klasey/Clark – Chapter 20
- Online (Canvas) Large Format Printing Instructions
In-Class Activities:
- Timed Online Quiz: The Finishing Touches
Lab 13: Large Format Printing
o Due Week 16 – Friday 5:00 PM
- Digital photography portfolio production
Week 16, Critique & Portfolio Production, 12/3/2026
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze and critique photographs
- Critique and analyze fellow student’s photos
- Create a digital photography portfolio
In-Class Activities:
- Critique – In Class
- Digital photography portfolio production
- The final portfolio is comprehensive. It is required.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.