Digital Media: Still Image

University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Art, Architecture and Art History

Art 397N

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An Introduction to Working with Images in the Digital Studio

Course Objectives

This course examines the realm of digital image creation and manipulation using primarily Adobe Photoshop® CS3. Topics will include negative and flatbed scanning, advanced color and tonal correction, and pigment printing. We will be taking the principles of traditional color and black and white darkroom techniques and learn to apply them to our digital files.

Jonna Piipponen, Two Views, photopolymer gravure, © 2006
We will also learn to maximize images made with digital cameras and gain control over color management. We will use Mac computers, as well as digital cameras, flat bed scanners, and large format inkjet printers using archival inks and papers.

You will be encouraged to combine the aesthetics of drawing, painting, and photographic practices through the medium of digital prints in order to produce carefully constructed imagery. You will be expected to pursue your ongoing personal work to fulfill assignments and will be expected to present a cohesive portfolio of digital prints for the final portfolio.

Be guided by a realistic studio schedule, allow sufficient time for all necessary thinking, research, gathering of materials, careful editing and revision. Remember that the unexpected often happens. When working with digital files, save and back up often! Having had technical difficulties will never be an acceptable excuse for missing a deadline.
You do not need to own a computer to do well in this class. If the 'outside of class' hours in the computer lab are not convenient for your schedule, check other labs on campus. A list of location and their operating hours this semester can be found here.

Time spent working outside of class on assigned projects and technical review will be necessary and significant ; plan for at least 6- 8 hours per week.

Instructor: Rosanne Retz
Office Hours: TuTh 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm Studio Arts Building 014 or contact me by email to schedule an appointment.

Class Meeting Time: TuTh 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Location: Fine Arts Center Room 444