Abstract:

Studio work is the cornerstone of many graphic arts programs, but when COVID made in-person classes unsafe, instructors had to find new ways to teach fundamental skills without access to on-campus laboratory spaces. Introduction to Photography is a course that normally implements studio space and lighting equipment into the course work. Beginning learners often find lighting to be abstract at first and need the opportunity to physically manipulate lights to better understand how lighting adjustments impact the subject and resulting image.

The process of controlling photographic lighting is normally taught in a studio and is one of the fundamental skills necessary to master digital photography and manual camera settings. It may seem to some people that a photograph can be taken anywhere, but photography studios are surprisingly large, empty spaces that provide adequate room for seamless backdrops, lights, props, and models to be far apart. Space is necessary to create depth of field in the resulting photographs. As we transitioned to online learning this year, it became apparent that many student residences do not have large, empty spaces or powerful, movable lights to practice these concepts.

Finding new ways to evaluate student understanding of these concepts, while keeping equity and access in mind, was a challenge that had to be addressed. This session will explore a mixture of computer-based and hands-on assignments that were designed to be completed from home with a computer, DSLr camera, and basic home supplies. By mixing these different types of assignments, students gained confidence in their understanding of controlled lighting and practiced innovation and creative problem solving to create unique results with portrait and product photography from home. The success found earlier this year may lead instructors to continue using some of these tools even as classes return to in-person learning.

Keywords:

Distance learning, studio, media studies, lighting, teaching tools, photography.