Architecture Photography - Syllabus
Below is the Syllabus for the course, which has been customized for University of California San Diego: Extended Studies (formerly called “Extension”).
Please click "HERE" to download the syllabus as a PDF. You can also view the syllabus below:
--
Architectural Photography Syllabus
Course Dates: 01/16/24 - 03/2/24
Please communicate with me early and often if you are experiencing challenges in completing course assignments on time. Outside of office hours, I will answer your direct messages/emails within 2-3 business days or less after receiving them.
Architecture, new and old makes for the amazing photographic subject matter! Build the skills necessary to photograph structures both exterior and interior, utilizing current digital equipment and techniques. Through discussions, demonstrations and hands-on assignments, you will learn about the materials and equipment, cameras, lenses and post-production software required for making stunning architectural photographs. Students will examine inspiring and educational examples of architectural photography, discuss the various components that make the images work and try their hand at developing a series of their own images, applying presented concepts by submitting weekly assignments.
Click "here" to access the required textbook on Amazon.
Click "here" to access the suggested/optional textbook on Amazon.
- Learn how to render a three-dimensional object (building) into two dimensions (photo).
- Understand how to discern what are the best angles of view for each project, the time of day most suitable, Representational approach versus the Interpretive approach.
- Learn how to study natural light's effect on an exterior building
- Learn how to use flash in an interior space
- Professionally edit images: color, exposure, and contrast correction and enhancement retouching, Black & White, and Split toning. Individual and batch adjustments, Preset creation.
- Gain experience in problem-solving.
Course Feedback
Feedback is posted at least once a week depending on the course requirements. The Instructor will determine the type of feedback given to students; the feedback will be based on the goals of the assignments. The goal of the feedback is not only to assist students but to also create a "community feel" within the classroom. A variety of feedback throughout the course including but not limited to:
- Individual Written Critique - the written word directed to an individual student
- Group Written Critique - the written word direct to a group of students
- Individual Video Critique - a video critique created for an individual student and shared either through an unlisted link via YouTube or through Kaltura (Canva's media upload option).
- Group Video Critique - a video critique created for a group of students and shared either through an unlisted link via YouTube or through Kaltura (Canva's media upload option); this method is intended to simulate a "real" classroom-like experience.
| Session/Week/Module | Topic |
| Week 1 | The History of Architectural Photography & Historical Photographers; What is Architectural Photography; Exterior Architecture Photography, Required & Recommended Gear; Introduction to Post Processing |
| Week 2 |
Exterior Architectural Photography: as Subject, Framing, Composition; Light & Architecture Photography; Movement within Exterior Architectural Photography; Post Processing - Continued; Julius Shulman |
| Week 3 |
Photographing Interiors & Details; Lighting for Interiors |
| Week 4 |
Intro to Real Estate Photography; Post Processing - Continued; HDR |
| Week 5 |
Time of Day, Weather & Architecture Photography; Architecture Photography as Fine Art |
| Week 6 |
Portfolio Building, Architecture Photography Business Skills, Networking |
| Week 7 |
Prepare for Final Critique: Final Portfolio & Business Plan Submission |
Week 1:
Topic: The History of Architectural Photography & Historical Photographers; What is Architectural Photography; Exterior Architecture Photography, Required & Recommended Gear; Introduction to Post Processing- W1A1: 3-Story Building Photo Shoot & Editing
Week 2:
- W2A1: Exterior Architecture Photo Shoot & Editing
Week 3:
- W3A1: A Commercial Building's Interiors & Details Photo Shoot & Editing
Week 4:
- W4A1: Interior & Exterior Real Estate Photo Shoot & Editing
Week 5:
- W5A1: Twilight Architecture & Fine Art Photo Shoot & Editing
Week 6:
- W6A1: Draft Portfolio & Business Plan Submission
Week 7:
- W7A1: Final Portfolio & Business Plan Submission
Grading and Assignment Information
Letter grades are based on the UC San Diego Extension Grading Scale. Your final course grade is based on the percentage of points you have earned.
| Weighted Grading Criteria | ||
| Discussion Board participation: | 20% | |
| Assignments | 60% | |
| Final project | 20% | |
| TOTAL | 100% | |
You can check your point total through the Course Menu in Blackboard at any time by clicking Tools > My Grades.
Grading Policies
This course can be taken as part of the Professional Certificate in Photography. In order for the class to count towards your certificate, it must be taken for a letter grade or as pass/no pass. Classes that are taken as NFC cannot count toward a certificate.
You can change your grading option any time BEFORE the last day of class through My Extension.
Late Policy:
An assignment is considered late if it is posted or sent after the due date/time. Late submissions will be deducted 10% each day an assignment is due.
No final projects will be accepted after the final day of class.
Expect and plan for contingencies and technical problems (they WILL happen!).
Late peer responses are not accepted. Please be sure to submit these on time.