FALL 2005 ARTS3371.501 Tuesday 7:00-9:45PM meets in AS 1.105 (Media Room-Visual Arts Bldg.

)
Black and White Photography Syllabus.

Instructor Martin Menocal

APPOINTMENTS BY EMAIL:martin.menocal@utdallas.edu 972 883 2292
Office hours: Tuesday 3:00-6:00PM-Visual Arts Bldg office 2.112 or look in darkrooms. page 1/3

In this course we will investigate the technical aspects behind black and white photography using the 35mm camera and
enlarging the images in a traditional darkroom. A series of assignments will provide a solid framework to develop a personal
vision merging technical know how and conceptual sophistication. Attention to the meaning of the work produced will be
considered in classroom critiques that will look into the actions and considerations revolving around the production of the final
and finished print. We will also investigate how a sequence or series of photographs builds meaning, allowing us to tell a story,
or to study relationships between similar or disparate events or objects. We can consider common examples in everyday life,
such as the photo essay, the photomontage, the editorial fashion spread, and the product catalog, where more than one image is
used to communicate an idea or message. On a more personal level, we often want to connect the individual frames that have
been exposed in succession when shooting roll film. As we move from an emphasis on the single photograph to the
combination of several images (sequential and serial imagery), we will explore a variety of methods for printing and for image
presentation, including matting, installation and, in some cases, bookmaking..
Black and White Photography is an introduction/intermediate level course that combines an investigation of the process of
black and white photography with the study of serial and sequential imagery. The final goal of this study should yield a
cohesive body of work; a portfolio. This course does not require previous experience in photography. Each student needs to
have an automatic WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE or manual 35mm camera. Students with prior experience and a current
portfolio may work with other formats. Costs for the course vary and are dependent on the scope of the individual student
projects.
Supplies estimate: $200.00.

REQUIRED TEXTS:
1. WEBCT LISTINGS of assignments and readings (http://webct.utdallas.edu)
To locate one’s user ID and password go to: http://netid.utdallas.edu
To learn about webct go to: http://som.utdallas.edu/training/gettingstarted.htm
2. UTD Library Reserve writings and photography books by artists, historians, and critics. Assigned readings specified
during class.
3. UTD TECHNICAL HANDBOOK print or CDROM.
RECOMMENDED TEXT:
A Short Course in Photography by Barbara London and Jim Stone. ISBN 0-13-110201-X

REQUIREMENTS: Evaluation will be based on attendance, participation, 4 class assignments, a midterm review, a written
final portfolio essay and a final portfolio of ten images.

PHOTOGRAPHY is a practice-based studio course. During specific course periods when studio work time 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. Three missed classes during the semester is grounds for dismissal. Arriving at
class late or leaving early is disruptive, eating, drinking and mobile phones in class or darkrooms should be avoided.
Production and quality of work are generally lower for those students who miss classes or do not pay attention. 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. Furthermore, the final grade for class participation will be lowered
due to absenteeism. 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. 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
specially during critiques. Any student with a severe illness or with other problems that hinder their attendance should contact
the instructor.

Withdrawal dates: Observe the university academic calendar online for the deadline to withdraw from classes (Sep 2
withdraw without a W; Undergraduates Sep22-Oct 20: period for WP/WF-Graduates last W day Nov 1). Requests for an
incomplete grade are in general not considered for undergraduate courses that have lab work attached.
FALL 2005 ARTS3371.501 Tuesday 7:00-9:45PM meets in AS 1.105 (Media Room-Visual Arts Bldg.)
Black and White Photography Syllabus.

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. Also refer to the UTD
Photography Handbook for details on our operations. Enrolled students are responsible for maintaining a cooperative
environment. Only currently enrolled photography students are permitted to use the darkroom (absolutely no exceptions).
Students may gain access to the lab during scheduled building hours. Consult for current semester hours. After hours access is
granted to those students registered with Campus Police-the instructor will submit names 2-3 weeks into the semester.

FINAL PORTFOLIO and four Class Assignments: Class assignments DUE AT VARIOUS TIMES are designed to
encourage experimentation with the photographic process and with the possibilities for working in a series. The final portfolio
will be based on a topic or theme selected by the student, perhaps representing an extension of one of the class assignments.
The final form of the portfolio may consist of one (or a variation) of the following

1-a series of TEN 8" x 10" enlargements; Three prints must be matted, spot toned and printed on fiberbased paper in
time for the FINAL PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

2-a photographic book consisting of at least sixteen pages, perhaps printed smaller than 8" x 10". The book will hold
about 32 images that should present a cohesive theme.

3-a group of at least ten prints, perhaps printed larger than 8" x 10", that are designed to be viewed as a single unit --
as in an installation, sculptural object, or larger two-dimensional work designed to be hung on a wall or some sort of
appropriate surface.

GRADING: Midterm grades due Oct 11th - Final grades due Tuesday Dec 5th.
A= outstanding quality, concept goes beyond expectations and is delivered on time 90-100•
B= good solid ideas, above average quality and delivered on time with one exception 80-89•
C= acceptable yet simple ideas, some minor flaws in quality and mostly on time 70-79•
D= barely acceptable, deficient quality and untimely delivery 60-69•
F= unacceptable, missing assignments and suspect work 59 or less
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: 10%
•Active participation in critiques and class discussion, including participation in possible article teams.
•Preparation for class including materials needed for developing film or printing and for group critique
•Missing three or more classes are grounds for failing grade. (Exemptions made with medical records etc.)

QUIZ ON UTD HANDBOOK ON PHOTOGRAPHY: 10%

INDIVIDUAL MIDTERM REVIEW: 20%

•review of negatives (minimum of 4 rolls of film), contact sheets, 5 sample prints from work completed during 1st half of
semester, and a typed two page proposal for the final portfolio project.

FOUR CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: 30%

•assignments will provide a framework for experimenting with ideas discussed in class.

FINAL PORTFOLIO: 30%

•the final portfolio will be based on a topic or theme selected by the student and approved by the instructor.
•a final essay written by the student should include a discussion of the process and the student’s reflection on the
appropriateness of the working method to their concept. The length of the essay should be no less than two typed double-
spaced pages.
REDOS AND EXTRA CREDIT: half a letter grade relating to a specific assignment. The redone assignment must not have
been late. Redos are not a guarantee that grade will improve.
Possibility of raising a grade by submitting intelligently written short essays on photography guest lectures and/or exhibits.

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR CREATIVE WORK:

1-Is the image a work of art? Exploring the relationship between content and form.
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.
FALL 2005 ARTS3371.501 Tuesday 7:00-9:45PM meets in AS 1.105 (Media Room-Visual Arts Bldg.)
Black and White Photography Syllabus.

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. An image that lacks a conceptual base and is
devoid of any kind of aesthetic value is probably not worthy of consideration.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED ALL OF THESE ITEMS.
JOURNAL-- Students should keep a carefully written journal of their ideas for their projects. The journal may include notes
for shooting, developing film, and printing. This will be important during the midterm and final reviews.
PADLOCK--for locker. Clearly label locker with your name and semester info. Unlabeled lockers have locks cut. If necessary
lockers might be shared with classmates.
BINDER OR BOX--for storage of contact sheets and negatives.
HAND TOWEL--for darkroom work/drying hands is a must!
LUPE-- inexpensive plastic Agfa lupe = $ 6.50
DUSTING BRUSH and/or CANNED AIR ( SOFT camel hair brush ) i.e. Kostiner, Staticmaster, Kodak camel hair, or
inexpensive craft store substitute)
NEGATIVE PRESERVERS : 35mm style 35-7B Vue-All or Print-File 25/pack, could be shared
TANK AND REELS : two 35mm stainless steel reels HEWES BRAND ONLY $20.00 and 16 oz. tank $15.00.
Alternate plastic reels may be preferable to some students. DO NOT PURCHASE KALT BRAND REELS.
FILM PURCHASES : 35mm 36 exposure--ISO 100 or 400 estimate about 12 rolls $4.50each.
We recommend 35mm Kodak TMAX 100 ( for outdoors with plenty of light, for use with flash, for use with tripod)
We recommend 35mm Kodak TMAX 400 (for indoors, at dusk, at night, low light, cloudy skies, to stop action etc.)
*DO NOT PURCHASE or use C-41 process 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 these films
for UTD photography work will receive a failing grade on that assignment.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPERS
Black and white:
ILFORD Variable contrast paper labeled as Multigrade FIBERBASE DOUBLE WEIGHT GLOSSY PAPER
$ 65.00 /box of 100 sheets.
Ilford Multigrade (pink/green box); Agfa Multigrade Classic; Forte poly contrast; 25 or 100 sheet packages.
**RC (resin coated) paper is only satisfactory for contact sheets and proofing, not for assignments**
KODAK is phasing out the production of BW photographic papers.
MATBOARD and misc.: IF NEEDED FOR 8x10 conventional prints order by mail or locally.
3 sheets of 2 ply (for base) and 4-5 sheets of 4 ply museum board ( for front mat)
100% rag board white or off-white 16” x 20” ( for 8” x 10” photos) Vertical orientation 16” wide by 20” tall.
Refer to the UTD HANDBOOK for details.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES VENDORS: REQUEST STUDENT DISCOUNT
Film Depot Plano 1405 Vontress Dr Suite 1103 Plano TX 75024 (NE corner Av. K and 14st) 972-424-6958.
Film Depot Dallas 11111-A N. Central Expwy Dallas (1/2 mile south of Forest on the west side of HWY 75) 214-265-0650
Dallas Camera 1321 Chemical St Dallas TX 75207 214 630 4040
Competitive Camera 2025 Irving Blvd. Dallas (b/t Wycliff and Manufacturing) 972-487-1209
WP Warehouse Photographic 972-416-7110 2225 E. Beltline Rd. Carrollton (b/t Webbs Chapel and Josey Lane)
Mail/Web order: STUDENT DISCOUNTS APPLY (PURCHASING CAMERAS FROM EBAY IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED).
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
MATBOARD
Asel’s: Richardson: west side of Central Exp.--immediately south of Beltline on access road
60 Richardson Heights Shopping Center 972-690-6320
Dallas: 2701 Cedar Springs 214-871-2425 at Routh (near Maple)
Paper Routes 4440 Lawnview Ave. at Forney Ave. 214 381 2400Best local supply of fine art papers and Bookmaking
supplies.
Light Impressions 1800 828 6216 or www.lightimpressionsdirect.comGreat supplier of portfolios, albums and many other
archival storage materials.
Binders: Preston / Royal SW corner 11661 Preston Rd 214-739-2281