Standard

 

CPH 106 - Portraiture

Course Description

Introduces techniques of lighting and posing as applied to professional portraiture. Emphasizes the photographer/subject relationship and the use of controlled studio lighting and available light portraits. Topics include: available light, studio lighting, posing techniques, and camera operations.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Available Light

Class

2

Studio Lighting

D. Lab

4

Posing Techniques

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Camera Operations

Credit

4

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

CPH 104; CPH 103 or CPH 105

Corequisite:

CPH 108

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

AVAILABLE LIGHT

5

2

 

Natural light

Discuss different light qualities and their applications.

 

 

 

 

Describe how to modify natural light falling on the subject with reflectors.

 

 

 

 

Take photographs at different times of the day in different natural light conditions.

 

 

 

STUDIO LIGHTING

15

8

0

Light control

Discuss different light qualities and their applications.

 

 

 

 

Describe lighting equipment.

 

 

 

 

Describe methods of diffusing light.

 

 

 

 

Explain how to attain soft, pale shadows and harsh shadows.

 

 

 

 

Discuss lighting ratios.

 

 

 

 

Demonstrate the use of short, broad, split, and butterfly lighting.

 

 

 

 

Explain how to establish sidelighting, normal lighting, and frontal lighting.

 

 

 

 

Take photographs with electronic strobe.

 

 

 

 

Take photographs with quartz and photo-flood lighting.

 

 

 

 

Take photographs with parabolic (reflected) lighting.

 

 

 

 

Take photographs with soft box lighting.

 

 

 

 

Define main light, fill light, background light, and hair light.

 

 

 

POSING TECHNIQUES

8

8

0

Posing methods

Discuss guidelines for posing.

 

 

 

 

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of full-face or profile portraits.

 

 

 

 

Discuss how to pose people for full length portraits.

 

 

 

 

Demonstrate feminine posing.

 

 

 

 

Discuss head and shoulders, 3/4 view, and full length.

 

 

 

 

Demonstrate masculine posing.

 

 

 

 

Discuss ways to relax subject.

 

 

 

 

Take studio portraits.

 

 

 

 

Use polaroid proofs.

 

 

 

CAMERA OPERATIONS

2

2

0

Camera operation

Load camera.

 

 

 

 

Operate camera by focusing, measuring exposure, and setting aperture and shutter speed.

 

 

 

 

Experiment taking photographs by using different lighting conditions.

 

 

 

 

Unload camera.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Books

 

Eastman Kodak. (1980). Professional portrait techniques. Rochester, NY: Author.

 

Audiovisuals

 

Don Blair:

The Complete Outdoor Sitting

The Contemporary Couple Posing and Lighting Guide

The Executive

Proper Studio

 

David Smith:

Lighting and Posing Ideas

Working with Kids