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Photo 157 - Digital Imaging - Becky Brister

Introduction

Hi! My name is Becky (she/they)! My educational path began at community college, followed by a transfer to the University of California, Riverside, where I studied under Uta Barth and John Divola and earned my B.A. in art with a photography emphasis. Finally, I received my M.F.A. in photography from the University of California, Los Angeles, mentored by world-class contemporary artists Catherine Opie and James Welling, in one of the country’s most sought-after graduate programs. 

I currently work as an adjunct professor of photography at Moorpark College (Moorpark, CA) and College of the Canyons (Valencia, CA). Both roles include a combination of lecture, lab instruction, and office hours, both in-person and online. I teach a range of levels and techniques – from beginning to advanced, traditional black and white, and color darkroom practice (including working from 35mm, medium format, and 4x5, on R.C. and fiber paper, and utilizing alternative processing and toning techniques). I also teach digital photography, focusing on image processing and manipulation (including R.A.W. image processing, Adobe Bridge, Camera Raw, Photoshop) and large-format color printing.

Course Description

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging using industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop. Through the application of theory, students will explore both the technical aspects of image manipulation, as well as the artistic aspects of creating images.

What to Expect in this Course

The course consists of a combination of assignments, readings, discussions, videos, and class critiques. Participation is expected in all aspects of the class. Please see me if for any reason you are having trouble keeping up with the required work.

Many students register for distance-learning courses believing that it will require less time.  Although the length of the course is only five weeks, the same amount of material is covered as in the standard 16-week semester. 

This is a very fast-paced, intensive, 8-week course.  Each week of course material is equal to two weeks of content covered during a 16-week semester.  

While you will spend fewer weeks in the classroom, the art of discovering information, and the responsibility of scheduling learning into your busy lives, will be on your shoulders.  In reality, many distance-learning courses are more of a time commitment than a traditional lecture course, and I praise you for being up to the challenge. Even though the assignments are due on Sunday, you may turn them in as soon as they open on Monday. 

Student Responsibilities

• Completion of coursework, including participation in weekly readings, lectures, group discussions through postings, online exams, technical and creative assignments.
• You will be spending about 10-12 hours a week on this class since it is an accelerated 8-week class. 
• Online work is to be completed by midnight on the date it is due. LATE WORK CANNOT BE SUBMITTED. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete your work. A computer or Internet connection problem is not a valid excuse for failing to complete online assignments. It is recommended that you have another computer at your disposal as back up. If you need access to a computer, you can visit the COC library, the TLC lab. 
• Whether online or in class, students shall conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the community college learning environment. For detailed information regarding student conduct, please see the College of the Canyons Catalog, DISTRICT POLICIES GOVERNING STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, Section 5529 STUDENT CONDUCT, adopted in compliance with statement California Education Code section 66300.

Types of Assessments

I will be assessing the class with project and tool based assignments as well as discussions. You will not be quizzed on the material but students will have to show me through completing assignments each week that they understand the material. 

Textbook Information

Text and Supplies

• There is no required text for this class; all information will be on CANVAS, including readings, exams, and all other content.
• You will need a strong internet connection
• You will need to have a computer with Photoshop and Adobe bridge on it for this course. 

Other Relevant Course Information

Course Accessibility and Usability

This course is designed to be welcoming to, accessible to, and usable by everyone, including participants who are multi-lingual, have a variety of learning styles, have different abilities, or are new to online learning.

I am committed to ensuring access for all. Be sure to let me know immediately if you encounter a required element or resource in the course that is not accessible to you. Also, let me know of changes I can make to the course so that it is more welcoming to, accessible to, or usable by participants who take this course in the future. 

Your insight and experience matter to me!

ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT

Racism consists of two principal components:  difference and power. Racism in America is the systematic mistreatment and disenfranchisement of people of color and continues to be a part of American society. Racism negatively affects all students and their education. In this class, we affirm our commitment to recognizing, confronting, and eradicating ra