Photography I: Digital (Monday Session) - Fall 2025

Photography I: Digital is an introduction to the creative and technical processes of photography through digital media. The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of photography through exercises and creative assignments using a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera (or equivalent, such as a mirrorless camera). Students gain a basic understanding of digital media, a thorough knowledge of camera operation and photographic processes, while also engaging concepts of composition, style and medium.

This course is designed for those who have little or no previous experience in photography and there is no prerequisite. In addition to weekly shooting assignments, class sessions include critiques, lecture, in class hands-on exercises, and the review of weekly shooting assignments. Critiques are an important aspect of photographic education and class critiques are intended to acquaint students with the language of photography and the basic critical skills for conceptualizing, creating, viewing and discussing photographic images.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Learn to operate a Digital SLR Camera (or equivalent camera) in manual mode (including controlling aperture, shutter speed, ISO, manual focus, white balance, file size, etc.)
• Full understanding of the three factors of exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Learn to utilize white balance and color balance
• Utilize your digital light meter for correct exposure and creative lighting
• Brief introduction to the history of photography and regular lectures with focus toward discussing core photographic tenets of composition, exposure, etc.
• Introduction to digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom
• Explore photography as a creative tool to develop a body of work that speaks to your personal viewpoint

COURSE OUTCOMES
Students will complete the course with:

• Fluency in digital SLR camera function and operation
• Foundation of basic workflow from capture to camera upload, image organization, editing, and export/printing
• Understanding of core tenets of photography including composition, framing, depth of field, exposure, contrast, leading lines, etc.
• Experience participating in critique, exploring artistic vision, and realizing a personal project
• Ability to apply technical skills and photographic knowledge/vocabulary to personal practice

COURSE EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS
Below is a general outline of the types of equipment and materials students will be required to provide to complete assignments for the class; complete details and resources will be shared during the first class meeting.

The Materials Fee for the course includes a digital print allotment for in-class printing and for printing towards assignments; all additional printing fees and other materials are the responsibility of the student (see the Important Notes for Students section for facilities related details):

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with full manual controls
• Camera Battery + Charger; Camera fully charged for each class
• SD Memory card(s)
• Memory card reader
• Manual for camera
• Lens cloth, Blower and/or brush
• Access to a computer or laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic (see below for details about accessing the digital labs at PCNW)
• External Hard Drive
• Dedicated Sketchbook/Notebook and Pen

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Students are required to have a digital camera with full manual control (e.g. Digital SLR), including a range of shutter speeds and aperture settings. If you have questions about camera equipment or resources, contact us at pcnw@pcnw.org.
• The Materials Fee for the course includes a digital print allotment for in-class and outside of class printing, the details of which will be shared on the first day. Additional printing fees will apply once a student has used their allotment (see Facilities details below for details).
• Additional materials and supplies, not covered by a materials fee for a course, are the responsibility of the student. Detailed information about course expectations, required texts and materials will be provided at the start of the quarter.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.

Image © Theo Bickel, Photo I: Digital student, Spring Quarter 2022