PT2720 - Medium and Large Format Photography

Credit points:	03
Year:	2005
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:

Available to Bachelor of Photography students.

The study of medium and large format photography offers photography students opportunities to learn extended aspects of photography not readily apparent with the now popular SLR digital camera. Due to their relatively large size and manual operation medium, and particularly large, format cameras require a more studied approach necessitating clear conceptual aims and pre-visualization of outcome. In many instances these larger formats also allow for increased image quality and more comprehensive technical and creative control and representation of subject matter. In this subject students will master the operation of these larger formats in a variety of studio and field based exercises, in particular the application of large format photography to the landscape, in the studio and as applied to architectural exteriors. Study and application of medium and large format darkroom methods, digitisation of medium and large format images, and the digital future of large format imaging will also be studied. There is a focus on improving oral, written and numerical skills within a range of contexts. The subject also includes regular practical activities for improving individual and small group cooperation and communication.

There are additional charges for this subject; please contact the School for details.

Learning Outcomes

• To acquire an understanding of the principles of the correct operation, benefits and disadvantages of using medium and large format cameras. 1.1. Be able to identify, understand and explain movements of the large format camera, especially: parallel displacement, swing and tilt, modifying perspective, changing the plane of focus, Scheimpflug Principle, Hinge Rule, depth of field modification; exposure measurement and bellows compensation. 1.2. Understand the role, and correct operation of large format camera accessories including Polaroid and roll film backs, bag bellows, rail extensions, lenses, etc. 1.3. Understand relevant darkroom techniques including; processing of medium and large format films and operation of medium and large format enlargers.;
• Be able to demonstrate competency, creativity and skill in applying the principles of large format photography in a number of discipline areas. 2.1. Demonstrate the ability to adapt knowledge to a number of new situations including studio and field based tasks that demand control of perspective, focus, depth of field and exposure management. 2.2. To understand the application of large format photographic principles to table top studio photography and the photography of architectural exteriors.;
• Develop the knowledge and ability to extend medium and large format photography into the digital domain. 3.1. Demonstrate ability to scan medium and large format film to specified standards of size, resolution and to meet other critical parameters. 3.2. Be able to understand and explain the increasing role, and performance parameters of digital backs for medium and large format photography.;
• Produce written academic documents to clear and defined standards. 4.1. Assignment outcomes are to be evaluated and explained to demonstrate a clear understanding of principle and practice. 4.2. Plan, draft, revise, edit, proofread, print and present these documents to an acceptable professional standard free of spelling, grammar and other errors. 4.3. Construct formatted word-processed documentation that is appropriately informed by explicitly labelled computer generated diagrams..

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information.

Prerequisites:

PT2520 and PT2610

Availabilities
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2005
Coordinator:	jc117675
Lecturers:	jc117675, jc145973.
Contact hours:	26 hours 13 hours
Assessment:	(25%); (75%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	In order to establish the authenticity of work submitted for assessment, attendance at practical classes is compulsory. Rolls are kept and work submitted by students with an attendance of less than 80% will not be eligible for assessment unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from the lecturer.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.