PO 245 - Studio Lighting

Description
This course introduces the use of artificial lights in the studio setting and on location. With continuous lights and strobe units, studio equipment, lighting theory, and techniques, students explore several topics to create a portfolio of photographs.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 6
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: PO 102 (D- or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Course Fees: $30.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Photography, A.F.A.

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical studio lighting techniques and contemporary trends through research of the medium.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and creative control of various types of artificial light sources, including continuous lights and studio strobe units.

3. Demonstrate working knowledge of related equipment in a studio setting, including light meters, strobe meters, studio stands, booms, light controllers (soft-boxes, beauty dish, umbrellas spot grids, etc.) and various other essential grip equipment.

4. Research, conceptualize, pre-visualize and problem solve to produce photographs in a studio setting.

5. Produce portfolio quality photographs demonstrating technical control of exposure, light quality and use of various lighting skills and techniques.

6. Use creativity and alternative thinking to brainstorm new ideas and possible solutions to problems or issues.

7. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail.
Course Outline:
I. Historical Portrait Examples

A. Portrait painting examples

B. Development of lighting techniques

C. Early lighting techniques

II. Light Theory

A. Light characteristics

III. Light Control

A. Light Modifiers

B. Lighting techniques

C. Studio equipment demonstrations; stands, booms, clamps, backgrounds

IV. Studio Safety

V. Light Meters; Continuous and Strobe

VI. Lighting Ratio and Image Brightness Range

A. Low, mid and high-key contrast ranges

B. Portrait lighting techniques, 3-point, broad, narrow, butterfly

C. Tabletop and still life arrangements

D. Reflective surfaces: glass and metal

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 20-30%

Facilitated Discussion: 10-30%

Mediated Instruction: 10-30%

Group Work: 10-30%

Studio Work: 30-50%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Studio - 1:1-2
Total Studio Hours Per Week: 6
People Soft Course ID Number: 104465
Course CIP Code: 50.0799
Maximum Course Enrollment: 16
General Room Request: Main 428, Main 430, Main 407 (Digital Lab)

High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Visual Arts
Discipline: PO
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The instructor should possess a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography and teaching experience at college level.

Last Revision Date Effective: 2017-03-14 09:18:27
Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026