Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.371.151

Photoshop: the Digital Darkroom

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.15)

This course concentrates on the fundamentals of Lightroom and Photoshop for photographic post-processing and creative image-making techniques. Students will gain a proficient workflow for image development using such tools as adjustments, gradients, actions, masking, and other post-production methods. Course projects will include digital collaging and hand coloring techniques, and will pull inspiration from various artistic movements, field trips to local museums, and exploring the surrounding Station North neighborhood. Students will also learn inkjet printing as a mode for bringing their digitally crafted images to life. Students will receive instruction on DSLR cameras, which are available on semester loan. Attendance in first class is mandatory.

Fall 2012

(2.86)

Fall 2013

(4.5)

Fall 2014

(4.63)

Spring 2013

(4.4)

Spring 2014

(4.3)

Spring 2015

(4.22)

Fall 2012

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(2.86)

The best aspects of this course included the in-class photography and Photoshop lessons. The worst aspect of the course was the professor’s communication of the course material. The professor gave unhelpful feedback to students, little guidance in the assignments, and generally graded very subjectively. The course would improve if it were restructured with more organization and helpful lessons for the students. Prospective students should be prepared to put in a good amount of time in

Fall 2013

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(4.5)

The best aspect of this class was that it showed students how to properly use their camera and taught them how to use parts of Photoshop. Students also ranked the instructor as one of the best aspects of the class, describing him as “patient,” “enthusiastic,” and “helpful.” Some students, however, thought the class needed better organization and clearer instruction of expectations. Multiple students complained of both subjective grading and a lack of grades until they were well into the semester. Suggestions for improvement included improved organization and a better and faster grading system. Students also requested more feedback both from classmates and the professor on the quality of their photos. Prospective students should know that the class was fun but students needed to stay on top of assignments to avoid being in a rush as the course ends.

Fall 2014

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(4.63)

Students praised this course for giving them new insight into how to use Photoshop to create digital art. Issues with the course varied; multiple students felt the course moved at a rapid pace making it hard for beginners to follow along. Suggestions for improvement included a broad feeling that the instructor needed to slow down when explaining concepts. Prospective students should know that students don’t have to have experience with Photoshop prior to taking the class but it is helpful.

Spring 2013

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(4.4)

The best aspect of the course was the hands-on lessons, such as the ones in Photoshop because they were very practical. The professor allowed a lot of creativity in the class and was very enthusiastic about the subject as well. The worst aspect of the course was the fact that it was more Photoshop based than anything else and the students felt that they had to learn the photography portion on their own. The course would improve if the course focused on more skil s and techniques that students would most-likely use on a regular basis. Prospective students should be prepared to put in a significant amount of time to learn more of the photography and Photoshop skills in this course.

Spring 2014

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(4.3)

Many students agreed that this course offered tons of hands-on work with photography and editing with Photoshop. The course is a relaxed environment with freedom and goes beyond the technicalities of Photoshop. However, lectures were often times dull and professor lacked organization and structure. Many students felt as though a field trip, clearer instructions, and more in-class work would improve the quality of this course. Prospective students should expect a fun class, outside experimentation on their own, and the opportunity to create a portfolio.

Spring 2015

Professor: Howard Ehrenfeld

(4.22)

The best aspect of this course was that it provided students with a marketable skil for the future. Students appreciated the hands-on weekly assignments that effectively reinforced concepts covered in class. Many students found it frustrating not having any graded assignments throughout the semester except an overall performance grade. This course would have benefitted from having a reach-back portal on Blackboard for all information that was previously taught, as well as having more frequent feedback regarding progress from the professor. Prospective students should be cognizant that if they do not buy Photoshop they will have to come in to the lab to work on their projects. 21