Faculty Syllabus

In this course, students will develop technical and conceptual skills in location-based portraiture, learning how to photograph subjects in a variety of real-world environments. Emphasis is placed on using natural and artificial lighting, analyzing environmental context, and making creative decisions that support the subject’s story across editorial, corporate, and expressive portrait genres.

Advanced concepts in the study of portraiture. May include documentary, corporate and annual report photography. Students will use cameras with supplemental and existing light. Students may use outside commercial printing facilities.

Skill(s): G Prerequisite(s): PHTC 2301. Either PHTC 1351 or PHTC 1353. Course Type: W

This course covers a wide range of technical and conceptual topics essential to location portraiture. Subjects include:

• Differences between Corporate/Commercial and Editorial Portraiture
• Equipment Selection: Cameras, Lenses, Grip Kits, and Lighting Tools
• Lighting Techniques: Natural Light with Modifiers (reflectors, flags), Portable Strobes, Speedlights, and Single-Light Portraits
• On-Location Planning: Scouting, Permitting, and Scheduling
• Environmental Portraits vs. Portable Studio Setups
• Subject and Client Research
• Concept Development and Creative Direction
• Final Portfolio Production and Presentation

Assignments are structured to build technical fluency, creative confidence, and logistical preparedness in real-world scenarios. Most assignments are completed in two phases: concept/planning and execution.

This is no required textbook. Readings will be assigned over the course of the semester.

Grading is based on professionalism, coursework assignments, and final portfolio. Students in this course are eligible to participate in the department's Fall Portfolio Reviews later this year.

· Adobe Creative Cloud (Discounted subscription of $10/semester provided by ACC). Once registered, subscribe here:  https://www.austincc.edu/adobe-creative-cloud-acc

· An ACC Gmail account. Once registered, set up here: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/

· Access to Blackboard: https://acconline.austincc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp  

· All course related communication will be sent to your ACC email address and most homework assignments are completed online through Blackboard. Please seek technical support through the Help Desk if you encounter any difficulties.

Coursework will consist of multiple modes of inquiry such as class assignments, peer reviews, and a final portfolio.