The primary objective of the experience is to educate for the idea that photographic composition begins in the view finder of the camera. Students are introduced to basic photographic composition ideas, i.e., framing , thirds and leading lines . This is accomplished through a slide presentation and a newspaper search for photo examples of these ideas. The photo assignment focuses the students search for subject matter. The interpretation of the assignment is up to the individual student.
Students learn to process their film, select and print their negatives.
Students are continually challenged with the notion that it is possible realize more than one image from any given negative. Judging exposure options is another aspect of dark room work. To accomplished this, students learn to make and read a test print. To accomplish this, the development of organizational skills is stressed throughout the course of study. This is is a portfolio strategy based on the idea that, through the process of metacognitive thinking, students can begin to become aware of the problem solving tactics they used and their relationship to their art production.