COURSES INFORMATION
PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK PUBLISHING In this exciting project-based course, participants will be guided through all stages of photographic book production, from concept and design research, to editing and production. Participants will develop their ideas in order to assemble their photographs ready to publish and take home their very own bespoke photography book! Through organizing photographs into a book format, participants will be introduced to techniques of project structuring and concept development, with a mixture of creative and hands-on technical skills. Exploring traditional bookbinding techniques, artist sketchbooks, and the world of digital layout (using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign) participants will design their own book before using online publishers to produce a finished artist monograph, family album or archival/research book.
Course Outline Week 1: Introduction Introduction to the tradition of artist books in the context of photography with a presentation of works by photographers and artists who work with this format. Using examples of books and artist publications from Stills research library as inspiration, the group will discuss participant’s ideas for their own projects. The session will finish with a short introduction to creative publishing, self-publishing and publisher’s specializing in photography books. Week 2: Photo editing/ Case Study Introduction to editing techniques in photography, including elements of narration and visual storytelling, typographies and collections. Participants will discuss core ideas of format and sizes and explore image sequencing by a hands on structural exercises preparing participants to think about images in sequences and creating different meaning through variations of visual order Editing the content of participant’s projects in groups as an exchange of ideas. ** Participants are required to bring printed images for this session Week 3: Sketchbook Session Sketchbook presentation and bookmaking session. An overview of different types of handmade books and bookbinding methods. Participants will explore the relationship between the design and content by creating a physical dummy version of their book. Participants will look at different methods of bookmaking (hand stitched and glued sketchbooks), and see why size, format, cover design and paper types are so important. The session will finish with introduction to Blurb bookmaking software Booksmart. Week 4: In Design- Layout and Typeface Further work with the structure of the book and its contents. Placing images onto page space, exploring the relationship between images and text, caption types, fonts etc. through introduction to desktop publishing software Adobe InDesign. At this stage participants are welcome to continue working with hand made books or use on line publishers for highly finished results. Week 5: Troubleshooting / Ordering books Troubleshooting session. Finalising individual’s projects and placing orders with Blurb. Week 6: Follow up meeting Feedback session with a tabletop book exhibition/presentation followed by a feedback discussion on all the projects under-taken.
BEGINNERS ON-LINE PORTFOLIO This beginner’s course will teach you how to use a variety of easy to use, customizable, web-design tools to enable you to put your work online easily and quickly without the need for code or programming. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Week 1 Learn about web design, get ideas on portfolio styles and find out the latest web-design trends. Organize and plan your work. You will be introduced to CMS (Content Management System) and find out how to install and use the main features of WordPress. By the end of the session you will be able to quickly publish pages online. Week 2 Start customizing your WordPress theme and developing your own portfolio. Additionally you will learn how to use iWeb, export slideshows from Bridge, customize your Twitter theme to match your web-design, and more. Week 3 This week you will get to know WordPress in more depth, exploring the different functionality and continuing to build your portfolio by adding advanced features. Also, you will be introduced to the idea of micro-blogging; get to know Tumblr and find out how to use and customize it. Week 4 During the final week you will have plenty of time for portfolio development and you will be finishing up your website. Solve design issues, make final changes and understand hosting on the web. Find out what happens next and how to maintain your page.
B&W PHOTOGRAPHY 2 FINE PRINTING & ALTERNATIVE PROCESSING This course aims to both consolidate your existing photography skills and to help you develop new skills. Over the duration of the course, you will work primarily in Stills photography darkrooms where you will have the opportunity to experiment with the following printing methods; tray printing with fibrebased paper, split-grade printing and giant (over 1m square) enlargements. You will also have the chance to experiment with a range of alternative printing methods including solarization, photograms and liquid light. We will try as much as possible to structure the course around you and your photographic interests. Some previous darkroom experience is required. Please bring a few of your own 35mm B&W negatives to the first session. Course Outline Week 1: Refining Darkrooms Techniques. Printing and Editing. Learn to Split-Grade print your existing negatives on resin and fibre-based paper. Black and white darkroom refresher/contact sheet printing, magnifying the contact sheet: selecting and enlarging prints, printing the photographic enlargement: using Filters, ‘dodging’ and ‘burning’ and tray processing with fibre Prints. Week 2: Medium Format Cameras Lighting techniques for Photographic Studio Portraits. This will include using medium format cameras such as a Hasselblad and Mamiya. A presentation of portrait photographers and their work, introduction to studio lighting, using an electronic light meter and shoot in studio. Week 3: Medium format film processing and printing. You will hand-process the medium format negatives shot in the studio. This will give you the opportunity to enlarge 120 negatives and practice the printing techniques you learnt in week one. Hand-process medium format films and refine printing techniques. Week 4: Alternative Photography Techniques. Experiment with various alternative-printing methods including Photograms and Solarization. Photogram demonstration, solarization demonstration and liquid light paper preparation. Week 5: Liquid Light and Giant Enlargements. Collectively as a group, we will print a giant enlargement (over 1m square). You will also have the chance to experiment with printing onto Liquid Light emulsion. Make a giant enlargement as a group and experiment with liquid light emulsion. Week 6: The Fine Print. Working towards printing a final set of photographs. This final session will allow you time to print with some 1-1 tuition. We will discuss some printing techniques to help you get the most from your negatives. Once all the final prints are printed and mounted we will have a final presentation session. Mounting and framing presentation and work on final prints for mounting.
DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY Master the camera and post processing skills required to produce an end result that matches your creative vision and expectations. This practical and fun course enables participants to fully explore the essential camera and Photoshop skills you need to produce stunning digital photographs. Experienced tutor David Grinly helps you harness your creative potential in six engaging and empowering sessions. Demystify the technical jargon and unlock your DSLR camera’s full potential. Learn Photoshop from a photographer’s perspective and the essential skills you need to really make your images shine. If you don’t have a digital SLR we can provide one for you. Computer experience is beneficial.
Course Outline Week 1: Camera Controls Learn how to generate accurate exposures through aperture and shutter speed control, and how to read digital histograms of the results. Understand and feel confident using ISO and colour balance settings, focus modes and depth of field, and how/when to apply them creatively. You will also be introduced to the work of a wide variety of photographers. Week 2: Shooting and Image Management Put into practice all the features discussed and demonstrated in Week 1 on a walk around town with your camera. You will then return to the gallery to import, organise and filter your digital images in Adobe Bridge and Adobe Camera RAW. Get to grips with common image formats such as RAW, JPG, TIFF and PSD. Week 3: Photoshop Introduction Discover the Adobe Photoshop interface and experiment with basic image enhancements and adjustment tools. You will practice moving, rotating and cropping images, as well as converting colour photographs into black and white - learning fundamental techniques for image composition and form. Week 4: Postproduction in Photoshop Explore in more depth the Photoshop interface and advanced methods of post-production using Levels, Curves, Layer Masks and the Cloning and Healing tools. Utilise the High Dynamic Range capabilities of Photoshop to create stunningly detailed compositions. Participants will also learn how to correctly photograph for this specific purpose. Week 5: Introduction to Studio Portraiture Participants will be guided through the preparation and use of portable strobes in a “studio” environment before taking a variety of their own photographs, emulating specific lighting techniques and learning how to control artificial light and it’s effects on the final photograph. Week 6: Final Adjustments and Project Critique Continue applying relevant editing techniques learnt during the course to the images shot for your personal project. On completion, the group will have an informal and supportive presentation of each others work, with technical and critical feedback provided by the tutor.
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY Photography has always been a rewarding and powerful process for exploring and engaging with the physical environment. Effective landscape photographers often develop a consistent set of visual concerns and interests that they express in their own unique style. In this dynamic practical course participants will consider the idea of ‘Boundaries, Borders, Frames and Edges’ as a stimulus for short forays into a variety of physical environments in and around Edinburgh. The trips will be an opportunity to explore environments, develop practical technique, and also to discuss some of the ways of thinking about and approaching photography. The tutor will also offer online critique of participants’ photographs, and discussion of points of interest arising from the shooting trips.
Course Outline Week 1: Introduction to the course Discussion of themes and introduction to classic practitioners such as Josef Sudek, Edwin Smith, Atget etc. Followed by a short shooting excursion within Edinburgh city centre. Planning of week 2 location shoot along with sources of information for photo trip planning, such as maps, tides, light, weather, safety. Week 2: Greenbelt location shoot Location shoot – Bypass/Greenbelt. Meet at pre-agreed location. It is recommended that suitable outdoor clothing is worn and mobile phones are brought along. Week 3: Mountain in the city An excursion through the varied architecture of the city, and onto the mountain architecture of Arthur’s Seat. Week 4: Post-Industrial landscape A trip into the unique landscape of the oil shale ‘bings’ of West Lothian. Meet at pre-agreed location. It is recommended that suitable outdoor clothing is worn and mobile phones are brought along, and access to transport by car. Week 5: Waterfront location shoot Meet at pre-agreed point for walk though one of Edinburgh’s waterfront locations. A mix of picturesque harbour, slick futuristic housing developments, industry and the sea. Again, it is recommended that suitable outdoor clothing is worn and mobile phones are brought along. Week 6: Edge of the city and foothills of the Pentlands Starkly sculptural beech avenues lead into the hill farms and open moors of the Pentland Hills. Again, it is recommended that warm outdoor clothing is worn and mobile phones are brought along.
GRAPHICS, LAYOUT & PRINT (ADOBE INDESIGN & ILLUSTRATOR Graphics, Layout, Print (Adobe InDesign & Illustrator) “problem: a chaotic world in which parameters are always changing; a need for control without being controlled; a desire to find beauty and truth; vast quantities of words and images that need to be placed on a page... (Introduction of the “designer and the grid” by Lucienne Roberts and Julia Thrift)
Course Outline Week 1 Introduction & Basic elements. The Adobe InDesign workspace Working with panels · navigate through a document · create a new document · using the selection tool · using basic shape tools · create and select objects · create text frames. Week 2 Line From dot to line. Importing and editing text in InDesign · how to import images from Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator · wrap text around a graphic · working with the stroke panel. Week 3 Plane. Principles of Order and Variation The Adobe Illustrator workspace · working with panels · using the selection tool · using basic shape tools · selecting and aligning objects · shape mode · transforming objects· working with text. Week 4 Colour. Colour physiology & Colour for print (Illustrator) RGB & CMYK · swatches panel · live paint · colour wheel · tracing images · working with layers. Week 5 Contrast. Working with Greys (Illustrator & InDesign) Bezier · Pen tool · Creating and editing symbols · straight lines and curved paths · curves and corner anchor points · working with text in Illustrator · working with brushes & effects. Week 6 Grid. Modular constructions (InDesign) Order & pagination · creating a baseline grid · adjusting letter and word spacing · creating Master pages · working with libraries. Week 7 Image. Image organisation Collecting and arranging · mixed styles: combining bitmap, vector graphics and text · individual troubleshooting in InDesign & Illustrator · Working on individual projects. Week 8 Layout. Completing projects for print and/or screen How to prepare your project for print or screen · creating hyperlinks and page transitions · when using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator? · Working on individual projects.
INTRODUCTION TO BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY Discover the magic of Black & White Photography and learn some of the secrets the masters use to make stunning photographs. Explore the fundamentals of light and time and no longer be a slave to the Auto setting. Master the manual functions of your 35mm SLR film camera and unlock its true potential. Get to grips with the complete darkroom workflow from processing film to printing your own black & white photographs. Perfect for those with no experience or those looking for a full refresher.
Course Outline Week 1 Capture, technical notes, discussions, art context. Understand the fundamentals of light and time in balancing an accurate exposure; No longer be a slave to the Auto setting! Know how to utilise the Manual functions of their 35mm SLR camera;Understand film types, film speed, depth of field, different lenses and how to use them creatively; Appreciate photography within an art context Begin to look at the work of other photographers. Assignment: You will be given a project and one roll of B&W film to be done for the second week Week 2 Film processing: Learn how to process B&W film by hand in Stills’ darkrooms. We will discuss different film types and chemistry, as well as best practice procedures for film handling. Appreciate photography within an art context - Look at the work of photographer Nan Goldin Week 3 Contact printing: Gain an appreciation of general darkroom procedures; Experiment with photograms, learn contact printing and printing from negatives. All paper and chemistry will be provided Week 4 Darkroom printing: This last session will allow participants to keep on printing with some one to one attention. We will also explore some basic dodging and burning and other printing techniques to get the most from your negatives.
WEBSITE DESIGN (DREAMWEAVER) Create your own website! Our beginners Dreamweaver course has been extended to eight sessions to ensure that participants have sufficient time to cover HTML, CSS, Photoshop for the web and dynamic elements. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Week 1: Getting started Learn the basics of HTML coding and how to use it to create a simple web page with links and images. Week 2: Site design with CSS See how to link a ‘cascading style sheet’ to your web page, and use it to dictate how your site will look. Start taking control of the layout of your page by adding margins and using absolute positioning. Week 3: Advanced web layout Gain an understanding of ‘floating’, ‘the box model’ and ‘normal document flow’, allowing you to position elements of your website relative to one another. Week 4: Images Learn how to optimise images for publishing online, and how to use them as part of a page’s content, or as a background element. You’ll see how to produce and style a basic web gallery. Week 5: Using javascript By the end of this session you’ll be able to implement Dreamweaver’s built in SPRY functionality to create effects such as drop down menus, image maximizes and scroll down content. Week 6: Embedding media. This week aims to get you up to speed with online video. You’ll be able to optimise video for web and embed it within a page by uploading it to Vimeo, or YouTube or by hosting the file on your site. We’ll also look at how to easily add Flash to a page using Dreamweaver. Week 7: Site production A session ensuring that all the elements of the previous sessions are pulled together ready for publishing. It will also provide the opportunity to get more detailed help with any specific web site issues. Week 8: Publishing your site Picking an internet service provider to host your site, connecting to your host via Dreamweaver and uploading your site. We’ll also discuss maintaining and updating your site, web design usability rules and what you can do next!
THE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ITS HISTORY Over 6 weeks of informal lectures and discussions, you will be introduced to the story of the photograph, from its early conception and the early cameras, through to its adoption by the masses, recognition in the art world and role in the media. Providing social and historical context to some of the most defining images, photographers and turning points of the past 186 years, it will give you a thorough overview of the exciting development of the photograph. Chronologically walking you through the crucial milestones of photography, this course will break down the vast wealth of images into ‘bite-size’ sections, explaining how we have arrived today in a world so dominated by the image. A concise introduction suitable for all levels. Course Outline Week 1 The Photograph: its beginnings. The Camera Obscura The Pioneers: Joseph Niepce, Louis Daguerre, William Fox Talbot. What did they achieve? Week 2 Early Cameras Alexander Wolcott. The Process: How early images were made Media with Images Carol Szathmari A Changing World. How the image documented and recorded the times. Week 3 Why take a Photograph? The Effect for All Windows onto the World Communications The Media and the Image. Correspondence/Correspondents. Week 4 The Proliferation of the Image Statuary and the power to rule the people Propaganda Military/Political Advertising: conveying The Message Week 5 The Photograph as Art: Alfred Steiglitz, Edward Steichen The Surrealists & Surrealist Photographers Week 6 The Masters Henri Cartier Bresson Magnum Photos/World Press/Associated Press/Reuters A Giant Leap
VIDEO EDITING WITH FINAL CUT PRO X Edit your own short film using Apple editing software Final Cut Pro X. The course will cover the practical techniques and expand upon the creative possibilities offered by Final Cut Pro X. Through demonstrating how to edit a digital video from capturing to final output, alongside examples of work by artists, designers and filmmakers, the course will highlight the range of applications FCPX offers in the production of professional and experimental video. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Week 1: Introduction to Final Cut Pro X and Editing Getting to know the workspace. Introducing clips to the Timeline, cutting and rendering video for playback. Working with scaling and cropping. Layering tracks and adjusting the opacity of video layers. Week 2: Importing/ Colour Correcting, Compositing and working with Transitions Capturing and importing footage. Understanding video formats. Using blending modes. Techniques for Colour Correction. Week 3: Precise cuts and Intro to Audio editing Working with different tools. Applying transitions. Learning shortcuts for editing. Week 4: Working with Keyframes and Effects Using motion keyframes to adjust scale and create movement over time. Applying video effects. Using keyframes to alter effects over time. Week 5: Importing from Photoshop and editing Green-Screen Making a Freeze Frame. Create layers in Photoshop and working with psd files in Final Cut. Working with green-screen footage, creating mattes, mask filters and working with multiple layers. Week 6: Adding Text and Exporting Project Adding text. Exporting for DVD. Exporting for iPod. Exporting to Tape. Exporting for Web. Burning DVD using Toast.
DIGITAL SLR CAMERA TRAINING (WEEKEND) If you’re only using your camera on automatic you’re missing out on the real art of photography. This weekend course is about learning to use your digital SLR camera with confidence and skill. Explore aperture, shutter speed and megapixels through to white balance, ISO ratings, histograms and much more! With a blend of technical tuition, demonstration, practical assignments and group discussion, you will discover how to unlock your camera’s full potential and take better pictures. If you don’t have a digital SLR camera we can provide one for you. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Digital SLR cameras - Throughout this two day course, we will discuss, demonstrate and explore all of the features of your Digital SLR camera from the ground up, so that you will gain the confidence you need when using your Digital SLR camera Day one: Features of your Digital SLR camera Part one: Areas covered include aperture, shutter speed and megapixels through to white balance, ISO ratings, histograms and all the rest. There will be time to ask questions and demonstrate the advantages of each feature, getting to grips with the “how’s” and “why’s” Part two: After a one hour lunch break, we will put into practise all the features that have been discussed and demonstrated in part one on a walk around town with your cameras. In the late afternoon we will come back to the gallery, learn a little about methods of downloading and viewing photographs, and explore some basic Photoshop tools. Day two: Exercises, Assignments and Review Part one: Question time. There will be a few formal exercises set up to practise on and time to discuss the elements learned in day one. We will also discuss in more detail the more compositional aspects of photography, and prepare for the afternoons’ assignment. Part two: After the one hour lunch break, in groups, you will carry out your assignments outside the gallery and be given a time to return with your completed assignments. Assignment presentations, troubleshooting and review. The last half of part two will involve editing and viewing the photographs, open discussions and asking any final questions.
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FASHION & EDITORIAL (WEEKEND) Learn basic techniques in formal and informal portrait photography. Improve your compositions and explore how to make the best use of both studio and natural lighting. Our expert tutor will also provide guidance on shutter speed, aperture, lenses, and other visual controls. Some digital SLR photography experience is recommended.
Course Outline Day One: Overview and Studio Lighting Morning Learn about some classic and contemporary Environmental/Fashion images with an in-depth breakdown of technique, style and practice. Compare lighting and compositional elements and learn how to use these creatively to achieve a variety of moods and effects. Discuss the use of colour and black & white and the appropriate selection of both, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the different mediums. Afternoon: Brief introduction to the studio and set-up of flash lighting kit. Participants will be guided through the preparation and installation of portable strobes and the “studio” environment before taking a variety of their own photographs, emulating specific techniques that are stylistically relevant. Editing and retouching of photographs using Adobe Photoshop, including skin softening, split toning and gradient maps, sharpening, liquify and other industry-standard tools. Day Two: Location shooting Meet at Stills to look at “reccy” photographs of the location and discuss the planning and organisation of a location shoot. Participants will be introduced to the model and hair & make-up artist who will accompany the group throughout the day. Collection of portable lighting equipment and quick outline of the day, before making short walk to the days location. Intensive session taking pictures on location; participants will photograph and direct the model in a variety of situations and set-ups, concentrating on composition, lighting, integration of environmental props and creative approach. A lunch break will be factored into this session. Return to Stills to edit and retouch your photographs in the digital suite. Participants will select their best shots, getting an in-sight to the benefits and power of image post-production.
PHOTOSHOP TRAINING (WEEKEND) Stills Photoshop Essential Training teaches a broad spectrum of core skills that are common to many creative fields. This course will walk you through some of the vast creative potential of Adobe Photoshop in an intensive yet fun weekend. Participants will develop new technical skills while maintaining an emphasis on creativity, productivity and inspiring new confidence to explore Photoshop as the ultimate digital darkroom. A perfect follow on from our Digital SLR Photography course. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Day 1 Intro to Photoshop and Basic Selections: Get to grips with the fundamentals by exploring the various components of the Photoshop interface. Learn to utilise a range of Selection Tools with stimulating exercises designed to introduce you to the basic concepts behind making selections for localised adjustments. Basic Layers: Explore further the layout and interface with exercises guiding you through the process of working with the Layers Pallet. Discover the exciting potential it presents for digital composition and image enhancement. Day 2 Layer Masks: Building on the concepts of Selections and Layers, participants will begin compositing with ‘Layer Masks’. Two tutor-led exercises demonstrate the amazing potential of Layer Masks for compositing two or more images together, plus an introduction to the cloning and healing tools. Non-destructive image Editing: Explore the concept of non-destructive image editing in Photoshop by confidently managing more sophisticated image composites. Includes exercises for utilising, ‘Adjustment Layers’, ‘Blending Modes’ and mastering black & white conversions. Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw: Discover the powerful photographic workflow options included with Photoshop. Participants will practice importing, viewing, rating and filtering their digital images in Adobe Bridge, as well as customising the interface to suite their own individual requirements. The second half of the session will explore some of the vast non-destructive image enhancing features of Adobe Camera Raw, and the amazing editing latitude you have when setting your camera to shoot in Raw. You will also have some time to apply your newfound skills to some of your own images with input from the tutor.
SOUND RECORDING & EDITING FOR ARTISTS & FILMAKERS (WEEKEND) Employing a mix of practical exercises and critical reflection, this introductory weekend course provides an overview of fundamental techniques for recording and editing voice, location and foley sounds for film and art installations using industry standard software and popular, high quality microphones and portable recording devices including recording direct to camera. Topics include properties of sound, microphone selection and placement, gain structure, effective planning, boom operation, noise limiting and reduction, sound editing, sound dynamics, sound processing and spatial effects, editing sound to picture. Computer experience is required.
Course Outline Microphone Selection - Why and when to use. Applications, characteristics, limitations Mic type - Dynamic, Condenser, Lavalier, Shotgun, Boundary, Stereo, Binaural Polar Patterns -Omni, Cardoid, Attenuated, Others Practical Microphone Placement and Technique Critical distance, Proximity effect, Shielding, simple acoustic treatments, filtering Lavalier Mic - Positioning, preventing distortion & rustles Booming - Positioning, preventing mic bumps Stereo Mics - Phase issues Editing Techniques (fades, looping) Building a mix Basic sound processing, noise reduction and dynamics (channel strips, EQ and compression) Insert effects (modulation, filtering, distortion!!!!) Send effects (delay, reverb) Automation (of volume, panning etc) Bussing (sending signals to multiple fx) Mastering effects (limiting) Exporting and file types
www.stills.org info@stills.org 0131 622 6200