DSGN 3756 - Design + Photography 2
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 43805,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Joy Christiansen Erb
Email: jchristiansenerb@ysu.edu
Course Description
3756. Building on the foundational skills acquired in the introductory photography course, this advanced course delves deeper into the technical and creative aspects of photography tailored for graphic design majors. Students will explore advanced camera techniques, lighting setups, and post-processing methods to create professional-grade images. The course emphasizes integrating photographic elements into complex graphic design projects, encouraging students to experiment with innovative visual storytelling and composition. Through challenging assignments and projects, students will refine their ability to produce compelling imagery that enhances their design work, preparing them for professional practice in graphic design. Prereq.: C or better in DSGN 2656 or permission of instructor. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Natural Light Photography Guide: Tips & Techniques | The School of Photography | |
| Required | Inside the Process of Editing a Photo Feature | Ferguson, Adam | |
| Required | Still Life: The Object as Subject | Museum of Contemporary Photography | |
| Required | Creating a Portfolio: Advice from Magnum | Magnum Photos | |
| Required | Learning to Self-Critique Your Images | Photography Life |
All articles are available in Blackboard. No books are required.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | • Natural Light Photography Guide: Tips & Techniques (article available in blackboard) • Creative Brief (handout available in blackboard) |
• Introduction to Project 1 • Discussion Post - Module 1 • Turn in Project 1 (Part 1) • Complete Student Introduction Post |
• Introduction Prompt – Due by Thurs. at 11:59pm • Journal Prompt – Due by Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Post 1 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 1 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 1 (Part 1) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 8/31 | • Inside the Process of Editing a Photo to Feature (article available in blackboard) • Consistency in visual Style (handout available in blackboard) |
• Introduction to Project 1: (Part 2) • Discussion Post - Module 2 • Turn in Project 1 (Part 2) |
• Discussion Post 2 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 2 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 1 (Part 2) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 9/7 | • Ethics of Photo Editing (handout available in blackboard) | • Introduction to Project 1 (Part 3) • Discussion Post - Module 3 • Turn in Project 1 (Part 3) |
• Discussion Post 3 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 3 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 1 (Part 3) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 9/14 | • Designing the Flat Lay (handout available in blackboard) | • Introduction to Project 2 (Part 1) • Discussion Post - Module 4 • Turn in Project 2 (Part 1) |
• Discussion Post 3 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 3 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 1 (Part 3) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 9/21 | • Still Life: The Object as Subject (article available in blackboard) | • Introduction to Project 2 (Part 2) • Discussion Post - Module 5 • Turn in Project 2 (Part 2) |
• Discussion Post 5 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 5 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 2 (Part 2) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 9/28 | • Environmental Portrait Selection Checklist (handout available in blackboard) | • Introduction to Project 2 (Part 3) • Discussion Post - Module 6 • Turn in Project 2 (Part 3) |
• Discussion Post 6 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 6 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 1 (Part 3) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 10/5 | • Creating a Portfolio: Advice from a Magnum (article available in blackboard) • Learning to Self-Critique your images (article available in blackboard) |
• Introduction to Project 3 • Discussion Post - Module 7 • Turn in Project 3 |
• Discussion Post 7 – Due Thurs. at 11:59pm • Discussion Reply Post 7 – Due Fri. at 11:59 pm • Project 3: Final Portfolio + Presentation– Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.