Photography

Ansel Adams, Mt. Williamson, 1944

Course Description:

Digital Photography is a semester long course offered at Brewer High school. This course will utilize photography as the primary media for student expression. Students will develop an understanding of the technical aspects of the camera, learn art concepts through the elements of art and principls of design, demonstrate basic knowledge of editing software, explore and discuss digital imagery in society, and create projects that yield individual creativity and personal expression in a final portfolio. Students will be given weekly shooting assignments within a variety of topics as well as be expected to take part in group and individual critiques of their work.

Resources:

No required textbook. Handouts and articles for reading/discussion will be given to students.

Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book

Some useful Internet sites include:

www.planetphotoshop.com tutorials for digital imaging.

www.photographymuseum.com glossary of terms and help with digital issues

http://digital-photography-school.com/ tips and tutorials, camera and equipment advice, editing advice

www.mopa.org museum of photographic arts

Course Materials:

Although the High School will have some digital cameras to provide to students during class time to use, it is recommended that students have their own digital compact or DSLR camera. Students may also purchase their own portable USB (4GB flash drive) storage device.

Required: Sketchbook or notebook: Students are expected to come prepared to take notes and participate in all class activities.

Course Expectations:

All students are expected to arrive to class prepared and ready to participate in class discussions. They will be expected to handle all school equipment with care. Although there will be some photography shooting on school grounds, much of the work will be expected to be completed outside of class. All students are expected to follow classroom and school rules and behave in a safe and respectful manner while in the art room.

Course Evaluation:

Assignments (80%): class projects will be turned in via flashdrive or uploaded to the google docs server in a digital photography folder for the class on the due date. Late work will be accepted up to two weeks with penalty in grade.

Sketchbook/Notebook Assignments (20%): will be given weekly.

Quizzes/Test (20%): Periodic quizzes relevant to material that is covered will be given throughout the semester. A final test will be given at the end of the semester.

Participation: Students will earn points daily for observing class rules and participation; using class time wisely, participation in critiques/discussion, and attendance. All absences from class are expected to be made up.

Class Rules/Expectations:

Maintain regular attendance & be on time.

Plan, organize & complete projects & assigned tasks on time, meeting standards of quality.

Take responsibility for workspace, materials & missed classes.

Maintain appropriate interactions with staff & other students.

No cell phones or ipods during class.

Consequences:

1.Reminded of the rule being broken

2.Conference after school with teacher and a call home to parent/guardian.

3.Teacher detention, written up and office referral involvement of the assistant principal.