Photography ONE

Welcome to Digital Photography 1!

I look forward to working with you this year and I invite you to think of our class as a community and we are all working together toward the same goals. With some effort, curiosity, and some academic fun, I am confident that we can all learn the art of Photography together and am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Course Description: CSU/ UC Approved Course Grades 10,11,12/ College Credit Available

Digital Photography 1 is a year-long, beginning course that focuses on the basics of both photography and art. 

We will start by exploring the history of photography through lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects; the 1840s process of Cyanotype and Pinhole Photography (Students will build a camera in class and use it to take photographs and process the negatives in our school darkroom.)

Students will progress to DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras, learning manual operation. Once they understand camera operation they will use the camera as a tool to  experiment with composition and lighting, the fundamental basis of all image making. 

Students will also explore industry standard image editing software through Adobe Creative Cloud (Bridge and Photoshop).  Emphasis in this class is placed on creative problem solving, critical thinking, organization, and positive work habits. 

Digital Photography 1 is a prerequisite course for Digital Photography 2.

Prerequisites:

• There are no prerequisites for Photography 1.

• A Camera with manual functions is recommended, but not required. (Students can check out a camera for use during the class period, break and lunch with their Student ID.)

Goals:

• All photographers will further develop social, emotional, and academic skills.

• All photographers will score at least 80% or above on projects and other assignments.

Learning Platforms & Expectations:

• Google Classroom

• • Learning materials/ instructions will be posted here.

  • Submit all assignments here.

• Canvas

• • Grades will be updated here.

• • All graded assignments will be posted here.

Learning Platforms & Expectations (con’t):

• Engagement Expectations of Students:

• • • Respect yourself, your peers, and your teacher.

    • Be curious and willing to discover new ideas!

    • Be proactive - Ask for help when needed. 

    • Be Organized - Manage your time and materials effectively in order to complete all assigned work.

• What to Expect from me:

• • Respect

  • I will provide you the information, guidance, and resources to ensure you understand all the concepts we cover.

  • I will provide a safe learning environment for all students.

  • I will hold you accountable for all of your learning.

Grading Information:

• Categories:
  
  

  • 45% Photographic Projects

  • 20% Contact Sheets

  • 10% Critiques/ Evaluation/ Tutorials

  • 10% Studio Time 

  • 15% Website (Portfolio)

• Grading Scale:

• • 100 - 90% A

  • 89.9 - 79.5% B

  • 79.4 - 69.5% C

  • 69.4 - 60% D

  • 59.9 - 0% F

Late Work:

• • All Assigned work, except the Semester Final, can be submitted up to 5 school days late.

• On the 6th school day after the due date, work will no longer be accepted.

Academic Integrity:

• Cheating will not be tolerated. 

• You are not allowed to use someone else’s work or ideas as your own. 

• Plagiarized assignments will receive an F for that project, and will be reported to the school administration for disciplinary action.