Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

Visual Imagery explores the fundamentals of photography and creative expression of ideas. Art appreciation is also an integral part of these classes. The curriculum is aligned to the CA CTE Model Curriculum Standards and Career Ready Standards for the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industry Sector and Design, Visual and Media Arts career pathway.

In Beginning and Intermediate Photographic Arts, students will:

1. Observe, describe, interpret and evaluate historical and contemporary photographic work.

2. Explore and produce work displaying comprehension of the elements and principles in designing compositions.

3. Become keen observers of their environment

4. Understand basic functions and operations of a manual 35mm camera, and will effectively process their black and white film.

5. Make good quality black and white enlargements from their negatives.

6. Understand and utilize printing techniques and procedures such as; dodging and burning, proper chemical procedures, print washing/drying and contrast filters.

7. Explore a variety of “alternative” procedures including: print toning, hand-coloring, solarizing, multiple exposures, sandwiched negatives, paper negatives and photomontage.

8. Mount/window mat and display their best photographic work for class, district and countywide exhibitions.

9. Participate in critiques: observing, describing, interpreting and evaluating fellow student work.

10. Maintain a daily journal that will address technical issues, art criticism, art history, careers in photography, media related topics and philosophical aesthetics.

11. Explore digital photography; learn how to use digital cameras, flatbed & negative/slide scanners, card readers, portable storage devices and photo prints.

12. Become proficient creating and manipulating original photographs and Adobe PhotoShop software.

13. Become aware of photography as an art form and a means for expression and effective communication of ideas.

Recommended Placement: 2 semesters of Visual Imagery

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

The class may be repeated.

Advanced Visual Imagery is a course that guides students through an in-depth exploration of photography as an art form. Students will build on techniques learned in Visual Imagery. The curriculum is aligned to the CA CTE Model Curriculum Standards and Career Ready Standards for the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industry Sector and Design, Visual and Media Arts career pathway.

Upon completion of the course, students will:

1. Demonstrate mastery of basic photography techniques learned in Visual Imagery.

2. Continue an in-depth exploration of a variety of “alternative” photographic procedures including: paper negatives, bookmaking, 3-D photos, mixed media, pinhole camera, woodblock transfers, Hockney collage, Polaroid slide transfers, photomontage, photo narratives, commercial photography, and gifs.

3. Become proficient using Adobe Photoshop.

4. Effectively use film & digital cameras, photo printers, flatbed and negative/slide scanners and an assortment of lenses.

5. Mat and display their best photographic work for class, district, and countywide exhibitions.

6. Create a website with their photos and include a written artist statement discussing their creative process.  

7. Participate in written and oral critiques that will include observation, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of student photographic work.

8. Become aware of photography as an important media tool affecting our culture and being instrumental in social change and perception in history.

9. Become aware of digital media issues as overt or subtle propaganda.

10. Become aware of photography as an art form and a means for expression and communication of ideas.

11. Investigate the differing fields in photography such as photojournalism, portraiture, fine art, commercial, and nature

12. Research careers and education related to photography and design.    

13. Create a tutorial instructing the class on an innovative photographic technique and process.

14. Produce a portfolio of their best photographic work.

Recommended Placement: 2 semesters of  Advanced Visual Imagery

Credits:10 (Weighted Grade)

College Prep Course

Students who have taken 2 semesters of Adv. Visual Imagery may enroll in AP 2D Design. AP 2D Design (Photography) students work toward the development of a comprehensive portfolio that will meet requirements for entry into college-­level classes. This is a full-year course developed to accommodate students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to excel in their photographic artwork.