Photography 1-4 & AP
Photography is an art form that will be applicable your entire life. Learn how to take photos that your friends and family will admire for years to come while gaining knowledge about good composition, the Elements and Principles of Art, Camera Operations, the importance of Practice and so much more.
There are 4 levels of photography ranging from photography 1-AP.
See course descriptions below and student examples from each level in the slideshow to the left.
*Note: There are prerequisites (or portfolios) for photo 2-AP.
Photography 1: ART2038A/ART2038B
Students explore the aesthetic foundations of art making using beginning photography techniques. This course may include, but is not limited to, color and/or black and white photography via traditional analog photography and/or digital media. Students become familiar with the basic mechanics of a camera, including triangle of exposure (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO operations), compositional foundations, printing an image for display, and evaluating a successful print. Student photographers may use a variety of media and materials, such as 35mm black and white film, single lens reflex camera, digital camera, cellphone, darkroom, computer application, filters, various papers, digital output, photogram, cyanotypes, and pinhole photography.
Photography 2: ART2039A/ART2039B
Photography 2 extends students’ knowledge of camera operations, darkroom and digital photography techniques. They build their knowledge of the history of photography and gain a greater command of the principles of design and elements of art applied to composition. In addition, students further explore techniques in digital image manipulation in Adobe Photoshop and alternative printing techniques.
Photography 3: ART2034A/2034B
Students will continue to refine their skills and experiment with traditional and contemporary forms of photography, compositional structures, concepts, art-making approaches to communicate personal perceptions in original works. They will analyze how visual imagery influences understanding of and responses to the world. Students develop critical thinking skills when interpreting and evaluating photographs by synthesizing both technical and aesthetic characteristics of the media. Writing, academic language, and critical thinking skills are developed through artist statements, critiques, and the close reading of artworks as text.
AP Photography - 2D Art and Design
ART2040A/ART2040B
Students will synthesize and adapt approaches to using two-dimensional media, techniques, and processes to develop a personal style and voice. They will present a personal exhibition and justify curatorial choices that communicate meaning. Students submit a portfolio of original work to meet the requirements for the AP Exam to demonstrate the competencies as identified by the College Board.
