Do I need a personal camera or can I use school equipment? No, you can borrow both film and digital cameras from the school . Room 109 also has workstations and a darkroom, lighting equipment, a scanner and a film developing space.
Textbooks (in class copies only)
The Photographic Eye
Focus on Photography
How do I submit assignments?
Digital Albums of Assigned Shots are submitted through the Creative Cloud along with various projects.
Digital Prints are collected as individual assignments in Canvas
Darkroom film and print work is collected physically
Can I redo or revise work for a better grade?
Yes — but only if you turn it in on time.
To qualify for a revision:
✔ You must submit the project by the due date
✔ You must show real improvement
✔ You must respond to feedback
⚠ Late work is late.
It does not count as a revision — it’s just late work, and it receives late credit.
How often will we have projects and assignments?
Most projects fall into three categories and lengths
Tutorials/Handouts/Notes-due the day they are assigned
Short 1-2 Day Minor Assginments
2-3 week unit Projects
How is participation graded?
Participation is NOT about talking — it’s about working and being present.
You earn participation points when you:
✔ Bring materials and start working right away
✔ Stay on task during work time
✔ Try before asking for help
✔ Use class time wisely (not on your phone)
✔ Ask good questions when you’re stuck
✔ Help keep the studio/darkroom clean
✔ Treat equipment + classmates with respect
What if I miss class or a project deadline?
Excused absences allow a student the equivalent time to make up assignments. For example, if you miss one day of class, you get an an extra day to make up the work that was due during your absence.
What should I do if I’m behind in class?
Email Ms. Nock at lori.nock@mvla.net to make an appointment to discuss and make a plan for improvement.
How do I access Photoshop or Lightroom at school?
Home/Personal device:Login to adobe.com using your MVLA email.
What photography apps do we use?
We use Adobe Lightroom Web, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop Web, Adobe Photoshop Desktop, Adobe Illustrator, Photopea, Pixlr and more.
How should I save and back up my files?
It's recommended to save backup files of your photographs in google drive. Some students and families also use dropbox or other cloud file storage services. You can also keep your files on a personal SD card but I recommend you also backup using the cloud.
Can I edit photos outside of class?
Yes, you can edit extra photos outside of class or work ahead, but you must work on whatever photography projects that are assigned during class time .
Be on time and ready to work.
Use class time for photography only. Phones and computers should be used for shooting, editing, or journaling.
Follow all safety rules. Treat cameras, computers, and darkroom materials with care. No food or drinks near equipment.
Respect the studio and each other. Ask before photographing others and be supportive during critiques.
Stay on task. Work time is built into class—use it wisely.
Complete all process work. Shooting, journals, contact sheets, tests, and reflections are required and graded.
Meet deadlines. Projects and prints are due on the assigned date.
Be open to feedback and try new things. Growth, effort, and experimentation matter.