Warrnambool College Photo Media provides students with an opportunity to explore their creativity, see their environment in a new way and give expression to what they see. 

This creative course presents an overview to the practice and principles of digital photography both as a means to record visual information and as methods to express creative ideas and concepts.  Students will also be introduced to the practice and principles of filmmaking and podcasting. If you have ever wanted to be a filmmaker or a film reviewer, then this subject is for you!  Students will get to create their own films and explore films and television shows that they are interested in.

What will I learn? 

• How to better use a DSLR camera - progressing from auto to manual settings providing full creative control of light, composition and subject focus.

• How to compose and capture dynamic images.

• How to enhance photographs using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop in post production.

• How to utilise the “Exposure Triangle” - Shutter Speed, ISO Aperture

• How to make mistakes and correct them. ‘Why did that happen? How can I fix it?

• How to use and modify natural, flash and ambient light.

• How to apply special effects and manage digital files.

• What elements make a good photograph a great photograph?

What will I do?

• Take many photographs and gain a feeling of accomplishment.

• Understand and apply what a photographer can control before the shutter is pressed and the enhancements that can be made to the digital image on the computer.

• Study and practice the style and techniques of inspirational professional photographers.

• Build a folio of images you can be proud of demonstrating skills and imagination.

• Complete a series of photo challenges from a choice of photographic genres.

• Produce studio portraits, using studio flash and light modifiers.

• Collaborate with other students on photographic assignments.

What will this lead to?

• Career possibilities include; sports photography, photojournalism, scientific photography, wedding and portrait photography, landscape photography, product photography, fashion photography, advertising and graphic design.

• The study of photography will assist any student considering post-secondary study in the visual arts. 

• Skills and processes studied in Year 10 Photography lead directly to VCE Visual Communication Design, Studio Arts and Media Studies.

Why choose this subject:

• Photography documents your journey through life.

• Photography inspires your imagination.

• Photography increases your sense of wellbeing and self-confidence.

• Photography can enhance project in other learning areas..

• Photography lets you see things you may never have otherwise noticed

• Photography preserves both new and old memories.

• Photography blends your creativity with technology.

• Photography transcends language barriers.

• Photography is FUN !

Throughout the semester, students develop a range of filmmaking skills, drawing on production elements such as sound, lighting, editing and camera as well as storytelling techniques. Students will analyse short and full-length films to gain an in-depth understanding of the codes and conventions of film. Students will complete a range of exercises and tasks related to filmmaking and podcasting. The skill of producing and editing dynamic media is created using iMovie, Garageband and video cameras. 

What will I do?

Students demonstrate their skills by completing a series of production tasks including a film trailer, a music video and, analysing film in podcast format to understand cultural context and editing for impact. With the option of drawing on either personal interest or a genre as a concept stimulus, the major project of the semester allows students to create a media production in either film or podcast format.

What will this lead to?

A Year 10 Photo Media Folio will be kept for recording the development of visual ideas, scripts and note-taking. With its emphasis on critical evaluation and analytical writing this subject is an excellent springboard into VCE Media, Visual Communication and Design and Studio Arts.

Assessment tasks will be undertaken via written and practical assignments. All practical assignments will also incorporate development stages which will be part of each student’s assessment.

Career paths include; Animator, Filmmaker, Editor, Graphic Designer, Computer games developer, Photographer, Interior Designer, Illustrator, Teacher, Website designer.

Why choose this subject?

• I enjoy watching films, and discussing them with friends/peers

• I like creating short films or podcasts to tell a story or develop an idea

• I am interested in using the iPad, cameras and iMacs for exploring multiple media platforms

• I want to develop skills and knowledge in a range of media platforms.

• I want to learn more about film production, editing and the audience

Duration

5 periods per week for one semester

Head of Art/Technology: Maree Brennan