This creative course presents an overview to the practice and principles of digital photography and media both as a means to record visual information and as methods to express creative ideas.

Year 9 Photography students use Apple I-Macs, MacBook pros, DSLR camera and lenses, laser printers, lights and flashes, and industry standard image manipulation software -Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

What will I learn?

Areas of Study include:

• What make a good photo a great photo?

• How to use DSLR Cameras – from auto settings to manual control.

• How to achieve sharp images and apply rules of composition.

• How to apply creative filters and techniques using Adobe Photoshop.

• How to produce colour laser prints of digital images.

• How to manage and edit digital imagery.

What will I do?

• Students will produce a folio of photographs and prints completing a series of creative tasks. 

• Students may have Photoshop installed (at no charge) on their laptop or home computer.

• Students will look to the images of professional photographers for inspiration. 

• Students investigate the unique features of photo images chosen from different historical, cultural, and technological perspectives.

What will this lead to?

Career possibilities include; sports photography, photojournalism, forensic photography, wedding and portrait photography, travel landscape photography, advertising and graphic design photography. The study of photography will assist any student who is considering further study in the visual arts – e.g. Photography, Graphic Design, Art and Media

Why choose this subject

• I enjoy photography

• I like creating digital images

• I am interested in using different technologies for exploring photography

• I want to learn how to capture dynamic images 

Photography:

• Can make you happier

• Opens your eyes and mind

• Allows you to connect with others

• Helps preserve special moments.

• Enhances other life activities.

• Boosts you self-confidence.

• May lead to a career.

In Media, students dive head first into pop culture- looking at how reality television and sitcoms work, and develop skills in creating various types of videos such as vlogging and interviews. 

What will I learn?

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

What will I do?

Students develop their own media products while exploring and completing a series of production tasks including storyboarding, video creation, analysing film and television to understand cultural context and editing for impact. Through a process of experimentation, planning and drafting, students design and create their own products. Personal interest or a genre as a concept stimulates students to create media from real or imagined experiences. Students will learn how to use industry-based software to complete their media tasks.

What will this lead to?

A Year 9 Photo Media Folio will be kept for recording the development of visual ideas, scripts and note-taking. With its emphasis on skill and knowledge development, critical thinking and creative concept development this subject is an excellent springboard into Year 10 Media, Visual Communication and Design, Photography 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.

The study of Media will assist any student who is considering post-secondary study in the visual and digital arts.

Why choose this subject

• I enjoy watching film and television

• I like creating short videos 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 how to create design for print media

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

Duration: 3 periods per week for one semester

Head of Art/Technology: Maree Brennan