2014-2015

PAF begins...

This was the first year of the new Photography and Film (PAF) elective now offered each semester, replacing the Narrative Film and Documentary Film electives. The inclusion of photography in this course broadened the scope of visual arts engagement. Our study of photography focused on photography as an art to be printed; photojournalism; mobile photography; photography as documentation; storytelling through photo essays; portraiture, and studio lighting.

The course was tailored each semester through a survey that allowed students to explore areas of personal interest in photography and/or film. After a firm foundation in technical skills and aesthetic approaches of both digital photography and digital video, the students selected projects that engaged their individual interests in almost any aspect of digital photography and/or film.

All 9th and 10th grade electives can be repeated. Students taking this course for the second time followed a more advanced curriculum.

Course Description

In this course we explore the composition and creation of still and moving images through photography, narrative, documentary and experimental film. We will explore several photography genres including but not limited to portraiture, documentary and photojournalism. Through our study of digital photography students will explore the composition of still images and their relationship to film/video and the composition of the moving image.

Our film/video explorations will include film analysis/critique, history and production. Digital film/video productions in this class will explore narrative, documentary and experimental film/video production and editing. Students will create three to five projects during the semester on topics that are both assigned and self-directed.