CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY 1

​SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The course is an introduction to the fundamental, technical, and aesthetic issues of photography. This course will cover the use of the cellphone photography and Digital SLR camera controls, including f/stops, shutter speeds, film speeds and the production of a correct exposure.  Skills will include composition, criticism, lighting, and image editing software. Students will also learn the history and invention of photography.  Each student will make a website, where they will post their photography and writing assignments. Projects will include creative use of the camera controls including depth of field and action motion, shadows and light, alternative camera angles, portraits, still life’s, and compositions based on the principles and elements of design. Students will receive basic instruction, demonstration, and see samples of the desired outcomes.
 
 
COURSE OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of this course is to introduce the art of photography. Students will learn to use the photographic process of digital technology to create original works of art that reflect knowledge of the principles of design and the elements of art. Upon Completion of this course, students will:
  • Understand technical and aesthetic differences between traditional and digital photography.
  • Exhibit good composition when taking photographs. Utilize the basics of composition, elements of art, design principles, and use of light and exposure in order to improve their photographic techniques.
  • Learn how to make artistic decisions in photography by the manipulation of aperture and shutter speed settings.
  • Make informed choices about appropriate technologies for use in a variety of photographic assignments
  • Practice taking photos of a variety of different subjects including but not limited to still life, people, crowds, and scenery.
  • Analyze and discuss complex ideas in works of art and photography.
  • Investigate the history and origins of photography.
  • Create original works of art of increasing complexity and skill that reflect their feelings and point of view.
  • Describe the relationship involving the art maker, the process, the product and the viewer.
  • Demonstrate proper camera and digital processing techniques in production of a work of art
  • Understand and utilize the steps in the creative process
  • Experience and participate in group critiques and project presentation.
  • Realize the vast amount of career choices in the visual arts.
  • Produce an accomplished portfolio of work and an applicable resume

SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS: 
 
Listed below are required supplies:
  • Smart Phone with a working camera
  • Lightroom Mobile (Free editing App for smart phones)
  • Photoshop CC & Lightroom (download through Adobe.com - free with dadeschools)
  • Laptop (highly recommended)
 
LAB FEE: 
 
There is a $15.00 lab fee.  The lab fee will cover any photo related materials needed for this course. This fee must be paid in the beginning of the school year.
 
CLASS RULES:
  • Come to class and get here on time. Attendance is very important.
  • Come to class prepared: assignments, sketchbook, etc.
  • Dedicate your class time to your photography
  • Listen carefully and follow instructions.
  • Think about your digital footprint and how it follows you
  • Never, and I repeat NEVER steal anyone else’s work, and never PLAGIARIZE.
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Work had for your grade.
  • Be careful with your words, think before you speak, take your time and listen. Respect yourself, your classmates, your educator and environment/community.
  • No food or drink in the classroom.
  • NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE DARKROOM.
  • Use safety in the classroom and darkroom. Use equipment properly.
  • Follow the Code of Student Conduct.
  • Take care of yourself.

FLEXIBLE SEATING RULES:
  • Choose a WORKING spot that helps you do your best!
  • Use each seat the RIGHT way!
  • If a spot is NOT working, move!
  • Take care of the supplies, CLEAN UP!
  • Ms. Seijas can move you at ANYTIME if you do not follow the rules.

GRADES:                    A:         90 – 100 
                                    B:        80 – 89  
                                    C:        70 – 79
                                    D:        60 – 69
                                    F:         59 – 0
 
EVALUATION:
                                    PROJECTS, ASSIGNMENTS & PRINTS               :           75%
                                    QUIZZES/PHOTO ANALYSIS/CRITIQUES         :           25%

Students are required to submit work on specific due dates. Due dates will be given at the time the project is assigned. Assignments and due dates will also be posted on the class website and in Microsoft Teams.
 
Written Photo Critiques: This is a writing assignment that will be attached to all photo assignments. Students will critique one intriguing photograph, which relates to the current assignment and explain what makes it a good photograph. Students will also critique their own work and the work of their peers. Critiques of assignments are important to the progress of each student. The critique fosters development of an ability to verbalize visual concepts. Critiques are a time for articulating your ideas and formal decisions. Participation in critiques is required.
 
Students will have quizzes throughout the grading period that will relate to the work in class.
 

                                       NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!
 
 
HOUSEKEEPING THE DARKROOM:
 
Never leave the area before you go back and see what you left behind. We share a facility. Good negatives and prints can't be made in a messy lab. In consideration of classmates you must leave the lab areas free of litter and chemical spills. Pick up all your stuff. Deposit trash in the waste can. All equipment must be placed back in its place. Always allow a few minutes to do this before you leave. Remind each other. Grades are reduced if messes are left. Others see leaving a mess as disrespect and hostility. It makes them angry and saps creative energy from their work. REPORT MALFUNCTIONING OR MISSING EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES TO THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY
 
DARKROOM RULES:

  • Each student is responsible for maintaining the darkroom and cleaning up after themselves. Failure to do so will result in loss of darkroom use.
  • No wet prints or hands on or near enlarger stations.
  • Observe the order of the chemicals in both film and print processing.
  • You will use a tray when bringing a test strip or print into the classroom for evaluation or to the print dryer.
  • Replace all lab materials to their original spot after use.
  • Be careful with chemicals. Protect your eyes. Avoid excessive contact with chemicals. Some chemicals give some people skin rash, use tongs or gloves if necessary. Chemicals might stain jewelry and will stain your clothing, wear an apron.
  • If you are UNSURE about how to proceed in the darkroom, ASK for help.
  • If you misuse or abuse equipment you will be responsible for it.
  • NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE DARKROOM.
 
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES:

  • 1st offense – VERBAL WARNING
  • 2nd offense – WRITTEN WARNING (will affect conduct grade). Loss of darkroom and computer privileges, with no class time to make up work. Arrangements must be made with the instructor for making up work before/after school
  • 3rd offense – DETENTION
  • 4th offense – Referral to administrator for further disciplinary action.
  • Detentions are given with the full support of the Administration and will be served. You will be notified in writing if you receive a detention. Your parents will be responsible for making alternate transportation arrangements.
 
TEACHER AND STUDENT/PARENT COMMUNICATION:
 
Parents and students who have any questions or need to contact me can reach me at (305) 805-1900 or email me at bseijas@dadeschools.net. You can also access my website to view assignments, due dates and critique dates.
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