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:
Notebook/sketchbook
Smart Phone with a working camera
Lightroom Mobile (Free editing App for smart phones)
Laptop or Tablet (highly recommended)
35mm SLR camera (optional)
LAB FEE There is a $60.00 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 It should be everyone’s goal to see that each student has the opportunity to work in an environment that is free of any disruptive or negative behaviors and attitudes. Failure to work together toward this goal will not be tolerated. Disciplinary actions will be taken for excessive messes, refusal to clean up, or disruptive or negative behavior. If needed administration and parent will be notified.
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.
Never, and I repeat NEVER steal anyone else’s work, and never PLAGIARIZE.
Participate in class discussions
Work had for your grade.
Discrimination or any hateful/negative language or actions will not be tolerated.
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. A water bottle with lid is the only exception
NO cell phones in class, unless they are being used for an assignment.
NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE DARKROOM.
Respect all people, projects, materials, and the classroom.
Use safety in the classroom and darkroom. Use equipment properly.
Follow the Code of Student Conduct.
EVALUATION The grade for this course is based on photos taken on your own time, planning, participation, critiques, research, art criticism, presentations, and written reflections. Projects are graded according to rubrics that include areas of assessment such as: effort, demonstrated knowledge of concept, classroom working habits, composition, and use of media.
Students will be expected to maintain a sketchbook, which will include critiques, technical processes, and art history notes.
Please be sure to submit work by due dates. Late work will not be accepted.
Make up work can be submitted with an excused absence within 3 days of absence.
Your overall grade is calculated on the following scale:
65% Projects
20% Assignments
15% Participation
In general, grades can be described as follows:
A = 90-100% This grade is for the student that consistently demonstrates excellent effort, good quality work, originality, thoughtfulness, participation, good behavior and working habits as well as excellent written work. You do not have to be an amazing artist to earn an “A” grade, on the other hand, you may be an amazing artist and not earn an “A” grade due to lack of written work, missed deadlines or working habits.
B = 80% to 89% This is a good grade for a student demonstrating good quality work, timely completion of assignments, fairly consistent effort, good written work, and class participation.
C = 70% to 79% This grade shows that the student has completed most assignments at an average level without showing much effort, quality of work, proficiency or participation.
D = 60 to 69% This grade shows little effort or quality of work and needs improvement. This grade is usually due to missing and/or late assignments and little class participation.
F = 0 to 59% This is a failing grade and shows little to no effort on behalf of the student. This grade is usually due to many missing and/or late assignments, excessive absences, and lack of class participation.
PARTICIPATION GRADE Class participation is calculated every 9 weeks. Every student, who comes prepared and participates/works in class daily, will receive a 100% for participation. Lack of participation will result in a letter grade drop in participation daily. This includes but not limited to socializing without working, working on other class assignments, and using phone.
ATTENDANCE POLICY *Note* Please see Ronald Reagan/Doral SHS Attendance Policy for more information.
As Creative Photography 1 is a studio course, attendance is crucial to success in this class. Excessive tardies or absences can negatively affect academic grade. This is an activity-based course; lack of presence in class directly impacts understanding of course content as well as quality of artwork. If you know in advance that you will be missing class, it is student responsibility to be aware of and get coursework in advance.
Tardy Being tardy disrupts class and gives you less time to do your studio work. A detention will be given if you have 2 unexcused tardies and a referral will be written if you have 4 tardies or more.
Absences Students are responsible for making up missing work outside of class time. A referral will be written if you are skipping or have too many unexcused absences. If you have an excused absence, you have the ability to make up missed work within 3 days.
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 in class and on SCHOOLOGY.
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.
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 [email protected]. You can also access my website to view assignments, due dates and critique dates. It should be everyone’s goal to see that each student has the opportunity to work in an environment that is free of any disruptive or negative behaviors and attitudes. Failure to work together toward this goal will not be tolerated. Disciplinary actions will be taken for excessive messes, refusal to clean up, or disruptive or negative behavior. If needed administration and parent will be notified.