PHOTOGRAPHY

 

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

This is a basic course in photography designed to offer experiences with a point-and-shoot cameras/ SLR and DSLR cameras.  Various camera settings will be learned to offer greater creative and technical control. This course builds the foundation for visual literacy regarding both form and content of photographic images.  The elements and principles of design as they relate to photographic composition are emphasized.  Students learn framing within the viewfinder and explore various compositional principles.  Students also learn to examine images critically through weekly critiques.

Black and White processing techniques are introduced. Successful completion provides a foundation for further study in advanced photography courses.  This class is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors and requires two to three hours of homework each week. Prerequisite for this course is 9th grade Studio Art.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to…

  1. Learn art concepts through the elements of art and principles of design.

  2. Develop working knowledge of photography – SLR/DSLR camera.

  3. Compose well-crafted digital images and print high quality b/w images.

  4. Create projects that yield individual creativity and personal interpretation.

  5. Maintain an online portfolio of photographic work divided by project.

At the end of this course, students will…

  1. Know how to use features of the SLR/DSLR camera to have creative  

  2. Control of their photographs.

  3. See how photographic composition can make or break an image.

  4. Be able to participate in photographic discourse.

  5. Be able to print b/w images of high quality.

COURSE ACTIVITIES

  • Lectures and demonstrations

  • Camera Instruction and Assignments

  • Project Assignments

  • Critiques

  • Class Participation

COURSE ENRICHMENT

Enrichment will be provided through guest artists, lecturers and trips to galleries or museums.

COURSE RESOURCE MATERIALS

Students do not receive textbooks in class but there is a great deal of information students will compile during each semester.  Students are expected to keep an archive of this material, as it will become their textbook for the semester.  Some of this material will be provided and other resource materials will be compiled through student research.

COURSE EVALUATION

Students are graded not only on their “talent”, but also on the effort they put into their work and their grasping of the concept(s) being taught. How constructively students use their class time and how carefully they execute assigned class work and homework is the major criteria for grading. However, self-motivation and the desire for artistic growth are equally important. Respect for their workplace and others is also emphasized. Rubrics and student check sheets outlining the requirements for a successful project are reviewed for each major assignment before final grading.  There is a grace period of one week where work may be handed in late without penalty; afterwards work is downgraded two points for each day that it is late.  For homework, students are required to keep a journal that is turned in once a month for evaluation.  There is no grace period for journals and they will be downgraded two points each day they are late.

Students are assessed on both a technical understanding of the medium and aesthetic expression through their jewelry. When they hand in their work, they will include a rubric on which they will assess their work using the following criteria:

1.    Idea Development- How well the students interpret the goals of the project.

2.    Craftsmanship- How effectively students use the tools and materials.

3.    Organization- How well students use the Elements and Principles of Design.

  • Class work accounts for 80% of the grade

  • Class participation and responsibility account for 10% of the grade

  • Final Exam accounts for 10% of the grade

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 Students are to handle all class equipment, (including computers, cameras, lights, etc.) with care.

  • Cell phones, headphones, I-pods, etc. will not be allowed in class. (Either in the classroom or outside, when shooting).

  • Students are to avoid shooting photos in or near other classrooms so they will not disrupt the teaching and learning of others.

  • Students are not permitted to leave the school campus during class time to shoot photos, but are encouraged to shoot off the school property on their off hours.

  • Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom at any time (this place is DIRTY).

  • Class lab time is expected to be spent working on assignments.  Students will not be allowed to defer shooting photos, or editing photos until a later time.

  • Assignments are due on their due date – with no exception.  A zero grade will be awarded if an assignment is left incomplete or not handed in on time.

EXTRA HELP

Students are always welcome to come in for extra help at an agreed upon time (between teacher/student.) Students may also use the darkroom during a free period as long as there is an enlarger available. The darkroom is open until 3 pm daily unless otherwise noted. Students taking Photography should also consider joining EHS Photo club.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY

The instructor is available each day for extra help after school until 3:00 PM in room 0019 and by appointment during mutually convenient times. Parents can contact the instructor by phone (914) 793-6130 or email:  PPerry@Eastchester.k12.ny.us