Photography
The primary objective of the Communications Through Photography class is to provide an educational opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of camera systems and photography techniques and develop their digital photography talent.
This is an entry level class designed to blend basic black & white and color photographic practices and procedures with visual and conceptual development.
Prerequisites-
Photoshop
Applied Technology
Course Outcomes-
Photography- Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Adobe Photoshop- This application is taught in Applied Technology, and their skills are further expanded in this class
- Canon EOS Digital Photography
- Exposure- Digital Field Guide
- Digital Photography- Bucket List by David Busch
Upon completion of the course, you should have achieved the following:
- Manually operate a 35mm digital camera to create original photographs: applying principles of exposure with concepts of composition, design, aesthetics and content.
- Analyze photographs for their literal and symbolic meanings.
- Produce a portfolio of finish, high quality prints.
It is important that you have a willingness to explore new areas of photography & aesthetics even if they feel outside of your comfort zone. Give photography the time it takes to learn and to do – applying the concepts & techniques of photography that you are learning to create your art.
Course Policies-
Attendance/Tardiness
- Being tardy results in a loss of points for the period.
- Unexcused absences result in a zero for the period and could lead to class dismissal if excessive.
- Excessive excused absences could lead to class removal.
Class Participation-
- Everyone is expected to participate fully in class.
Exam/Assignment Make-up Policy-
- Make-up must be done on students own time. (Before or after school.)
Academic Honesty-
- Students are expected to be honest.
Life Skills-
- Students are expected to preform to the high standards that will be expected of them at any job in the real work place outside of school.
Grading-
Each visual assignment is assessed on three levels: Concept, Composition, & Technique. Example – 30pt Assignment:
1. Concept, idea, visualization:
- 10pts – Shows coherency of the concept with a high degree of originality & sophistication. The idea is well stated using visual elements & cues.
- 9pts – Shows coherency of the concept with some originality & sophistication. The idea is well stated using visual elements & cues but needs to be more clear and strongly evident.
- 8pts – Shows some coherency of the concept with some commonly used, cliché or stereotyped
imagery. Or, the idea is obtuse, and requires greater clarity through
use of visual elements & cues. - 7pts – Lacks general coherency of the concept. Many of the visual elements & cues do not lead
the viewer to the intended idea. - 6pts – Lacks any coherency of the concept. Visual elements & cues do not lead viewer to the
intended idea. - 0pts – Work was not presented to the class &/or instructor.
2. Composition & design:
- 10pts – Shows strong internal integrity of the visual elements. Nothing needs to be added or
removed – framing is superb. - 9pts – Shows internal integrity of the visual elements. A few visual elements need to be added,
moved or removed – framing needs slight adjustment. - 8pts – Shows obvious weaknesses in the integrity of the visual elements. Many visual elements
need to be added, moved or removed – framing needs some
definite adjustments. - 7pts – Image is breaking apart – there is very little integrity of the visual elements. Most visual
elements need to be rethought – framing needs some major
readjustments. - 6pts – Visual integrity is nonexistent and the image has broken apart. All of the visual elements
need to be rethought – framing needs a complete overhaul. - 0pts – Work was not presented to the class &/or instructor.
3. Technical – Photographic Methods:
- 10pts – Shows mastery in the use of photographic equipment & techniques to achieve the
assignment instructions. - 9pts – Shows a command of the use of photographic equipment & techniques to achieve most of
the assignment instructions. - 8pts – Shows some command of the use of photo equipment & techniques to achieve some of the
assignment instructions. - 7pts – Shows limited command of the use of photo equipment & techniques to achieve a few of the
assignment instructions. - 6pts – Shows little or no command of the use of photographic
- 0pts – Work was not presented to the class &/or instructor.
Grading Scale
- A – 90% – 100% – Amazing Work: You put a lot of effort and creativity – you finish in a timely manner – you are accurate with composition when applicable – you consistantly stay with the conservative constraints expected in a classroom setting – you produce usable, and unique projects.
- B – 80% – 89% – Above Average Work: You put some extra time in on the project – you indicate that you have pride in your work!
- C – 70% – 79% – Average Work: You have to be reminded to stay on task more tha once a week.
- D- 60% – 69% – You Miss Class or Are Late: You don’t seem to really care to impress anyone with your work – you must be reminded to stay on task more than twice a week – disrupt other students during class time.
- F – 59% and below – You Miss a lot of Class Time: You must be reminded more than twice a week to stay on tast – continuiasly disrupt others in class – have trouble taking responsiblity.
Based on the course objectives for this class, it is my wish and desire to allow students to enjoy learning and understand that “learning” is a verb… an action word! It requires action by the learner! And learning is FUN and rewarding!
GO and CREATE!
