Welcome back, Photogs!
I'm really happy you have returned for another photography course.
Something about Photography (yes, capital 'P') has sparked something in you, and maybe this semester that spark will turn to flame, and a deeper appreciation of the art of Photography.
1. Work thoughtfully & mindfully so others may do the same.
2. Be prompt, on-time, present and remain in the studio.
3. Listen carefully and be courteous when others are talking or demonstrating.
4. Always use time productively.
5. Insure your language, comments and projects appropriately follow TuHS school handbook guidelines.
6. Demonstrate a positive approach to assignments.
7. Positively receive feedback and critique.
8. Pursue challenging solutions & strive for high standards of achievement.
9. Keep track of – and clean up – materials, and come to class prepared to work.
10. Demonstrate personal initiative and problem solving ability.
11. Actively participate intelligently in individual and group activities and
Photography can be a centering and reassuring activity, and a great antidote for hectic times. I believe that by the end of our time together you will see the world around you in new and creative ways.
The visual challenges I will give you will help to develop your creative self. This, alone, is valuable, and isn't about me as your teacher, but photography itself. Your journey is your own, and I am excited to help you on your way.
I am incredibly enthused about taking you from point A to point B. Each of you comes to the class with a different starting point, and will grow/learn from there. That is inherently exciting. I am honored to be a part of your education, and believe you can go far.
Do your best, and I will do mine. Here's to a great semester! Truly, I’m glad you’re here.
WHAT IS PHOTO 2? An image-making class where you will continue your investigation of making intentional photographs. The components of the class are:
1. Mastery of the camera (SLR) (Standards strand #1) 4. History of photography (#3)
2. Investigate darkroom processes and skill (#1) 5. Mastery of the elements of 2D design (#1, #2)
3. Continued digital darkroom processes and skills (#1) 6. Applying aesthetic choices (#2
· Continue to investigate photographic elements of art and principles of design, composition, and lighting.
· Continue to explore the history of photography, learning about its scientific and technological developments, important innovators in the field, and relevance within diverse cultural contexts.
· Blog and speak about aesthetic, technical and expressive qualities in a photograph, learning to critique their own and others work.
· Continue to investigate image techniques and digital manipulation using Adobe Photoshop.
· Continue to creatively alter digital images as well as critically analyze the use of visual media as a means of communication in our society today.
· Continue to explore the significance of photography within the larger context of the art word, and learn about the critical and varied application it has to the modern working world.
· Begin formulating and implementing your own personal visual vernacular (a visual language).
· Be expected to pursue your own visual interests to help you develop your visual voice/vernacular.
THE FUN (Photo Projects).
· As you know, photography is the observance and recording of light, and we will continue to study it.
· Projects will range in duration from one-class, overnight, multi-day, to a week (plus).
· Critiques (partner, small group, full class) will happen periodically.
· Critiques will have a participation rubric that will help you question the work you are seeing/presenting.
· Projects will include (amongst others):
o Light & Shadow
o Still life
o Portraiture V.2
o Self-portrait V.2
o Abstraction
o Architecture/cityscape
o Landscape
o Diptychs & triptychs
o Animated GIF
o Symbolism
o Photo essay
o Sports
o Specialized topics of your choice
o Photo blog for your work
o We will periodically revisit topics/methods from Photo 1 for review, practice, and growth.
THE EQUIPMENT (Cameras+) You will need to have access to the following:
- DIGITAL CAMERA. (Ideally) A digital SLR (the kind with a removable lens) – or – digital point-and-shoot. The smartphone that got you through Photo 1 is probably not advanced enough for your needs. Probably.
- Download the following apps for your phone: Google Drive, Google Images, Slow Shutter.
YES, YOU CAN! (The Grade).
· If all assignments are completed on time, your final semester grade will raise to an “A.”
· The semester grade is cumulative.
· Each project/assignment will be scored on parts the Seven C’s Rubric.
· A few projects will be worth more than 4 points, as they will involve multiple components.
EXTRA CREDIT.
· Do substantially (TBD per project) more than the minimum for an assignment and you will earn extra credit.
· Extra credit points are only added in to your grade after you have turned in the final project.
· Missing assignments nullify any extra credit earned (it cannot take the place of an assigned project).
CURIOSITY SCORE. For each day we meet during the semester that you are intellectually engaged for the duration of class you will earn one point. If time is spent on non-photo endeavors (texting, other homework, sleeping, etc.), the point for that day is forfeited.
OUR SHARED SPACE (Classroom).
SAFETY & CLASS BEHAVIOR.
· My top two priorities are safety and intellectual growth.
· If learning & safety is compromised, a verbal request to adjust behavior will be given.
· If learning/safety is continually compromised, that student will have to be removed from the class for the benefit of all
· Autonomy is inherent to the class. You are trusted to make all you do appropriate. Please use your autonomy positively, productively, and responsibly.
ATTENDANCE.
· Please be in class, unless you have a fever and are contagious.
· After an excused absence (with a note) you will be briefed on what was presented when you were absent.
TARDIES.
· Being late is disruptive, and a delinquent tardy is inconsiderate to all.
· Be in the room at the bell. Teaching will begin promptly.
· Every two tardies for the semester will result in your final cumulative grade being lowered by 2%.
ABSENT/MISSED/LATE WORK. If you are absent, do the following, in this order:
1. Check the blog for the current/new assignment. Complete that assignment to the best of your ability - even if you were not here for the explanation. Read the class blog and follow the directions.
2. If you are unable to complete the project as it is posted - do something(!) - so your return can be productive.
3. Ask me to review your blog/work when you have completed the missing work.
*As per school policy, the number of excused absences are the number of class periods you will have to complete missed work.
THE END (Will you continue?) If you do your best, the outcomes should be:
· Better understand technical and aesthetic differences between traditional and digital photography.
· Make informed choices about composition when photographing and editing digital images.
· Make informed choices about appropriate technologies for use in a variety of photographic assignments
· Analyze and discuss complex ideas in works of art and 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
· Be aware of the vast amount of career choices in the visual arts.
· Produce and compile a portfolio of work from Photo 1 through Photo 2.
TAG STUDENTS: To ensure that students designated as "Talented and Gifted (TAG) receive academic instruction that is appropriate to their rate and level of learning, the curriculum and instruction of this course may be differentiated to include specialized groupings, compacting of curriculum, accelerated pacing, and providing of extension/challenge activities.
