Fundamentals of PhotographyFundamentals of Photography is the introductory course for the commercial photography program. Using digital SLR cameras, we focus on learning how to better compose photographs by studying the elements and principles of art and design. You will learn about light and color and how they effect your image making. Students will begin to develop a personal photographic vision and style. Adobe Lightroom is our digital darkroom and you will become proficient in making tonal and color adjustments for printing. Most of all you will make a lot of photographs and have fun! |
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Fundamentals of Photography 2017-2018
Course Overview: Photography 1 is the introductory course for the commercial photography program. Using both point and shoot and digital SLR cameras, we will focus on learning how to better compose photographs by studying the elements and principles of art and design. We will learn about light and color and how they effect your image making. Students will begin to develop a personal photographic vision and style. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is our digital darkroom and you will become proficient in making tonal and color adjustments for printing. Most of all you will make a lot of photographs and have fun!
Course Objectives:
1. Identify and demonstrate proper use of the features on both point and shoot cameras and dSLR cameras.
2. Through the process of self evaluation and peer critiques, begin developing a personal vision in image making.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop for correction and enhancement of digital photographs.
4. Identify and demonstrate the use of the elements and principles of art and composition.
5. Develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret photographic images.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics in photography.
7. Demonstrate proper computer file management procedures.
8. Exhibit professional employability skills in the classroom.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of early photographic history (1820-1840's).
Homework: You will be expected to spend time outside of class photographing. In order to become good at something you must practice. On average, about one hour per week is sufficient, however the more time you spend, the better your photographic vision will become.
Grading: Assignments will be graded on:
Technical quality (focus, exposure, contrast, cleanliness)
Assignment objectives
Composition
Creativity/difficulty
Overall interest
Late work is not acceptable! If there are extenuating circumstances, talk to me before it is due and I may work out other arrangements. Please remember, though, that lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!
Equipment and fees: We will be using both Point and Shoot style digital cameras and digital SLR cameras for this course. We do have some cameras at the school that can be checked out to complete assignments. It is advantageous, however, to have your own camera, as you can keep it with you at all times and are therefore always prepared to make photographs when the occasion arises. If you are thinking of purchasing a camera, I would be happy to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of different makes and models. Students will need an 8gb or larger flash drive and a 3 ring binder. There are no required fees for the class, however if you wish to have additional prints... beyond what is necessary for classwork, there is an additional fee. Pricing depends on the size and paper used.
Expectations:
From the Instructor:
Course Policies:
Attendance and Participation
Due to the high number of in-class demonstrations and the limited number of class sessions, attendance at all class sessions is extremely important to the student’s success in the course. Demonstrations given by the instructor require a great deal of preparation and generally cannot be repeated.
Professional Behavior
Students are representatives of the photography program and, by affiliation, their respective schools and the Nampa School Board. Students need to behave as such. Photographing illegal or acting out illegal activities is not acceptable; photographing behavior that violates the schools’ code of behavior or place students at risk not acceptable. Photographs of illegal activity can be treated as evidence and turned over to the School Resource Officer and school administration.
Safety
Student will not engage in any potentially dangerous behaviors. This includes photographing while driving or in any moving vehicle, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding or bicycling. Student will seek permission before photographing on private property and respect the rights and desires of property owners. Student will not engage in or photograph illegal activities. Student will not photograph simulated illegal activities. Any and all images photographed by student is subject to review by ICAT Photography and actionable by the appropriate authorities.
Student will adhere to school rules and, as a representative of the Nampa School District and ICAT, will hold themselves to professional standards of behavior including speech, action, attitude and safety. Failure to act in an appropriate manner or irresponsibly can result in loss of camera privileges and potential expulsion from the Photography program.
General Notes
No one is allowed to use specialized equipment before being instructed through class demonstrations, or otherwise trained.
Respect the property of others—this includes any equipment that someone else is using.
Don’t necessarily be satisfied with your first results. Make the best images you can and prints worthy of them. “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who completed it—autograph your work with excellence!”
Course Objectives:
1. Identify and demonstrate proper use of the features on both point and shoot cameras and dSLR cameras.
2. Through the process of self evaluation and peer critiques, begin developing a personal vision in image making.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop for correction and enhancement of digital photographs.
4. Identify and demonstrate the use of the elements and principles of art and composition.
5. Develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret photographic images.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics in photography.
7. Demonstrate proper computer file management procedures.
8. Exhibit professional employability skills in the classroom.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of early photographic history (1820-1840's).
Homework: You will be expected to spend time outside of class photographing. In order to become good at something you must practice. On average, about one hour per week is sufficient, however the more time you spend, the better your photographic vision will become.
Grading: Assignments will be graded on:
Technical quality (focus, exposure, contrast, cleanliness)
Assignment objectives
Composition
Creativity/difficulty
Overall interest
Late work is not acceptable! If there are extenuating circumstances, talk to me before it is due and I may work out other arrangements. Please remember, though, that lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!
Equipment and fees: We will be using both Point and Shoot style digital cameras and digital SLR cameras for this course. We do have some cameras at the school that can be checked out to complete assignments. It is advantageous, however, to have your own camera, as you can keep it with you at all times and are therefore always prepared to make photographs when the occasion arises. If you are thinking of purchasing a camera, I would be happy to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of different makes and models. Students will need an 8gb or larger flash drive and a 3 ring binder. There are no required fees for the class, however if you wish to have additional prints... beyond what is necessary for classwork, there is an additional fee. Pricing depends on the size and paper used.
Expectations:
From the Instructor:
- Be prepared and ready to begin class on time.
- Follow schedule unless you are otherwise informed.
- Answer questions during or after presentation of materials.
- Provide feedback on your work. Be open to ideas about your work.
- Maintain lab in working order.
- Provide you with additional material or help if needed.
- Arrive prepared and on time
- Attend all class meetings.
- Notify instructor ahead of time, if possible, if you will be absent.
- Ask questions when you are unclear about something.
- Listen closely to instruction and take notes.
- Listen to comments made about your work, and be respectful to other students.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Notify me if anything is broken, missing.
Course Policies:
Attendance and Participation
Due to the high number of in-class demonstrations and the limited number of class sessions, attendance at all class sessions is extremely important to the student’s success in the course. Demonstrations given by the instructor require a great deal of preparation and generally cannot be repeated.
Professional Behavior
Students are representatives of the photography program and, by affiliation, their respective schools and the Nampa School Board. Students need to behave as such. Photographing illegal or acting out illegal activities is not acceptable; photographing behavior that violates the schools’ code of behavior or place students at risk not acceptable. Photographs of illegal activity can be treated as evidence and turned over to the School Resource Officer and school administration.
Safety
Student will not engage in any potentially dangerous behaviors. This includes photographing while driving or in any moving vehicle, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding or bicycling. Student will seek permission before photographing on private property and respect the rights and desires of property owners. Student will not engage in or photograph illegal activities. Student will not photograph simulated illegal activities. Any and all images photographed by student is subject to review by ICAT Photography and actionable by the appropriate authorities.
Student will adhere to school rules and, as a representative of the Nampa School District and ICAT, will hold themselves to professional standards of behavior including speech, action, attitude and safety. Failure to act in an appropriate manner or irresponsibly can result in loss of camera privileges and potential expulsion from the Photography program.
General Notes
No one is allowed to use specialized equipment before being instructed through class demonstrations, or otherwise trained.
Respect the property of others—this includes any equipment that someone else is using.
Don’t necessarily be satisfied with your first results. Make the best images you can and prints worthy of them. “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who completed it—autograph your work with excellence!”