2011-2012
Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High
Ms. Begoña Seijas
bseijas@dadeschools.net
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Pre-requisite: Creative Photography I & II, Creative Photography III,and Creative Photography IV, permission from the instructor.
This course is intended to develop an understanding of the technical and aesthetic foundations in color photography through the latest digital technology. Students will take their own traditional or digital photographs and then utilize various digital photographic techniques; imaging scanning, color digital printing, and Adobe Photoshop. Creative, fine art assignment solutions will be emphasized. Emphasis on color concepts and the intricacies of seeing and photographing in color. Instruction in the computer as an electronic darkroom.
RATIONALE:
- Basic operation of a digital camera, composition, camera controls, exposure, and basic image enhancement for creative use
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of color photography: composition, lighting, color balance.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop CS3
- Understand digital image input and output related to photographic equipment; digital camera, scanner and printer.
- Develop an awareness of the role of art photography and its history.
- Develop one's appreciation and creativity in color photography through lectures and demonstration.
- Importing files from digital media
- Apply knowledge of their camera operations to create properly exposed and focused photographs.
- Identify and apply the elements of composition used in the creation of successful photographs.
- Understand the makeup of a digital photograph
- Edit and manage color effectively
- Use of all tools and shortcuts in Photoshop
- Proficiency with filters and their appropriate use
- The use of curves, levels, and other image quality controls
- Selections and Masks
- Digital cameras, potential vs film
- High Dynamic Range imaging
- Creating a digital negative for creative darkroom processes
SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS:
Students are responsible for their own supplies, equipment and materials. Listed below are required supplies.
Digital SLR Camera (minimum of 10 mega pixels)
8x12 - 3-ring binder or portfolio. (1 ½” or 2”)
Sheet protectors (depending of the size of your prints)
8x10 Sketchbook (same as previous year)
Black Sharpie Marker
Portable eternal drive to store your digital images (mandatory)
Card Reader (optional)
LAB FEE:
There is a $20.00 lab fee. The lab fee will cover photo computer paper, ink, and specialty accessories. This fee must be paid in the beginning of the school year.
RESOURCES:
Digital Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4
GRADES:
A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: 59 - 0
EVALUATION:
Projects/Assignments : 70%
Critiques/Self Evaluations/Quizzes : 15%
Journals/Binders/Essays : 15%
Students are required to submit work on specific due dates. Due dates will be given at the time the project is assigned. With each completed assignment, you are also required to submit a self-evaluation statement in your journal. You will be provided with a handout to follow.
This is a digital Color Photography class, your external hard drive should be organize in a proper manner. It may not be used for any other classes.
Please follow these instructions for every assignment:
- Rename your external with your first and last name.
- Create a file folder, for each assignment, and label it with the name of the assignment.
- You must shoot in RAW for all your assignments
- Within your assignment folder, you will create another folder named WORKING IMAGES, in this folder you will save all PSD images that have been worked on or altered in photoshop.
- Your FINAL images will be converted to JPEG images and saved in a separate folder named FINAL IMAGES.
- When an assignment is due, you will turn in your portable external hard drive.
Binders must be kept in an organize way with all assignments, transparencies, contact sheets and prints in their proper sleeves and sheet protectors. Binders will be stored in the classroom.
Students are required to have a professional portfolio for the final.
Journals - Throughout this class you will be expected to keep a journal (sketchbook) of your notes and imagery. You will also be required to add written critiques into the journal, both self-critiques and critiques of your fellow student's work. You will also be expected to keep detailed notes on each project including lighting, f-stops, darkroom techniques, and computer processes. Work in your journal is an ongoing process that will help you make informed and critical decisions about the progress of your work. Your sketchbook is the perfect place to try a variety of concepts and techniques as you develop your own voice and style. Students are required to bring their sketchbook to class every time, failure to do so will result in a lower grade. Assignments for the sketchbook will be assigned in class. Sketchbook will be graded periodically throughout the grading period. Put the date on every page you finish.
Be careful. The use of published photographs or the work of other artists for duplication is plagiarism.
No cute, pretty, precious, adorable or trite images. This is a college level art class, not a recreation program to make pretty pictures to hang in your house. Expect your ideas about what makes good art to be challenged. Don’t be boring with your work. Avoid showing your work to others unless you know they are going to understand what you are trying to do in your journal. You don’t need negative feedback when you are trying out new ideas or experimenting. This is a place for risk taking. Don’t invite criticism unless you are confident that it won’t derail your free spirit.
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!
CLASS RULES:
- Come to class and get here on time. Attendance is very important.
- Come to class prepared.
- Allow others to learn by refraining from talking and calling out. Raise your hand to speak.
- Listen carefully and follow instructions.
- Use safety in the classroom and darkroom.
- Respect materials and equipment. Use equipment properly.
- Follow the Code of Student Conduct.
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 bseijas@dadeschools.net.
"Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer. It makes you a Nikon owner."
Author Unknown
