Rational and Philosophy
Photography 2 is designed for students who have a serious interest in the of art photography. Students will learn a variety of concepts, techniques, and approaches designed to help them demonstrate their abilities as well as their versatility with techniques, problem solving, and creativity. A portfolio is developed within a concentration that investigates personal interests for each individual student. Students will be introduced to new photographers, digital artists, artists, and more sophisticated techniques as points of departure to create work that reflects that individual student's spirit and vision. By exploring photographic and digital media with the camera and computer, students will be able to develop a body of work that reflects a range of problem solving and develops versatility with techniques to demonstrate their abilities. Students will participate in research, art journals, class critiques, individual critiques, and artistic dialogues. Work is expected to be of high quality in thought, process, and product. In this course, students will create a photographic portfolio. This portfolio is broken up into 4 sections which will allow students to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding visual concerns and methods. The portfolio will ask that students demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through advanced conceptual thought, technical quality, concentration, and breadth.
Course Goals
- Students will continue study of the history of photography and how it evolved to the present day digital imaging.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to use the digital camera as an art tool and create images using the digital camera.
- Students will continue to master the skills of the digital camera by executing exercises and solving the problems of each assignment
- Students will be involved in constructive classroom critiques enabling them to understand their accomplishments and help them to improve deficiencies
- Encourage creative and systematic investigation of formal and conceptual issues.
- Emphasize making photographic art as an ongoing process that involves the student in informed and critical decision making.
- Develop technical skills and become familiar with the functions of the visual elements.
- Become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to culture through the making of art photography.
Units of Study
· Camera Usage
· Photo Editing
· History of Photography
· Journal
· Technical & Conceptual Quality
· Still Life
· Concentration
· Breadth
Teaching & Learning Activities
Camera Usage
Students will explore camera capabilities, software, and inputting and outputting images. Printing, creating contact sheets, and uploading work to personal online accounts will be stressed.
Photo Editing
Use and practice for all Photoshop tools and camera functions will be addressed daily.
History of Photography
Students will continue to explore the history of photography through presentations, discussions, critiques and research.
Photography Journal
Students will utilize a journal to explore their work using a variety of mediums, such as painting, photo collage, drawing, etc. This will be a space for students to experiment and work though ideas and motivation for larger works.
Technical & Conceptual Quality
Students will choose 4-6 images each week that best represent them. They may be a group of related works, unrelated works, or a combination. Mastery of the week’s technique is derived from numerous exercises in planning, shooting, critiquing, and observation.
Still Life
Students will participate in bi-weekly in class still-life shoots. Composition, lighting, and theme will be emphasized.
Concentration
A concentration is a body of related works based on an individual’s interest in a particular idea expressed visually. It focuses on a process of investigation, growth, and discover. Students should be encouraged to explore a personal central interest as intensively as possible. They are free to work with any idea, in any medium, that addresses photography techniques. The concentration will demonstrate a plan of action or investigation in which the student has invested considerable time, effort and thought.
Breadth
This work should demonstrate student understanding of the elements and principles of art, technical skill, and conceptual thought. Student will choose themes given by the instructor to interpret and explore. The work will demonstrate the students broad range and ability to photography an extensive collection of themes. Personal style and technique should be emphasized throughout the work.
Assess:
Assessment and Testing Strategies
· Rubrics
· Projects
· Self-Evaluation
· Group Evaluation
· Written Tests & Quizzes
· Critiques
Text & Materials and Materials:
- Computer
- Software: Adobe Photoshop
- Sketchbook
- Variety of Paper
- Metal Ruler
- Xacto Blades
- Rubber Cement
- Scanner
- Color Laser Jet Printer
- Color DeskJet Plotter
- Nikon 3200 SLR with 18-55mm & 55-200mm lenses
- SD Card
- Misc. Camera Equipment
- Studio backdrops & lighting equipment/Tripods
