Cumberland High School Art Department 2009-2010 Digital Photography-Syllabus Teacher Room Phone E-mail Hours Text: No text required Course Description: This course is designed to help students develop an understanding and experience hands on knowledge of digital photography. Beginning with the basic camera functions, students will learn the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and their affects on exposure. Through a variety of assignments students will learn the basics of composition to enhance their own photographic style. Students will also begin to learn and use Photoshop, an industry standard digital editing software program, to help further develop their experience and knowledge of digital photography. Main Goals: To develop in the student an understanding of the basic functions of a camera with respect to shutter speed and aperture and the effect these functions have on the recorded image. To develop in the student an understanding of compositional structure as it applies to photography and the digital image. To develop in the student an understanding of how basic camera functions and an understanding of compositional structure can help develop and enhance their own photographic style. To develop in the student an understanding of how computers are used to store and organize digital images. To develop in the student an working knowledge of basic image enhancement and manipulation capabilities found in the digital editing program, Photoshop. Grade Span Expectations: [list ELA and Math GSE s] ELA W-10-14.2: In reflective writing, students explore and share thoughts, observations, and impressions by analyzing a condition or situation of signifcance(e.g. reflectiong on a personal learning or personal growth), or deveoping a commonplace, concrete occaisions as the basis for reflection. *At the conclusion of each lesson a reflective essay is required. Requirements: Recording images Camera Mechanics & Visual Aesthetics Lesson #1 Shutter Speed. Through variations in shutter speed settings and subjects, the effects of exposure time, subject movement and distance on the recorded image are
Lesson #2 Aperture Opening. Through variations in aperture opening and focus distance, the effects of aperture opening and subject distance on the recorded image are Lesson #2 (alternate) Depth of Field Through manipulation of shutter speed, aperture opening, and focus, affects on the variations in depth of field (range of focus) will be Lesson #3 Photographic Composition. Through an adherence to predetermined compositional structures, the dynamics and arraignment of elements within the photograph are The Photographic View Photography as an Art Form Lesson #4 Self Portrait. Using photography as a means of personal expression, a series of photographs will be created that describe the photographer not only in terms of physical appearance but likes, interests, environment, etc. Lesson #5 People in Public Places. Using photography as a means of personal expression, a series of photographs will be created that depict the photographers concept of the world around them and people in public places. Lesson #6 Dramatic Colors. Continuing to use photography as a means of personal expression, a series of photographs will be created that use extreme and dramatic color as a theme. Lesson #7 Abstractions. Continuing to use photography as a means of personal expression, a series of abstract photographic images will be produced. These images will be achieved through the manipulation of the camera mechanics, lens, focus, and exposure. Digital Image Manipulation Photoshop Lesson #8 Color Correcting. Using the Photoshop program, photographs that would be considered over or under exposed are digitally adjusted, thus rendering them closer to a correct exposure. Lesson #9 Cropping. Using the Photoshop program, photographs are digitally resized and trimmed to eliminate unwanted areas, thus creating more visually interesting compositions. Lesson #10 Burn & Dodging. Using the Photoshop program, photographs with specific areas that are over or under exposed are adjusted in only those areas, thus rendering them closer to an overall correct exposure. Lesson #11 Clone Tool. Using the Photoshop program, unwanted image details in photographs such as utility wires or skin blemishes are digitally removed through a process of copying and replacing pixel information. Lesson #12 Lasso Tool. Using the Photoshop program, this tool outlines specific areas within photographs that are then digitally identified, copied, cut, and placed onto another photograph.
Lesson #13 Wand Tool. Using the Photoshop program, this tool identifies specific areas through color and intensity within photographs that are then digitally copied, cut, and placed onto another photograph. Resources: Each student will have access to a computer with the Adobe Photoshop program. The computers will have internet access. Each student will have access to a digital camera with shutter and aperture priority as well as manual and macro focus. These cameras will also be capable of transferring images to a computer and flash drive via USB port connections. Evaluation: Each weekly lesson will be graded using a rubric specific for that lesson. The rubric uses a base 50 for scoring. Weekly lessons will be averaged for a quarterly grade. Course Schedule: Enter quarter/week, topic for the week, and required reading/assignment in the appropriate columns below. Use the TAB key to move around in the table. To insert rows, click on the table and then on the Table menu, point to Insert and click on the Row action you want to take. To delete rows, click on the table and then on the Table menu, point to Delete and click on Rows. Quarter/Week Topic Assignment Week #1 Camera mechanics Shutter speed-submit four original photographs that exemplify variations in shutter speed settings and subjects, the effects of exposure time, subject movement and distance on the recorded image. Week #2 Camera mechanics Aperture-Submit six original photographs that exemplify Through variations in aperture opening and focus distance, the effects of aperture opening and subject distance on the recorded image. Week #3 Compositional structure After researching famous photographers, submit four photographs that exemplify the four compositional structures, division of thirds, diagonal, (a)symmetrical, and Radial. Week #4 Compositional structure Submit four original photographs that exemplify the four compositional structures, division of thirds, diagonal, (a)symmetrical, and Radial Week #5 Self Portrait. Using photography as a means of personal expression, a series of six photographs
will be created that describe the photographer not only in terms of physical appearance but likes, interests, environment, etc Week #6 People in Public Places. Using photography as a means of personal expression, a series of six photographs will be created that depict the photographers concept of the world around them and people in public places. Week #7 Dramatic Colors. Continuing to use photography as a means of personal expression, a series of six photographs will be created that use extreme and dramatic color as a theme. Week #8 Abstractions. Continuing to use photography as a means of personal expression, a series of six abstract photographic images will be produced. These images will be achieved through the manipulation of the camera mechanics, (lens, focus, and exposure) point of view, and proximity to subject. Week #9 Color Correcting. Using the Photoshop program, photographs that would be considered over or under exposed are digitally adjusted, thus rendering them closer to a correct exposure. Submit four before& after examples. Week #10 Cropping. Using the Photoshop program, photographs are digitally resized and trimmed to eliminate unwanted areas, thus creating more visually interesting compositions. Submit three before& after examples Week #11 Burn & Dodging. Using the Photoshop program, photographs with specific areas that are over or under exposed are adjusted in only those areas, thus rendering them closer to an overall correct exposure. Submit two before& after examples. Week #12 & 13 Clone Tool. Using the Photoshop program, unwanted image details in photographs such as utility wires or skin blemishes are digitally removed through a process of copying and replacing pixel information. Submit two before& after examples.
Week #14 &15 Lasso Tool. Using the Photoshop program, this tool outlines specific areas within photographs that are then digitally identified, copied, cut, and placed onto another photograph. Submit one example with at least four layers including the background. Week #16 & 17 Wand Tool. Using the Photoshop program, this tool identifies specific areas through color and intensity within photographs that are then digitally copied, cut, and placed onto another photograph. Submit one example with at least four layers including the background. Weeks #18-20 Theme Collage Using the Photoshop tools used in class, and original images, create a photographic collage based on a chosen theme. Submit a written description on the meaning of the theme. Produce and submit the finished collage. Major Assessments: Common Tasks Common tasks are Self Portrait and clone tool. Both are extended and performance based (as are all assignments) Common Course Assessment All assignments are performance based in that the assignments are designed so that every student works within a common set of parameters. While no two finished assignments will look the same they will be graded on their adherence to the pre-established set of common parameters. CHS MISSION STATEMENT Through a partnership with parents and community, CHS will produce life-long learners who demonstrate logical thinking, effective communication and responsible citizenship. Our learning environment is predicated on academic rigor, consideration for a wide variety of teaching/learning styles and diverse artistic, social and athletic opportunities for everyone in a safe atmosphere of tolerance, courtesy and mutual respect. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS CHS students will 1. demonstrate an active involvement in their learning. 2. demonstrate logical thinking and problem solving ability. 3. effectively communicate through writing, listening, speaking, and reading across all content areas. 4. demonstrate the ability to locate, organize, evaluate, and utilize different sources of information and/or data. 5. identify connections between historic events and today s global society. 6. demonstrate proficiency in the Fine/Performing Arts. 7. demonstrate the concept of personal wellness to develop a safe and healthy lifestyle. 8. be responsible citizens in the community. 9. identify goals and set priorities to prepare for life and career decision making