Courses

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE PATHWAY

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PHOTO 1: BEGINNING

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9 - 11


Beginning Digital Photography is the first level in a series of four courses, in which students will learn the history of photography, how to operate a professional DSLR camera, learn Photoshop, and begin to acquire the skills needed to enter the photography industry. This course will educate students on the artists that shaped photography into the industry that it is today. The students will develop the vocabulary and verbal communication skills needed to professionally critique and analyze photography by using the elements of art and principles of design. Through hands on-camera experience, the students will learn to create aesthetically and compositionally interesting work. The students will learn the importance of natural light in different environments and how to shape light. Students will expand their knowledge by working in a digital lab environment. The students will learn photography workflow, adobe software, and post-image production. Students do not need a DSLR camera at home, to be successful in this course. 


PHOTO 2: ADVANCED

Prerequisite: C or better in Photo 1 Beginning 

Grade Level: 9 - 11


In level 2 of Digital Photography, students will continue to expand their knowledge of a DSLR camera and their editing skills. The students will be challenged on a weekly basis to take their skills learned from level one and apply them to higher-level projects, which will expect them to problem solve and expand their creativity. Students will be expected to pre-conceptualize their ideas and also reflect on finished work. Students will create a website that will be updated frequently and act as their digital portfolio showcasing their work and begin to work on creating a photography business plan. Students will learn how to use strobes, artificial lighting, and light modifiers in a studio setting. Students will continue perfecting their editing and retouching skills and apply them to printed photographs that will be displayed at the end of the year in their photography exhibition. Students will also collaborate with other CTE courses for group projects. Students are expected to have a DSLR camera at all times in and outside of the classroom. DSLR cameras are available for rent, for advanced students.


PHOTO 3: HONORS (Weighted)

Prerequisite: C or better in Photo 2 Advanced

Grade Level: 10 - 12


In level 3 of Digital Photography, the students will have the opportunity to earn a 5.0, in this weighted course. Students will be expected to work more independently and focus on a handful of ongoing projects in and outside of class, simultaneously. Photo 3 students will meet one on one with the instructor, outside of class, throughout the year, to go over their work. During class, students will have time to edit and work on their projects with the instructor’s feedback. Photo 3 students will offer their knowledge to Photo 2 students by giving feedback, suggestions, and offer help during class time. Photo 3 students are expected to explore and research photographers, artists, and techniques and experiment with new ideas. They will dig deeper into Photoshop and DSLR cameras. They will be expected to write short photo essays and explore alternative photographic techniques. Students will also be expected to visit photography exhibits every quarter. Photo 3 students will be pulled throughout the year to help around the school for any photographic needs as well as work for the school yearbook. Photo 3 students will be highlighted at the end of the year photography exhibit and will need to print their own work for the show in May. If a student intends to take the fourth level, AP Photography, they should begin their photograph work in Photo 3. The student should alert their instructor, if they intend to take AP photography, at the beginning of Photo 3. Students are expected to have a DSLR camera at all times in and outside of the classroom. DSLR cameras are available for rent, for honors students.


PHOTO 4: AP 2-D ART & DESIGN IN PHOTOGRAPHY (Weighted/College Credit)

Prerequisite: C or better in Photo 3 Honors

Grade Level: 10 - 12


In the fourth and final course of Digital Photography, the students will have the chance to earn a 5.0 in this weighted course. Unlike other traditional AP classes where students are required to take a written test in May, students will instead work all semester to produce a body of photographic work to submit to the AP College Board in May. If a student passes with a 3 or higher, they will earn their 2D Design college credit. This course usually takes about a year to complete so a student should decide by Photo 3 if they intend to take AP photo. The students will be expected to work independently, maintain a rigid work schedule, plan small critiques with other Photo 4 students and their instructor. Students will need to keep a sketchbook that will document their photographic projects. Students will continue perfecting their editing and retouching skills and apply them to printed photographs that will be displayed at the end of the year in their photography exhibition. Students will also work to prepare their digital and printed portfolios for the AP College Board. This course may require a minimum of 5 hours a week outside of class, to be successful. Students are expected to have a DSLR camera at all times in and outside of the classroom. DSLR cameras are available for rent, for AP students. When signing up for AP Photo, make sure to ask for instructor Briones (as to not get placed in traditional painting/drawing art with the art teacher).


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