Digital Storytelling Photo 1

Digital Storytelling Photo 1 Course Syllabus

This class provides an introduction to the art of photography, basic concepts of digital photography and the process of manipulating images through the use of Adobe software.
Students will develop a keen eye for composition and a working knowledge of the language of photography by studying the principles of composition and design then applying learned skills to photographic expression.
Students will also develop technical camera skills in order to control exposure, depth-of-field, ISO and shutter speed to overcome the challenges of various lighting situations and assignments.
This class will focus on hands-on learning both inside and outside the classroom/lab.
Students will be able to evaluate and critique works of art and understand important photographic techniques.
Students will produce an on-line portfolio of digital photographic work and will be required to actively participate in the critique process.

Common Core Standards:

· Key Ideas and Details

RST.9-10.3. Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.

· Craft and Structure

RST.9-10.4. Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 9–10 texts and topics.

· Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

RST.9-10.7. Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.

Cameras Used In Class: HSGCA Spring 2014 Canon T3i

Programs Used: HSGCA Spring 2014 PhotoShop CS5

We will/may use excerpts from the following books, magazines, or article links listed on the website:

Adobe Photoshop CS4/5/6 Classroom in a book
O’Reilly Photoshop CS4/5/6 photo effects cookbook,
O’Reilly: Photoshop fine art effects cookbook
Popular Photography
New York Times Photoblog
Etc.

Homework: At least one writing assignment per semester TBA on Skedual

Assessment/Grading Policy: See the Rubric for additional details

Projects = 60% of final grade
Labs = 40% of final grade
Participation = 10% of final grade

Supplies Needed: (Highly recommended)

8 GB flash drive
4-8 GB Memory Card for Camera, SanDisk SD card is preferred, B&H Photo has good prices and is nearby
Digital Notebook to keep class notes, ideas and sketches: Use Google Drive and Share when requested

Behavior Policy:

School wide policies will be upheld in this class. This includes, but is not limited to; a no electronic device policy, a dress code policy, tardy policy (in this class a tardy is defined as not in the room and ready when the bell rings).

Digital Photography Class Privileges:

In photography at times we get the privilege to go outside and photograph.
It is very important that you understand this is a privilege and it can be revoked at anytime if it is abused.
At all times you must respect the fact that other classes are in session.
- Avoid the classrooms
- Do not disturb classes (through a window, a door, or other means)
- Do not communicate with people in classes (that includes talking and waving)
- Whisper in the halls, your talking voice can be very loud to a quiet classroom
- Stay within the outlined boundaries – TBA
- You may not hang out in the halls (only use the halls to quietly go to an open space)
- You may not use your cell phone while on a photography assignment (it is still class time)
- You may not leave campus without explicit written permission

Course Objectives: Students will be able to…

• Learn art concepts through the elements of art and principles of design
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop (PS)
• Develop working knowledge of digital photography via a DSLR camera
• Demonstrate the use of a digital camera, scanners, and printers
• Compose and produce well-crafted digital images
• Create projects that yield individual creativity and personal interpretation
• Maintain an online portfolio of photographic work divided into various class projects

At the end of this course: Students will be able to…
• Know how to use various features of a DSLR camera to have creative control of their photographs.
• See how photographic composition can make or break an image.
• Understand how to use photo-editing software to improve the overall appearance of images.

Course Activities:

1. Lectures and demonstration
2. Software Lessons/Lab
3. Camera Instruction and Assignments
4. Project Assignments
5. Critique
6. Class Participation Course Topics

The course will cover the following topics:

1. Historic Overview of Photography
2. Various DSLR Camera Modes and their uses
3. ISO settings
4. White Balance
5. Drive Modes
6. Lens Focal Length
7. Focusing Options
8. Depth of Field (Depth of Focus)
9. Macro Photography
10. Portraiture
11. Basic Photo Composition (Including: Rule of 3rds, Leading Lines, Framing Subjects, etc.)
12. Basic Photo Editing (Using PS) and understanding of the language associated with digital imagery including Pixels, Mega Pixels, DPI, PPI
13. Special Photoshop creative ideas involving use of layers and other PS techniques

Course Projects: (TBA, may include but not limited to…)

• Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
• Reflections
• Macro Photography
• Photojournalism
• Portraiture
• Online Digital Portfolio