Pre-AP Art III Photography

Photography/Digital Imaging Syllabus

Teacher: Mr. Clements

Class Text:

Joyner, Hermon and Monaghan, Kathleen. Focus on Photography. Davis Publications, 2007.

Digital Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4

Course description

The purpose of this class is to either prepare the student for the AP 2D Design Portfolio course or as an extension course for the student that has completed the AP 2D Design Portfolio course.

This class is intended to introduce a variety of photographic techniques such as film photography and darkroom processes. The primary focus will be creating unique and interesting photograph-based artwork. An emphasis on solving two-dimensional design issues will also be a part of the curriculum. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in a cohesive way. Students will be asked to demonstrate proficiency in 2-D design using a variety of art forms such as graphic design, typography, photography, and/or collage by completing a variety assignments. Although this is a photography course, it is still considered an art class and therefore some projects may not be entirely photo/camera based.

Pre-AP Contract

A Pre-AP student contract will be available electronically at the beginning of the year. This contract outlines all expectations of the Pre-Advanced Placement class. It will need to be signed by the student and his/her parent/guardian and submitted to the Abilene ISD AP department.

Assignments

Students will work diligently on projects and other activities to create a portfolio of work that will include at least 12 quality pieces by May. An exit portfolio is required of each student enrolled in the Pre-AP Photo III class. Portfolios will be reviewed as the class progresses and at the end of the school year. Digital images will need to be saved to a personal external drive as well as saved on the teacher’s computer and/or external drive for archival purposes.

Mini-Concentrations

Throughout the school year, students may be given mini-concentrations which are usually made up of 3-5 pieces that are conceptually related and shows growth and discovery. Students should devote considerable time, effort and thought to the investigation of their topic. Work in this area should also reflect conscious use of design elements and principles as organizational factors. Students will be working individually to develop their mini-concentration. However, if sufficient progress is not being made (deadlines are not being met), then expect specific assignments from the teacher.

Competitions

There are a variety of competitions that students may enter throughout the school year. While some competitions are free to enter, others may have minimal entry fees. The awards can vary widely from ribbons/medals to monetary/scholarship prizes. Photo III students are encouraged to enter these shows/’competitions, but it is not mandatory. Some of the competitions include:

ATPI (Association of Texas Photography Instructors) – Entry fee

US Congressional Art Competition – No entry fee

Scholastic Art and Writing – Entry fee

West Texas Fair and Rodeo – No entry fee

Individual and Class Critiques

Individual and class critiques will be held through-out the year. All students are expected to submit their work for review (finished or not) and actively participate in the critique. Critiques are held for the sole purpose of evaluation of progress and the proficient use of the art elements/principles in the student work (constructive criticism). Critiques are NOT used to ridicule, humiliate or belittle anyone or their work.

Copyright/Plagiarism

All work must be your own. Any photographs/images used must be taken/drawn/composed by you. You may not use/submit any work or photographs taken or completed by anyone other than yourself (this includes images from the internet). Work based on the work of another artist must not merely duplicate the artist’s work, but be an expression of your own artistic voice.

Attendance and Class Rules

Attendance will be kept and students are expected to be in class every day. The guidelines set forth by the student code of conduct should be followed as well as the class rules that are posted in the classroom. Students that come to class after the bell will be counted as tardy.

Grading Policy

Students will receive grades based upon mastery of photographic and art design skills, creativity, and meeting goals. Progress checks will also be given as daily grades. Grades will be given according to district policy, with an earned grade of at least 70 to receive credit for the course. At least six grades will be taken each six weeks. Progress reports will be sent home to the parents of those students who are failing or near failing. Students in a Pre-AP course must maintain a 75 average to remain eligible to stay in the course.

The grade distribution is as follows:

50% Classwork (classwork, critiques, progress)

50% Assessments (projects)

Extra credit

Extra credit assignments are not given. Students that participate in class and complete assignments will be successful.

Make-up work

It is the student’s responsibility to ask for make-up work if he or she is absent. Make-up work will be accepted according to the policies set forth by the district and as indicated in the student handbook. (Illness and school related absences have different guidelines) Late work will be given a grade no higher than a 70.

After School Work

Since the introduction of Mega-lunch, students will have to have their own transportation or arrange to be picked up if they decide to work after school. The school district will not provide any transportation after school other than the normally scheduled buses.

COMPUTERS/PRINTERS

The computers are for classroom assignments only. Students are expected to follow the acceptable use guidelines for using school computers and the internet. Computers are not for playing games, watching videos/movies, sports film, checking social media, etc. If a student finishes an assignment early, s/he may use the computer to work on an assignment from another class. The student computers are not connected to any printer. The teacher may (at his discretion) allow a student to print an assignment for another class on the teacher printer; however, if the assignment is more than 2-3 pages s/he may be asked to go to the library to print. The inkjet printers are for shows and competitions only. Photos will not be printed for personal use on the inkjet printers due to the cost of the paper and ink.

PHONES

Phones are NOT allowed to be used in class to call, text, check/send email, social media, watch movies/videos, play games, etc. Computers are not to be used to charge phones. Students (with permission from the teacher) may use their phones to upload/send photo(s) for class use or to find a reference image if necessary. Any violation of these rules may result in the phone being seized and turned over to the proper authorities.

MUSIC

Students may listen to music when permission is granted by the teacher. Music MUST be played through headphones/earbuds and not be loud enough to disturb others. Headphones/earbuds are for a single person and may not be shared between two or more people. Headphones/earbuds shall be removed anytime the teacher is addressing the student or the entire class. Any violation of these rules may result in the phone/music player being taken away and music privileges being revoked for everyone.

CAMERAS

Students will use film and digital SLR cameras in the classroom. You may use your own film/digital camera for this class but it is not required. Just be prepared to share the school cameras with the other students. If you have a camera you would like to use, bring it to class to determine if it is suitable. Students are financially responsible for any loss/damage to any school owned photographic or computer equipment.

LETTER JACKETS

Students are able to receive a letter jacket or “letter” in Photography. The fine art department is currently reviewing/updating the qualifications for letter jackets. This update is needed to reflect the changes in the curriculum and competition schedule. Currently, students will still need to take Photo 2 and AP Photo as minimum requirements, but other conditions still need to be determined.

Class Calendar

The first semester will be spent learning the basic functions of a film SLR, darkroom processes, and rules of composition by completing teacher assigned projects that emphasize the different design elements and principles. Second semester will be spent increasing your skills and knowledge of composition, digital and darkroom techniques. Remember, you are expected to develop a portfolio of work. Assignments on this calendar are subject to change. Pay attention in class. J

Breadth / Assignment / Key Areas / Due
Week 1 / Pinhole Cameras / Various / Due Friday
Week 2 / Elements of Art / Line, emphasis / Individual critiques Wed.
Group Critique Friday
Due Friday
Week 3 / Elements of Art / Shape, Texture / Class critique Thurs.
Due Friday
Week 4 / Principles of Art / Repetition / Individual critiques Wed.
Due Friday
Week 5 / Principles of Art / Balance (Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, Radial) / Class critique Friday
Due Friday
Week 6 / Photograms
Resource artist: Man Ray / Values, tones / Due Friday
Week 7 / Viewpoints / Bird’s Eye, Worm’s Eye Views / Due Friday
Week 8 / Action Photos / Stop, Blur, Pan / Class critique Friday
Week 9 / Portraits / Composition / Individual critiques Thurs.; Due Friday
Week 10/11 / Photo Manipulation
Resources: Hand-coloring / Color, Variety, Value / Class critique Friday
Due Friday
Week 12/13 / Mini-Concentration / Self-expression, self-directed / Class critique both Fridays
Due Friday Week 11
Week 14/15 / Art connection
Resources: cut paper collage,
Scratchboard / Composition, design, value / Class critique Friday
Due Friday week 13
Week 16 / Photo Collage
Resource artist: David Hockney / Space, texture, unity, shape, pattern, balance / Individual critiques Wed.
Due Friday Week 15
Week 17 / Memory images
Resource artists: Charles Sheeler / Art history, balance, value / Class critique Friday
Due Friday
Week 18 / Mini-Concentration / Self-expression, self-directed / Due Friday
Week 19 / Circular Bliss / Progress Check Friday
Week 20 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #1 due Friday / Individual Critique Friday
Week 21 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #2 due Friday / Class critique Friday
Week 22 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / Progress Check Friday / 14 image check
Week 23 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #3 due Friday / Individual critique Wed.
Week 24 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / Progress Check Friday
Week 25 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #4 due Friday / Class critique Friday
Week 26 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #5 due Friday
Class critique / Individual critique Thurs.
Week 27 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / Progress Check Friday / 17 image check
Week 28 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #6 due Friday / Class critique
Week 29 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #7 due Friday / Class critique
Week 30 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #8 due Friday
Week 31 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #9 due Friday / 20 image check
Week 32 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #10 due Friday / Class critique
Week 33 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / Progress Check Friday
Week 34 / Ongoing Individual Concentration / #11, #12 due Friday / .
Week 35 / Portfolios due / 24 images total check
Week 36 / Recruiting trip

AP Book Resources

Airey, Theresa. Creative Digital Printmaking. Amphoto Books, 2001.

Airey, Theresa. Creative Photo Printmaking. Amphoto Books, 1996.

Barrett, Terry. Criticizing Photographs, 3rd ed. McGraw Hill, 2000.

Busselle, Michael. Creative Digital Photography. Amphoto Books, 2002.

Crane, Barbara, Challenging Vision. University of Chicago Press, 2009.

Frost, Lee. The A-Z of Creative Photography. Amphoto Books, 1998.

Frost, Lee. The Creative Photography Handbook. David & Charles, 2003.

Galer, Mark. Foundations for Art & Design, 3rd ed. Focal Press, 2004.

Gatto, Joseph A., Porter, Albert W. and Selleck, Jack. Exploring Visual Design. Davis Publications, 2000.

Hapkemeyer, Andreas and Peter Weiermair. Photo Text Text Photo. Edition Stemmle, 1997.

Hirsch, Robert and Valentino, John. Photographic Possibilities, 2nd ed. Focal Press, 2001.

Hirsch, Robert. Seizing the Light: A History of Photography. McGraw-Hill, 2000.

Hope, Terry. Still Life: Developing Style in Creative Photography. Rotovision SA, 2001.

Lea, Derek. Creative Photoshop CS4, Focal Press, 2009.

London, Barbara and others. Photography, 8th ed. Prentice Hall, 2005.

Roukes, Nicholas. Design Synectics. Davis Publications, 1988.

Standen, Amy. Maggie Taylor’s Landscape of Dreams. Adobe Press Books, 2005.

Uelsmann, Jerry. Other Realities. Bulfinch Press, 2005.

Wilde, Judith and Richard Wilde. Visual Literacy. Watson-Guptill Publications, 1991.

Worobiec, Tony and Ray Spence. Photo Art. Amphoto Books, 2003.