Photography I: Introduction to PhotographyPre-requisite: Art I (with a grade of C or better)

River Hill High School Art Department

Course Description:In this course, students apply the language of art in producing fine art photographs. Primary

experiences will concentrate upon the use of a 35mm single lens reflex camera, film processing,darkroom techniques, print manipulation and the presentation of work. Technical skills evolve throughthe introduction of pinhole photography and contact printing. Experiences throughout the course willinclude composing, exposing, processing, enlarging images in the darkroom, and basic experiences indigital imaging.

The fundamental experiences of this course are to:1. Identify characteristics and appropriate use of equipment, materials, and processes in making

traditional black and white and digital photographs.2. Analyze and compare ways master photographers find and interpret subject matter to support

an idea or theme through the use of the stages of description, analysis, interpretation, andjudgment.

3. Recognize various conceptual approaches used by master photographers for personal andpublic audiences to elicit an emotional response to cultural situations.

4. Maintain an image bank/sketchbook/visual journal, for the collection and analysis of imagecharacteristics and idea generation.

5. Research requirements and qualifications necessary for entering a career, which utilizes visualarts skills and behaviors.

6. Construct and practice the use of early photographic techniques, including pinholephotography, cliché-verre, and photograms.

7. Demonstrate the appropriate use of 35mm single lens reflex and / or range finder camera tocontrol exposure.

8. Utilize basic black and white photographic processes including composing, exposing,processing, enlarging images in the darkroom, and presenting images.

9. Manipulate and modify a variety of conceptual and personal approaches master photographersuse to compose their subjects.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of the technical properties of digital images and apply skills andknowledge to the production of photographs.

11. Apply PhotoShop tools to the creation and manipulation of photographic images.

Required Materials and Studio Fee:• 9”x 12” spiral or hardbound sketchbook• Pencils and Pens (various)• 3-ring notebook with clear plastic sheets for storing 8x10 inch images• Apron or Smock (I really recommend this if you want to keep you clothes looking their best!)• Soft Kitchen Sponge, 4x6” (for studio use)• 35 mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) or Rangefinder camera with a MANUAL

exposure control. Students that do not own a camera or cannot borrow one for the coursewill need to meet with the instructor to discuss options.

• STUDIO FEE = $60.00: The high cost of photographic materials and digital equipmentmaintenance makes it necessary to attach a Studio Fee of $60.00 to the course. This fee allowsthe school to provide the minimum materials needed to complete the course work (alltraditional and alternative photographic printing/processing chemistry, 35mm 400 iso/asa film,100 sheets of 8in x10in photographic RC paper, and cd/dvd storage disks). If the studentwishes to experiment with different types of photographic paper and film, the individual will beresponsible for purchasing it. Additional personal expenses can incur due to the following:Accidents due to carelessness, improper use of materials, or students who wish to develop theirportfolio beyond the requirements of the course.

Studio Guidelines:All students are expected to observe and adhere to all policies defined in the Student Handbookregarding lateness and conduct. Lateness will not be tolerated. As a studio class, attendance andpromptness are critical to the success of the student in Photo I. Students will abide by all darkroomand safety procedures. Students are expected to maintain the studio and darkroom. Students areresponsible to be where they are assigned during the class period. Students are expected to participatein all class discussions and activities.

Portfolio, Assessment, and Grading:Each student will compile a portfolio that consists of work done in class or at home, worksheets,sketchbook/journal, and quizzes/exams. Portfolio reviews will be scheduled between the instructorand the student periodically throughout the semester. A student’s grade will be based upon daily in-class work, homework, tests and quizzes, and assignments. Assignments will be evaluated based uponthe following components:

1. Objectives - Meeting the criteria or objectives for the specific assignment. Ex. Anassignment may include specific preparation/brainstorming. Please note thatphotographs without negatives will not be accepted!

2. Studio Skills –Proper handling of equipment, responsible use of time, respect forothers and their work, clean-up, and class participation.

3. Craftsmanship / Presentation – Neatness and respect for your work should beevident in the appearance of a completed assignment.

4. Design – Thoughtfulness to the composition and its relationship to personal ideas.

This system will allow the teacher and the student to evaluate specific strengths and identify areas thatneed improvement.Grades will be based upon percentages: A=90-100% B=80-90% C=70-80% D=60-70%

Homework:Out of class work will consist of 30% of the grade for the course. 70% will be in class work. This at-home time will be used for journal assignments, some preparation and brainstorming, reviewinginformation for quizzes/exams, and for completing major assignments. Most assignments will requirestudents to complete out-of-class work. It is in the student’s best interest to use their regular class timewisely to complete assignments. If in-class time is not used wisely, more out-of-class work may be theresult. It is the student’s responsibility to record homework assignments.

Deadlines and Missed Work:Assignment deadlines are set at the discretion of the instructor when the assignment is given. It is thestudent’s responsibility to make up any missed work due to excused absences, and to collect dailyobjectives, handouts, and notes. There will be postings on the class website for those needingimportant information and due dates. Students are also responsible for scheduling appointments withthe teacher to discuss darkroom availability and make-up work. If the student is absent on the day anassignment is due, the assignment should be handed in on the following day. Late work will not begiven full credit.

Topics and Assignments:Students can expect four to five major assignments during each marking period. These assignmentswill have guiding themes that will be open to personal interpretation and investigation. One semesterlong assignment will be a research paper / presentation on a Master Photographer. There will be threemajor topics (outlined below) that will be covered during the first part of the semester. There will alsobe occasional quizzes and an exam to assess student understanding of the concepts.

Topic One: Capturing an Image: Light and Light ExposureA brief historical and technical background Camera ObscuraAssignment # 1: Creating a Pinhole Camera

Topic Two: Introduction to the SLR CameraThe camera body, shutter, lens, and filmResearch Assignment: Master PhotographersFirst Shots and the Elements of Art

Topic Three: Making and Refining the ImageFilm development, the negative, and making a printAssignment # 4: Self Portraits without a face

Additional Topics that will be covered during this course:-Composition: Applying the Elements and Principles of Art and Design-Portraiture -Collage -Text and Image -Bookmaking-Careers in Photography -Critical Response to Photography