Course Syllabus

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Parkwood­­ High School

Digital Photography

Miss Damico

 

       Photography 1 will be focused on how to take a quality photo, understanding the camera operations, developing an eye, and troubleshooting certain criteria along with basic digital manipulation.  Photography 2 will not only be focused on taking a quality photo but putting meaning into each photograph, digital manipulation, and building a portfolio.  Anyone can take a picture...a person with a passion sees the picture before it's taken.  This class is designed for the art student in mind and is a serious course of study. Each project will have a firm deadline; no late work will be accepted as ample class time will be given for the completion of each project. There will be required work outside of class.  Always see me if you are having any technical issues, I’m here to help.

       Photography I is a prerequisite course for Photography II and Independent Study.  Students must maintain exemplary behavior and grades in order to continue in the art program.

 

 

Required materials:

  • Sketchbook/Notebook for notes 
  • SD Card for camera (8GB or larger)
  • USB Flash Drive.  This is necessary for saving pictures and backing them up!
  • Digital SLR Camera.  It is highly recommended that you have your own camera.   Any camera will work for the class.  DSLR is what is recommended so you have full capabilities.

To work on assignments at school and at home. A DSLR will give you more creative freedom in assignments and help you better understand what is taught in class but a point and shoot camera will suffice.  Recommended starter cameras are the Nikon D3400, Cannon Rebel T4i, or any equivalent to these.  Great deals can be found on Amazon.  See me with questions if you decide to purchase your own.  Cell Phone Cameras: will only be accepted if you can download your photos from your phone to your chrome book during the school day.  If this cannot be done, you will have to have an actual camera (DSLR or point and shoot).

    • Tripod (if you have one)
    • ** Be prepared to print at least 1 8x10 photo at the end of each grading period for group critiques.  (You may choose to enter some photos into an art show (spring) which would require a printed 8x10 or larger)
    • At times you will be required to bring in props for assignments.  They can be things you have at home or if you wish to purchase them.

  • You may be asked to purchase project materials during the course of the semester, depending on the individual project.

  • **It is wise to purchase own art materials for every project.  See me for further details.

 

 

Class Set Up:

The beginning of class time will be dedicated to lecture, notes and demonstrations.  The remainder of class will be given to complete work IN THE CLASSROOM.  At times we will go out of the classroom AS A CLASS to work on demonstrations and practice taking pictures.  It is important to practice techniques taught in class at home.  

 

There will be homework assignments with due dates.

 

Assignments that are assigned and to be completed during class time will not be accepted late.

 

There will be firm deadlines.  1 point/day for the first week of late work then 5 points/day after the first week.  If you need an extension you must see me IN ADVANCE to discuss.



Lockers

I highly recommend that you get an assigned locker to secure you materials needed for this class.  Get a locker in the 600 building by going to the main office for a locker request.

 

Classroom Expectations and Policies

  1.   Be on time. You must be in the room when the tardy bell rings.  Tardies will be dealt with according to school policy.
  2.   Be Prepared. You must bring appropriate materials needed for the day.  Always have your sketchbook/notebook,  pencils/pens, and camera with you.  There is a locked up cabinet if you wish to leave your camera in the room during the day to keep it safe or you can get a locker outside the art room to lock up valuables.
  3.   Be Respectful. You should keep the art room clean and respect others’ property by not touching anything that does not belong to you.  Most importantly, show respect for yourself, others, and your teacher by not talking when others are speaking or when the intercom is in use.  The bell does NOT dismiss you.  Once everything is cleaned up and put away you will then be excused.
  4.   Be Neat. As a digital class it is necessary to keep technology clean and tidy.  Other art classes are required to clean up after themselves.  Do not leave trash on tables, please put all trash in cans.

 

You will follow all UCPS and Parkwood High School procedures and policies. 

 

Grading Policy

Grading will be done as a ratio of points earned out of points possible.  Your work should be of the highest quality.  Each project will have clear expectations with a rubric so you can see how your work will be graded.  This course requires work at home.  It will be necessary to practice at home (hence the importance of having some type of camera).  Class time is given to complete assignments in the format required, so there should be no late work.  Again, if you experience technical issues SEE ME.  9 times out of 10 I can fix them.

Late Work

Late work will be an automatic 50% if not turned in on the deadline.  Any missing work will receive a zero until turned in.  Work from a previous grading period will not be accepted.

Absence

You are responsible for any missed work.  Find out what notes and assignments you have missed and make up the work.  (Ask a classmate).  All make up work needs to be turned in within one week otherwise no credit will be given.

Food and Drink

NO food is allowed during class time unless medically necessary.  You may have a drink with you, preferably water and must have a lid

Leaving Class

You should take care of all personal errands (rest room, lockers, guidance, etc.) between classes and during lunch.  You will be given the opportunity for a break during class at times.  

Honesty

Art materials are very expensive and to have high quality work we must supply high quality materials.  These are to be used only during school hours.  YOU MAY NOT TAKE THESE MATERIALS HOME.  Plagiarism is not tolerated and will result in an automatic zero.



  

Course Summary:

Date Details Due