Photography

This course teaches students to use photography as a means to visually communicate with an audience and learn how to problem solve, both creatively as well as technically.  Students will focus on compositional arrangement, personal aesthetics, art criticism, and the creative process so that they may move from only taking Snapshots to making Photographs!  They will use digital cameras to capture their imagery and Adobe Photoshop to refine their compositions.  As students learn to construct a visually interesting photograph infused with their personal voice, they are encouraged to continue their journey in Photography II in the same year to grow their skill and practice with the camera.

**STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OWN A DIGITAL CAMERA**

Photography II

This course explores both creative/artistic as well as commercial/studio photography at the next level after they have learned compositional strategy in Photography I.  Students will be challenged with differing thematic approaches in digital photography, as well as be required to produce traditional studio lighting imagery.  Group critique, final presentation of artwork, and in-depth historical research will be emphasized beyond that expected in Photo I.  A final portfolio punctuated by a personal artist statement will be required at the end of the course, showcasing their best work.  Completion of this course is a pre-requisite for Photography Studio.  Class is limited to 25 students.

**STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OWN A DSLR OR MIRRORLESS CAMERA**

This course focuses on studio-based photography, encouraging students to visually communicate with an audience and learn how to problem solve, both compositionally as well as technically.  Both creative and commercial photography will be explored in order to learn photographic strategy in regards to arrangement, aesthetics, art criticism, and the creative process.  DSLR cameras, as well as studio and mobile lighting gear, will allow students to create personally relevant imagery that will be edited and refined, as well as presented in a final portfolio.  While historical and contemporary influences will be taken into account when planning and technical considerations while shooting, students will also learn about careers in photography, programs of study, certifications, as well as professional memberships and associations.  Students are encouraged to continue their journey in Commercial Photography II (A/B) to grow their skill and experience.  

This course emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers in regard to technical expertise, creativity, ethics, career and client soft skills, equipment, and professional presentation of product.  Technical aspects broached and practiced include continued studio lighting skills, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, and stock photography application by using a variety of photographic equipment in the studio, on location, and with the computer lab. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied.  Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats, as well as establish a resume, cover letter, and artist statement.

This course is for students who have already progressed through Photography I & II and wish to advance their digital photography skills as well as refine their portfolio of work.  Students will be personally challenged in the creation of visuals that promote a vision and unique perspective.  Technical mastery, alternative techniques, and lighting control will be emphasized while the students continue to build their repertoire and add to their portfolio.  Entry into outside competition(s) will be required, as well as a final display portfolio and artist statement.  Students may enroll in this course repeatedly for credit.

**STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OWN A DSLR OR MIRRORLESS CAMERA**

This course is for upper level students who have entered into their Junior or Senior years with a full repertoire of skillsets, abilities, and a growing body of work.  It is a full year course designed to provide an opportunity for our advanced students to challenge themselves in submitting a final portfolio for outside scoring and evaluation. 

The AP Art and Design program consists of three different courses and AP Portfolio Exams - AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing - corresponding to college and university foundations courses.  Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented.  In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria.  Students may choose to submit any or all of the AP Portfolio Exams, but they may not resubmit the same work within multiple portfolio types. 

**This is an HONOR LEVEL/AP course, so the students will receive WEIGHTED STATUS for their enrollment - PENDING PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION**