Mrs. Ciarci

Photography I

Photography is known as the Art of Light and I welcome you to this very special, exciting and ‘enlightening’ class. I am here to help and to encourage you as you grow as an artist.  I expect your very best because it is only when you give your best that you receive the best from art.  It is my intention to help you as much as I can.  All of you come to this class with different strengths and weaknesses and will growth at different rates. Do not compete or judge yourself by looking at others, we are all unique.  Communication and discussion is an important part of the growth process. Please feel comfortable enough to come to me with any problems or questions.  I look forward to an exciting year together.

Course Description:

Photography is an introductory level 2 art course that teaches students the technical, artistic and conceptual aspects of photography as well as an overview of photographic art history. Students will learn to use a 35mm manual film camera, how to compose images, how to develop black and white film and how to print digitally. Students will learn how to digitally scan film into a computer and use Adobe Photoshop software to edit and print images. Students will also learn photo history.

Ellington High School

Mission Statement: Ellington High School prepares students to become knowledgeable, respectful citizens who value learning, integrity, personal well being, equity and diversity

Expectations for Student Learning

Students will perform according to Ellington High Schools expectations for Student Learning. EHS students will:
   • Listen and view with understanding: Art Department primary objective
   • Read and write effectively.
   • Reason effectively, think critically, and solve problems.
   • Utilize resources including media, computers, and other technologies.

COURSE CONTENT: The photography curriculum is aligned with Connecticut State Visual Arts Standards and is divided into two categories, Creating Art and Responding to Art.

COURSE GOALS

1. Students will learn camera settings and adjust them for selected exposures.

2. Students will develop black and white film.

3. Students will scan film and use Adobe Photoshop software to improve image quality.

4. Students will digitally print images of their negatives.

5. Students will apply good photographic composition to their images.

6. Students will apply art and photography vocabulary to classroom discussions.

7. Students will become familiar with the history of photography.

8. Students will develop an ‘eye’ for  judging light and composition to create arresting images.

Materials and Storage:

There is a bookshelf to store their binders and folders. Negatives are not to be taken out of the room.      

1. 3 ring binder with dividers, for handouts, assignments, charts and logs
2. Folder #1 to store negatives and prints in (never to leave room)
3. Folder #2for passing in projects
4. Sketchbook, 6x8 or 8x10

Equipment Responsibility

Each student will be assigned a camera and a computer. It is your responsibility to keep equipment safe and maintained and in its proper place. All cameras are numbered. Students must inform the teacher immediately if the camera is broken, lost or misplaced and if there is something wrong with or missing from the computer. Students cannot borrow or swap equipment.

Passing in work

Write the name of the project in pencil on the back lower right of your prints. Place only the work that is due in your project folder along with assigned logs and test prints in the “In Bin”. Your name must be displayed on the folder cover. Place in the photo project bin on the first shelf behind the teacher’s desk. Your work will be returned to you graded with a rubric.

Grading: Quarter grades are determined by the number of earned points divided by the number of possible points. Assessments include Project rubrics, project sketches, homework, quizzes, critique participation, reflection writing and Responding to Art diagrams, essays and worksheets.

Assignments/Assessments: Including but not limited to

-          2 reading for information assignments worth 20 points

-          2 open book problem solving quizzes worth 20 points

-          4 shooting & 10 printing assignments, 100 pts each

-          2 collage assignments, 100 pts each

-          4 Multiple choice tests, worth 100 points each, 2-4 art history tests

Late Work, Absences, Extra Credit, Loss of Credit

• Students must develop film on the due date, regardless of whether they are finished with the shoot.
• Late work: I will accept a late project up to three days past the due date, marked down 10 points each day.
• Students may redo a project and resubmit for a higher grade.
• Students must make up missed tests within 3 days and ask for missed handouts & notes.
• Extra credit projects are available only to students who have completed all assignments.
• Three unexcused tardys' will result in an absence and each unexcused tardy thereafter is an absence.
• Eleven absences, excused or unexcused, will result in a loss of credit for the course.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

            Be in class, in assigned seats and ready to work when class begins

            Keep all assignments and handouts in an organized binder.

            Come prepared, with the assignment is and take responsibility for learning.

            Participate in all class activities

            Treat all peers and the teacher with respect and courtesy.

            Keep your equipment and the room clean and organized.

Set up and Return supplies and clean all work areas as directed

            Follow all safety and health rules, especially the wearing of protective glasses.