Description:

Students in this class will be introduced to both the technical and creative aspects of basic photography, gaining an understanding of how to look at their world through a framed lens and confidence to communicate on a visual level. On the technical side, students will learn to use the features of their camera, including both auto and manual modes. They will learn how to choose aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for proper exposure in different scenarios. On the creative side, students will learn composition strategies for taking visually pleasing and compelling photos, and how to digitally edit their photos using a free browser-based photo editing program similar to Adobe Photoshop.

Weekly photo assignments outside of class will be fun and engaging, culminating with a portfolio of samples of their best work by the end of the year. Students should plan to spend 1-2 hours outside of class each week taking photos, editing, and uploading to our class sharing site. Weekly participation in these activities is essential to the class dynamic as students inspire and learn from each other’s work. Class time will consist of instruction/learning time, review and feedback, photo editing tutorials, editing photos, and shooting time; as such, we may not do everything every week, but our time will be full. For the final year-end project, students will compile a photo book in class of their own favorite photos from the year, and it will be printed and mailed from the photo sharing site we use. The cost is covered by the supply fee. 

This class will constitute either .5 or 1 high school credit, depending on the amount of time spent by the student, and this determination, along with grading, will be left to the parent. I am happy to answer questions or supply general guidelines.

Supplies: Students will need a DSLR camera and related equipment (battery, cords, card reader, etc.), a laptop they can bring to class with wireless internet and good battery. Students should already know how to upload photos from their camera to the laptop, and should have some understanding of the computer and where images are stored. We will utilize Teams for class information and announcements every week, so students should be familiar with Teams and able to check it frequently.