Digital Photography is a practical art course designed to introduce students to foundational elements of photography. No prior art experience is needed. Students will analyze mentor artworks to learn about compositional techniques and to find inspiration for their own work. Students will then experiment with photography techniques, styles, and editing and create both teacher-directed and student-driven art projects.
Each week, students will explore topics related to a central course theme. Students will relate photography to its historical, social, and cultural contexts. They will develop concepts and techniques in their own photography, and they will explore how meaning can be conveyed through their photographs. The study of photography in this course will be process-based, with an emphasis on analysis, investigation, and reflection.
This course incorporates a variety of multimedia resources from various sites providing a range of exposure to photography techniques and styles. Students will be exposed to photography representative of different artistic movements, cultures, and styles as they consider different ways of evaluating art.
Students will analyze photographs, develop plans for their own photography, experiment with compositional techniques, provide constructive feedback to peers, and reflect on their products and processes. Students will also engage in collaborative activities, including discussions and collaborative photography projects.
In this Standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their course work.
Course Essential Questions:
- How do artists use photographic techniques to achieve meaning and convey messages?
- How does the study of photography influence artistic development
- What impacts and influences artists' work and decision-making?
Course Objectives:
- Incorporate knowledge of photographic techniques, styles, and editing to develop and refine photographs.
- Reflect on the outcome and process of creating photographs.
- Analyze style, intent, and meaning in photography.
- Analyze social and technological impacts in photography.
Students will need to procure select materials for artwork. A complete list of materials will be provided in the course syllabus.
Technical Requirements:
Smartphone cameras are preferred and have all of the necessary editing capabilities for the course. Students who choose to use a digital camera will not be provided specific instructions regarding the operation of the camera; they will need to reference their user manual. Students using a digital camera will also need editing software; they may use the Photos software on their computer or will need to create an account and download software for the additional options listed below.
Digital Camera:
- Smartphone (preferred)
- Digital Camera (dSLR)
Editing Software:
- Native smartphone editing software (Google Photos or Photos App (iOS)
- this software is built into the smartphone
Or one of the following:
- Adobe Lightroom App (iOS, Android, Chromebook)*
- Fotor.com (Windows, Mac, Web Browser, iOS, Android, Chromebook)*
- Photos (Windows, Mac)
*Students will need an account to access the free version of the software.