Fine Art Digital Photography Rules and Class Expectations

rules | attitude | materials | figure studies | grading | late work/regrades | attendance

Introduction

Think of Fine Art Digital Photography as a traditional art class (like Painting) where the tools are different: instead of canvas and paint, we use cameras, computers, software programs, and printers. The emphasis is on approaching the world of photography as a means of artistic expression (this is different than "photojournalism" or taking "snapshots.") As with all art classes that are project-based, students at all levels are able to succeed in Fine Art Digital Photography as long as you commit yourself to the art-making process.

Fine Art Digital Photography is designed for students who are interested in fine art photography with digital tools. General computer experience is a prerequisite, but no prior knowledge of the particular software programs used in the class is required. Because of the project-based nature of the class, students at all levels will be able to learn at their own pace and create meaningful pieces to add to their portfolio.

The Visual Arts Standards are infused in the Fine Art Digital Photography curriculum. You will start by “learning to really see photography” (artistic perception and aesthetic valuing) and “studying the masters of photography” (historical and cultural context). Throughout the photographic projects that you complete (creative expression), you are constantly evaluating the artistic skill, both aesthetics and expression, of your own and other’s work (aesthetic valuing) and placing the work in a broader context (connections, relationships, and applications and historical and cultural context). In addition, throughout the course, you will be constantly evaluating your own work and your own progress (connections, relationships, applications).

The Rules

1. Display the correct attitude (see below).
2. Be on-time and present (physically, mentally, and creatively).
3. Bring your sketchbook to class EVERYDAY (see below).
4. Behave and dress appropriately and professionally in the classroom. (Do not use bad judgment at school. Using chat rooms, accessing inappropriate web sites, and downloading any programs without permission are absolutely forbidden. You will need to have a signed district's Acceptable Use Policy on file on campus to have access to the computer lab. Getting computer use privileges suspended due to bad judgment will be deadly to your grade.)
5. Behave and dress appropriately and professionally when you are out of the classroom "on location." (Before you can leave the class room to take photographs outside, you need to fill out a "Location Agreement Form" and have it signed by me and any other adults who will be affected. If there is EVER a problem of any kind when you are out of the classroom "on location," your privileges to leave the classroom will be revoked for the rest of the term.)
6. Turn off and put away all distracting items, including iPods and cell phones.
7. No Food or Drink!!! Because of the very expensive equipment we have in the computer lab, there will be absolutely no food or drink allowed in the lab. If I see it, I will throw it away!!!

Attitude

Be prepared to learn from each other and share the tools. A substantial portion of your grade will be determined by your attitude: your effort in learning new material, your desire to help me and fellow students, and your respect for our precious (and expensive) equipment and resources. You will also be expected to behave in a professional and ethical manner.

You need to understand that rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated. Be prepared to come to class every day with a positive attitude, showing me and your classmates patience, tolerance, respect, and cooperation.

Materials

You will be required to keep a sketchbook for Fine Art Digital Photography and bring it to class everyday. You can either buy a traditional unlined sketchbook or make your own from unlined paper (which we have if you need it). Your sketchbook should be bound securely and properly covered, have about 100 sheets of paper, and be about 8 ½ x 11 inches in size. This sketchbook will be where you write down your thoughts on questions I will ask you to get the creative juices flowing. You will also brainstorm project ideas in your sketchbook and work out possible solutions to design problems.

Basic supplies, such as printer paper, camera use, and lab time, will be provided to you. Any extra supplies that you choose to use, such as high quality or photo-quality printer paper, you will need to provide yourself. You are welcome to use your own digital camera to complete assignments, but the camera must have MANUAL controls (you must be able to set the focus, aperture, and shutter speed manually; digital SLRs are the best because they allow for the most creative control). If you are thinking about using your own camera, please bring it in for me to evaluate whether you can use it for class assignments.

Figure and Film Studies

Often during the course sequence of all the visual art courses, the student will be working with visual materials such as famous art works, films of famous artists, charts and diagrams, slides, VHS tapes/video disks, the World Wide Web, and computer programs. This material may contain complete anatomical references, nude model poses and views of artists working from the nude in their studios, as well as scenes from modern films. The material may also mention and discuss the alternative lifestyles sometimes lived by famous artists, and may be expressed in language that might be considered offensive to some people. Current issues, as they relate to art and free expression, are also discussed in the art classes. If you have questions, please contact me at amanda.dahlgren@sduhsd.net.

Grading

30% of your grade will come from "Practice Work" during the first half of the term. Practice work is all the work that you will do in class and at home to gain inspiration, do research, brainstorm ideas, practice techniques, explore concepts and ideas, and write about your art-making process. You need to document your practice work in your sketchbook and with photographic computer files. Some practice work will also be small assignments that have a due date, but most will be ongoing work that is unique to each individual. Note: During the second half of the term, practice work will be worth 20% of your grade because we will be doing less practice work and more presentation work.

50% of your grade will come from "Presentation Work" during the first half of the term. Presentation work is all the "major" projects that you do; the ones that you will present to the class during critiques. Both photographic technical skill and artistic skill (elements of art, principles of design, color theory, composition and framing, and in most assignments, ability to communicate conceptually) will be evaluated in presentation-level work. Meaning and originality in the work is highly respected. There is always a self-evaluation component to every presentation-level project. And in addition to receiving a grade for the actual work, you will also be graded on your presentation and your ability to talk intelligently about your own and other's work during the critique. Note: During the second half of the term, presentation work will be worth 60% of your grade because we will be doing more presentation work and less practice work.

20% of your grade will be determined by your "Studio Performance." In order to receive an A grade for Studio Performance, you need to display professional behavior, the desire to learn and improve, a commitment not to waste valuable studio time, and respect for our precious (and expensive) equipment and resources. Following the rules (see above) and participating in class will ensure that you receive a good Studio Performance grade.

Late Work and “Regrades”

Because you will be presenting your work to the class during critiques, it is vital that you turn in your completed project at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. If you do not, you will lose one grade (10%) per class day that a project is late.

Art is a process that can often take many revisions to perfect. Once you have turned in a "Presentation Work" project and received your grade and feedback on it, you may redo the project for a higher grade if you wish. In order to have a project regraded, you must make an appointment with me for a “regrade conference” outside of class time and you must bring your original grading sheet to that conference. You can raise any aspect of your grade except for points lost due to turning in the project late.

Attendance

As already mentioned, prompt attendance to Fine Art Digital Photography class is extremely important. If you have an absence that is unexcused on the report that I get back from the Attendance Office, you will receive a Saturday School Assignment. Even if your absence is excused, it is still your responsibility to learn the material and make up the work you missed, and often that can only be accomplished outside of class time. Please check with me for open lab hours, which are typically every day during lunch (no appointment necessary) and after school (by appointment).