Arts Department

A.546/ Advanced Photography

Open to 11-12th graders. 10th graders may be admitted with instructor approval

This is a year-long honors level course. Students will learn to operate a DSLR or advanced mirrorless camera and take advantage of its features to unlock their own creative potential as they come to understand the functionality inherent in modern cameras. The course covers in-depth camera function, a thorough understanding of the principles of photographic exposure, digital asset management, post-production image improvement (retouching), and an in-depth exploration of artistic composition. Students will also be challenged to develop an understanding of image as a communication medium and how images are used to suggest or reinforce ideas.

Students interested in this class should be aware that it is an academically rigorous course. Prior proficiency with an advanced camera is not required, but camera basics will be covered fairly quickly and students will be expected to learn the operation of their own camera model independently. As an art course, significant class time will be devoted to image creation and image editing, but students will also be expected to engage in independent research, verbal peer critique of each others’ images, and written assessments of their own images. The homework load will be equivalent to any other honors level academic class. Both images and written work, in addition to quizzes and unit tests will contribute to the final grade.

Access to the image editing software used in this class (Adobe Lightroom) is provided by the school. Students should expect, however, to provide their own DSLR or advanced mirrorless camera and have access to a fixed 50mm lens. (1 credit)

A.547/ Advanced Photography 2

Prerequisite: Advanced Photography 1 and instructor approval

This course is an independently pursued project based course that will be held in the same space and at the same time as its prerequisite: Advanced Photography 1. Each student will consult with the instructor at the beginning of the course and develop a series of independently pursued projects designed to expand that student’s photographic knowledge and skill in specific areas of interest. These projects may be expanded or altered during the year at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor will act as an advisor, providing direction and feedback and setting deadlines. The grade will be based on project portfolios and both written and oral demonstrations of the student’s mastery of the chosen facets of photography. (1 credit)

A.548/ Advanced Digital Art I

Prerequisites: Intermediate Photography (prior to the 2019-2020 school year) or Portfolio Assessment. Students who have completed the Graphic Design or Videography sequences and are wishing to do independent work in those fields may petition the Department Chair for approval to join this class. Lab Fee: $50 This course is intended to introduce students to a broad range of artistic and technical skills required for modern photojournalism. This course will continue to develop the camera and Photoshop skills acquired in Digital Photography 635, as well as introduce students to layout and design. Students will learn the basics of portrait photography, sports photography, and photojournalistic photography and editing and retouching skills. They will be responsible to document various aspects of student life and prepare these images for the yearbook. This course will help interested students find possible venues for publication of their work in the school’s yearbook, which is the major project for this course. (1 credit)

A.549/ Advanced Digital Art II

Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Art I, or Advanced Digital Imaging I (prior to 2019-2020) This course is a continuation of Advanced Digital Art and yearbook production remains the major project for this course. As such, students continue to be responsible for documenting student life & significant school events; organizing, editing, and retouching these images; and using these images to design the layouts for the school’s yearbook. In addition, ADA II students are also responsible for the information acquisition and interviewing necessary to produce the textual components of various layouts. Students in this course also increasingly assume leadership, design, and editorial roles. (1 credit)

A.560/ Introduction to Videography (Fall and Spring Semesters) [LH]

Prerequisites: None

This class combines in-class instruction and handson production workshops where students put into practice what they learn in the classroom. Students will be introduced to the various types of videos and instructed in the basics of video framing and composition, lighting, shots, and angles. Students synthesize these skills and begin to work on more advanced techniques through projects that require planning, storyboarding, and storytelling. For final projects, students have an opportunity to fine-tune skills and techniques contributing to videos for the school using professional lighting, sound, and video equipment. (0.5 credits)

A.562/ Graphic Design (Fall and Spring Semesters) [LH]

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to the basics of design components in communication and advertising fields. Students will be introduced to some of the Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator skills to create various projects. Students will also work in the studio to create projects including screenprinting and t-shirt design. Student projects may be connected to marketing and communications for events on campus or for local businesses. After successfully completing this yearlong course students may qualify for taking Advanced Digital Art. (0.5 credits)