Advanced Photography 1                                 Nancy Popp

1252-0A1, 1252-0B1 

Course Description

Advanced Photo I is a general “how-to” course for both the upper school students coming from Photo I and students coming from the Intro to Photo course at the Middle School.  Students will re-familiarize themselves with camera operation, film processing and darkroom procedures, and refine their printing techniques. As their technical skills develop, basic elements of photographic history and aesthetics will be introduced, and students will begin examining their own work from a critical perspective as well as participating in group critiques.  Later in the year, the concept of independent study will be incorporated as students begin to find their own “voice” and use their photographic skills for self- exploration and social investigation.

Students will be expected to participate fully in all class activities, including slide lectures, field trips, visiting artist lectures, photo shoots, critiques and individual meetings.  Students will be required to adhere professional standards in their use of the photo facilities, their personal work and their conduct.  Students are also expected to exercise independence and initiative in the conceptual content of their work and actively engage and explore the ideas presented in a given assignment.

Grading Policy

The breakdown of a student’s grade is as follows:

50%     Assignments

            completion of all elements of the assignment by the given due date

            attention to detail and presentation

            craftsmanship  

25% Class Participation

            attendance and punctuality

            participation in group discussion, critiques, field trips and lectures

            work habits and conduct in the lab

           

25% Conceptual Content

            personal interest and involvement

            self-expression

            communication of ideas and interests

Grades are measured on a point  scale of 1-10, combined, averaged and converted to a letter grade for a student’s class grade.  Conversion from point to letter grades are:

10-9: A, 9-8: B, 7-8: C, 7-6: D, 6 and below: F

Plus or minus grades are given at the instructor’s discretion.  All assignments are due on the given due date unless specific arrangements are made with the instructor.  Late assignments will be marked one point down for each class meeting they are late.

Syllabus

September     Introduction to Studio, Photo Lab, Safety Procedures

Assignment: Quik Shot

Darkroom Review: film developing, printing

Lecture: Why Photography?  Why 1839?

October          Lecture: The Camera as a Political Tool

Field Trip: Getty Museum

Assignment: The Getty

                        Lecture: Camera Obscura

                        Assignment: Pinhole Cameras

November      Lecture: Darkroom Manipulation

                        Assignment: Experimental Darkroom Techniques

                        (Solarization, Photograms, Multiple Exposure)

December      Assignment: Fiber Based Printing

                        Mounting and Presentation

                        Exhibiting Prints

January          Individual Critiques

Lecture: The Digital Shadow

                        Assignment: Schizophrenia

                        Film: TBA

                       

February        Lecture: Media Literacy

                        Assignment: Image/Text

                        Field Trip: TBA

March             Lecture: Narrative and Storytelling

                        Assignment: Telling the Story

                        Film: TBA

                        Individual Critiques

April                Lecture: Creating a Focus

                        Independent Study Proposals and Meetings

May                 Independent Study Meetings

Group Critiques

Exhibition