Course Description

This course includes an intensive hands-on practice with digital cameras and computer software. Students will gain experience from capturing photos from the world that surrounds them, optimize images for print and creating a multimedia portfolio of their course work. Additional skills and concepts include:

• Basic Photography
• Use and care of the Digital Camera
• Saving/Retrieving files
• Use of Photoshop Elements software to enhance images
• Multimedia Portfolio

Course Goals

During the trimester course, students will be encouraged to explore these essential questions:

• What is photography and what purpose does it serve to you?
• How does the camera make you see the world differently?
• What makes a great image?
• How can you display your photos with the most visual impact?
• How does image editing help enhance the appearance of your photographs?
• What’s the best way to display our work (Slideshows, Prints, Movies)?

Students will understand these digital imaging issues:

• File formats
• Image Resolution

Students will be able to perform these tasks:

• Capture digital photos and optimize them for print or electronic display
• Color correct photos using Photoshop Elements
• Use of filters in Photoshop Elements
• Crop using Photoshop Elements
• Selectively enhance photos using ALL the tools in Photoshop Elements

Classroom Expectations:

1) Be Responsible – Recognize your role in building a fun and productive work environment. The school has digital cameras for you to use during the trimester while in class. We have ordered enough so that there is one camera per two students. I would encourage you to have your own digital camera so that you can take pictures off campus. If you don’t want to bring your camera to school, you can always burn your pictures on a CD and transport them to school. Or bring the media card.

2) Be Focused – the fun in this course is to take your own photographs and edit them. We will learn some very cool editing tricks that result in very nice looking images. So, it is very important that you get into it!

3) Be Creative – You will have the opportunity to view lots of photographs during the trimester. I want for you to think outside the box.

4) Be Committed – It is very important to work on your assignments with diligence so that you will be ready when it is time to show results. Challenge yourself to be productive and use your time wisely.

5) Be Cooperative – Time and again you might be asked to do something that you may not like. Be mature and work through it. You may find that getting there is half the fun. Our world demands that you work well with others. Think and choose wisely.

6) Be Enthusiastic – Getting excited about taking pictures will help you to capture and explore the world of around you with an open mind.

Camera Etiquette: All cameras used on campus that belong to PES will be treated with respect. Class rules are still to comply with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). If you decide that you want to bring your own camera to school, YOU are responsible for your camera. That means, LOCK your camera in your locker when you are not using it.

Class Software: Photoshop Elements to edit your pictures and Windows Movie Maker to compose your final portfolio.

Supply List for Digital Media:

1) Folder with paper, pencil or pen – you will need to take notes on occasion and to have a place to file the handouts. A folder in your binder is fine.

2) Portfolio – you will need a Arts Portfolio (such as the Red Rope, found at Asel’s Art Supplies Stores) – size 17x22” or 20x26”

1) USB Drive – eventually your student folder will be filled to the max with pictures, so please bring a USB to put some of the photos that you would like to keep on your drive.

Grades:

20% homework/weekly assignments

30% project evaluation (first view and final view)

50% personal portfolio project