Digital Photography I

Advanced Digital Imaging

Upper School

Teacher: Sil Azevedo

Room: Computer Lab 2152

We live in an extremely visual society. Photographic images are so prevalent today that we can hardly conceive of a world without magazines, the Internet, TV and film. It is imperative for an educated person to understand what is behind the images we are confronted with on a daily basis. In this context, visual communication becomes more than a specialty. It is an essential skill, which enables us to understand our world and to relate to our society as contributing members: some as artists, some as producers, some as literate and conscious observers, some as supporters of the artistic endeavor.

Here is the basic information you will need to succeed in this course:

1) Camera -- In order to fulfill your assignments, you will need a digital camera with manual settings for aperture, shutter speed and focus. It is ok to use automatic cameras as long as they have the option to be set manually when desired.

2) Focus – The goal of this course is for you to take your own photographs and edit them. We will learn professional techniques that result in very nice looking images. So, it is very important that you get into it!

3) Creativity – We will study some of the greatest photographers in the world and learn from their work. This will help you to think creatively and to come up with images that express your individuality and style.

4) Commitment – It is very important to work on your assignments with diligence so that you will be ready when it is time to show results.

Digital darkroom info:

We will be using Photoshop CS to edit the images. Many of you are already familiar with Photoshop in different versions, but we will start from scratch, just to make sure everyone is on the same page. Photoshop CS is the professional version of Photoshop, used by the best professional photographers and designers. For output, we have two fine arts Epson printers, which produce professional quality prints. We have watercolor archival paper available for our projects, so you don’t have to worry about that. The Epson printers are to be used only by the photography students for the proofs and final prints for their assignments. I will let you know when it is time to print your projects and will assist you individually. I look forward to seeing the awesome images that will be produced this trimester.

Grades:

40% >> Progress evaluation

Photo of the Week // Critiques // Paper // Quiz // Work Ethics

60% >> Portfolio

Effort

Theme

Technique

Creativity

Editing

Composition

Presentation

Supply List for Digital Photography:

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) Camera – as described.

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

4) CD-Rs – Throughout the course you will need to burn back-up CDs with the images you produce. I estimate you will need 5 to 10 CDs, depending on how prolific you are.

Optional:

> USB Memory sticks (128, 256, 512 Meg) – these come in handy because you can easily save your latest work and update as you re-edit the images. This will not be absolutely essential since we can burn CDs and save a few images onto the main computer.