Photography

Photography Syllabus 2018.doc

Important things to know about Pre-AP and AP Photography:

  • It would be very helpful for students to have their own camera if possible. I have several cameras to share in class, but not enough to check out to each student. This year there are something like 60 Pre-AP photo students and 12 upper level students. It will be much easier to work with more students bringing their own cameras, if possible, so fewer students will need to share ours.

  • If you or anyone you know might have old point-and-shoot digital cameras to donate, let me know! While cell phone cameras are quite good now, they do not allow for the same understanding of the medium or manipulation of settings as actual cameras. See the images for examples of what I am looking for.

  • Both classes will use OneNote to turn in work and get handouts, lessons, etc.

  • AP Photography is largely independent and self-paced, with a specific set of due dates. I tend to be lenient when asked for extensions, but I cannot go over and grade work again and again because students turn it in late-- I have too many students this year. Request extensions AHEAD of time.

  • Please see the syllabus for grading policies and my expected number of assignments.

  • Photography 3 is a new course this year! Students will develop an independent study project and we will reflect and critique progress throughout the year, as students work towards their own end goals. Some students may complete multiple smaller explorations, and others may choose to focus on one large product and exploration all year. This class will be based mainly on reflection and self-assessment, with teacher conferences to determine appropriate number grades. Students will need to consider

      • Their dedication and pace

      • Effort and risk-taking

      • Progress toward their goal

A little more about me:

-- I went to Rice University and then began teaching at Carnegie when I graduated.

-- This will be my 14th year teaching English, and I have been teaching photography for probably 10-11 of those years.

-- My background is darkroom photography, so digital is still a bit of a learning curve for me-- the students frequently teach me new tricks!

-- My favorite photographer is Henri Cartier-Bresson, because of his philosophy of "la sauvette," which was translated into English as "The Decisive Moment."

"Il n'y a rien dans ce monde qui n'ait un moment decisif." -- Jean François Paul de Gondi, cardinal de Retz