Photography Class Policies, Highland Park High School
Instructor: Blake Novotny
http://hphsphotosite.blogspot.com
bnovotny@dist113.org or 224-765-2167
Photography is a hands-on lab class. Just as sports and musical instruments need daily practice for improvement, the same is true of
photography. Students are graded project completion, studio time, assignments, and growth and progress through the semester.
Photographic growth and progress will only happen with invested participation and practice. Because there is very little homework,
I expect students to use every class period to work on projects, to check-in with me on prints-in-progress, to work on improving
photographic techniques, and to continue to develop brainstorming strategies and creative outlets.
Grading in Photography
Students will be graded in Photography Class using the following percentages:
1. Project Grades– 40%
Each project will be graded on a.) project planning, b.) print quality, c.) composition, and d.) unit targets.
2. Unit Growth Grades – 10%
Growth grades will be calculated using the following criteria:
 Obvious/intentional growth from previous unit = A
 Outcome is equal or similar to previous work = B
 Decline in overall project quality = C/D
3. In-Class Assignments - 5%
In order to learn the equipment and photo processes, there are in class assignments that will be recorded for a grade.
4. Studio Experience -25% To receive full daily studio experience credit, students will:
 Have excellent “time on task”, this includes daily attendance, being on time to class, bell to bell use of class time.
 Follow class as well as school rules and expectations.
 Clean assigned workspaces on a daily basis. This includes putting away both person and class tools and supplies.
 Work on assignments in class. It is not appropriate to work on other class work during photo class time.
 Work independently - take responsibility for decisions about your work and classroom atmosphere.
 Be an active participant in class during lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. It is not appropriate to carry on a
private conversation during these more formal class periods. We all have ideas and opinions and can learn from
each other.
5. Final Portfolio – 20%
The final portfolio is a detailed developmental study of the student’s growth and understanding of the photographic
process. The portfolio is designed to explore and celebrate the student’s photographic success with him/herself, family,
and with peers.
***Photography grades do not start over at the quarter, the student’s grade will accumulate over the semester.
Re-doing Work
Students are always able to redo Photography Projects as this will benefit their understanding and growth of photography. If a
student receives a grade they are unhappy with, they may talk with Mr. Novotny about redoing the work, set up an agreed upon
timeframe and turn the reworked unit back in with the original grade for a chance to improve their grade. Projects may not be
redone the last week of the quarter. Since there is a chance to re-do assignments, I do not offer extra credit.
In order to redo a project:
 Student must have conversation with the teacher prior to re-doing work.
 A sincere effort must have been put into first project.
 Teacher and student must fill out a contract with due date to help monitor the re-do.
Project Extensions
Some problems that students encounter during the photo unit may grant them a “project extension”. Students should obtain
“Extension Form” from the class blog, talk to teacher and get signature, and attach extension form to front of unit being turned in.
This form will protect from loss of points for late work.
If the student’s film does not turn out because of shooting mistakes or chemical issues, or if the student is not happy with their
images, they can reshoot their film. Students need to check in with me during this process in order to get a project extension.
Students need to turn in the first roll of film that did not turn when approaching teacher about project extention. I always
encourage students to reshoot bad film so their time printing in the darkroom will be constructive and meaningful.
Late work
Students will be given a due date for each project. Work will be considered late if it is not turned in to the “Turn-in Cabinet” by the
given due date/time. Late projects will have 5% deduction of the project grade. Attention will also be given to whether work is
chronically late or if this is a one-time occurrence. Chronically late work can affect student’s overall growth grade.
**It is up to teacher discretion to grant students the chance to re-do a project or be granted an extension.
Common Photography Questions:
What materials are required for Photography Class? Students will be responsible for obtaining the following supplies:








Jump/thumb drive, 8+GB preferred (available in bookstore).
Black and white photo paper, 8x10 polycontrast/multigrade, RC (glossy, matte, or pearle surface). Available in sheets of 25
or 100 (available in bookstore, price varies).
Approximately 2 rolls (Photo I) and 3-4 rolls (Photo II) of black and white film ($5.25 for each roll). Wait for further
instructions before purchasing Kodak Tri-X 400 or Kodak TMAX 400.
Negative file for each roll of film ($.25)
35mm camera (adjustable SLR is preferable). See me if you are having trouble locating a camera. A limited number of
35mm cameras are available for rental. $10 rental covers rental and battery cost. A rental coupon must be purchased at
the bookstore for $10 cash or check only.
DSLR or digital point-and-shoot camera, 5+ megapixels preferred.
One 11x14 mat board and dry mount tissue for art show entry ($1.50 in bookstore-wait for further instruction).
½” three-ring binder for handouts
The approximate cost for supplies in Photo I for the semester is $60.00. If this expense is not within student’s financial means,
please discuss privately with Mr. Casey, Mr. Koulentes, (Assistant Principals) or with Mr. Novotny for information on signing up
for the “Book Program” or “Photo Scholarship”. If student is already affiliated with the school’s “Book Program” photo supplies will
be made available in the bookstore on an as needed basis. If student is not eligible for the “Book Program” please discuss with me
after/outside of class about scholarship information.
Darkroom equipment and chemicals for assignments will be furnished by the school with the understanding that students will use
with care while using the lab.
What will we learn in Photo I? During the Photography I semester students learn both black and white film and digital photography.
Throughout the semester, students will learn about the elements and principles of art and how they relate to composition. Students
will learn photo history through studying various contemporary and photo master’s from the past. Students will learn basic use of
both a point-and-shoot camera and the manual mode of a SLR/DSLR. During film units, students will learn about enlargers,
cameras, film, and paper processes through in class assignments and projects. During the digital units, students will learn how to
upload and save images along with the basics of Photoshop.
What will we learn in Photo II, III, IV? Photo II, III, and IV is a continuation of Photo I with emphasis on both film and digital. With
each unit, there will be new information shared to advance the student’s knowledge and understanding of film, cameras,
Photoshop, or composition.
Do the class ever do photo shoots during the class period? Yes, occasionally the class will walk around Highland Park together to
work on a photo shoot. In some cases, a bus may be used to transport students to the Beach or other location that is too far to walk
during a class period.
What must I turn in with each assignment? Final prints, contact sheet, and reflection sheet must accompany all photo units photos
being submitted for grading. All photographs submitted for grading must be from student’s original negatives/contact sheet shot for
that photo unit during photo class.
Can I throw away negatives when I am done with an assignment? No! Students should maintain all photographic work (negatives
and prints) until the end of the semester. If student continues in Photo II, they will often use negatives and shots from Photo I class.
How much time will I get to shoot images? I will always try to give students at least one weekend to shoot images for homework.
Weather, jobs, school activities, holidays and camera mistakes should be taken into account when planning your shoot, plan
accordingly – don’t wait until the night before to begin your shoot.
Can a friend help me with printing/editing my photographs? Students are responsible for their own photography work. A friend
may guide student through a process however, never let another student work on your project. On the other hand, helping one
another is a positive and an encouraged activity. Helping others involves giving verbal directions and demonstrating (but not on
someone else’s work). Submitting another person’s photo work or artwork as your own will be regarded as plagiarism and subject
to the academic honesty policy found in the student handbook.
Can I take pictures of whatever I want? Although picture-taking assignments will have defined topics, students are encouraged to
explore the theme and interpret the assignment in reaching their own creative potential. However, students need to remember to
always consider his/her audience. The photographing of illicit acts, obscene gestures and representational signs will be subject to
dean review.
How long do we have to work each day in the lab? Working within the constraints of a 42-minute period of time in a
darkroom/computer program is difficult due to the exacting nature of chemical processes and protection of light sensitive materials.
During most lab days you will have the whole period to work, however, the last five minutes be devoted to maintaining a clean
darkroom. In addition to these daily cleaning responsibilities, we will all be responsible for cleaning the lab at semesters end.
Will there be time available to work outside of class? Yes. Students often find photography to be an enjoyable and relaxing art
form and want to work outside of class time. The lab will be open most every day from 8:00am until 3:45pm. Students may use the
Photographic lab any period a class is not in session, student should check in with teacher anytime s/he will be using the
darkroom outside of class time. If a class is in session during student’s free period, it is generally okay to work quietly in the room,
however, the student should check with the teacher on duty that period.
What responsibilities need to be followed during lab time? To ensure that the lab is maintained and working properly, Students
should not not bring a guest to the lab, they must clean up after themself, and must follow lab/school rules, and make sure you are
watching the clock - I will not issue late passes to student’s next class.
Are the chemicals in the darkroom dangerous? If handled correctly, the darkroom is a very safe place to work. However, there is
always the chance of tongs dropping in the chemical bath and splashing a student’s eye. For this reason, I do have goggles available
for student use. If chemicals get in the students eye or is ingested, the student should contact the teacher immediately and will be
sent to the nurse’s office for further evaluation.
Do I need an SLR camera for photo class? Please do not go buy a film SLR camera if you do not want or have one. Do your best to
find a friend or relative who has one to borrow. If you are having trouble locating a camera, a SLR film camera can be rented in the
bookstore. If this fee is not within your reach, please see Mr. Novotny about “photo scholarship”. As for digital cameras, any digital
camera will suffice, preferably over 5 megapixels. The photography department has a few point-and-shoot digital cameras to loan
students for photo shoots. The student should see the teacher if they do not have access to their own digital camera.
Can I get my film developed at Walgreens or any other camera store? It is a requirement of the course that all assigned black and
white film be developed at HPHS in the darkroom (film processing and photo enlarging). However, with our digital units, students
may have final prints made at a print processing center.
When can I meet with the teacher? I welcome the chance to meet with you on an individual basis. If you find you are having
difficulty, please let me know and we can set up a time to work or talk. During free periods you can find me in C-105 or E-105 or C109 (the photo room). In addition, I am usually available after school until 4:00 P.M. You are welcome to email me any questions at
alandes@dist113.org or call me at school (extension x2167). I will answer questions as soon as possible.
Do tardies and unexcused absences count against me? Parents will be contacted if student’s tardiness is excessive or if they have
unexcused absences from class.
Will my work be displayed? The exhibition/display of student artwork is regarded as part of the educational experience. It is the
right and responsibility of the Fine Arts Department/Visual Arts program to exhibit student artwork.