West Forsyth High School
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATION
2014-2015 School Year
Dear art student,
This application outlines all of the items needed to make the best-educated decision about your participation in the
photography class at WFHS. All applications must be returned completed by February 28th for consideration into
the program. All applicants will be reviewed and list of accepted students will be posted at a later date. Be sure to
attach everything listed and have all forms signed where applicable.
Requirements for this class include:
 At least 1 previous high school visual art class (yearlong)

Previous Photography class (for Advanced Photography)

Camera requirements-a 35mm film SLR and a digital camera (preferably a DSLR)

Completed & signed application-DUE February 28th including 2 teacher recommendations
returned by the teacher

$50 consumables fee (due at the start of the next school year)
Note: This class can be expensive, but usually it is only as expensive as you make it. Please understand that you
will be required to purchase film, develop the film, and possibly print digital images from an outside source at
any time during the course. A fee is charged in order to offset the inside lab costs as well other projects, but
may not cover all expenses. My goal each year is to reduce your outside costs and I will continue to do so as
much as possible.
Thanks for your interest in this class. I am anxious and ready to see what we can produce for next year! Come
prepared and excited to learn more about the camera and how it can help you in creating great photographs. You
can email me for any questions you might have.
Thanks again!
Mrs. Pickens
770.888.3470 ext 331556
spickens@forsyth.k12.ga.us
West Forsyth High School
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATION
2014-2015 School Year
Qualifications Overview:
The photography class is a unique classroom environment that produces high quality artwork and an enjoyable
learning environment. Each student is expected to bring their creativity and problem solving skills to the
classroom so they can meet the challenges of this art form. The work produced in this class will be advanced level
processes and reflect high quality outcomes. All work must be your best and must stand for a college portfolio or
career position where applicable. Note: Cameras will not be provided.
Studio Expectations:

Be able to work in a group when needed to complete assignments.

Be able to work independently and in a timely manner to complete assignments.

Have self discipline and be driven to create artistic photographs.

Meet deadlines and be responsible for mounting and matting all work.

Be responsible and mature enough for the environment of a photo studio that involves darkroom work
such as chemical mixing & preparation as well as cleaning.

Come to class on time and prepared to work hard every day. Be productive!
Applicant Information: Please read this application carefully as there are details throughout that are
very important for you to know.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Today’s Date: ______________
Current Grade Level: ___________
Your best guess of your cumulative GPA: ___________ Student ID #:___________________
1. List all high school art classes taken & grades you earned for each class:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you have both a 35mm and a digital camera? Circle one
Yes
no
I plan to buy both if I get into the class
3. How would you describe your artistic ability? Circle one.
Can not draw a straight line
Able to color in the lines
Average artist
Got skills!
4. How strong are you at problem solving? Scale of 1-5, 5 being the highest
1 2 3 4 5
5. How motivated are you at independent school work?
1 2 3 4 5
6. Will you have dependable transportation next school year if you need to do a photoshoot elsewhere? Y or N
FLIP OVER TO BACK
7. Do you plan to possibly use the photography experiences you learn in this class for college or a future job in the
photography field? Please describe your thoughts or plans on this matter if so.______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Are you willing to spend money such as purchasing & developing film for all projects completed for this class?
Y or N (be prepared for 6 more outside projects, this class can become costly)
Attachments to this application:
I. Photograph: Submit ONE photo that you have taken that you consider being a sample of your personal best.
Write a caption that explains the photo and the approximate date the photo was taken.
II. Two Teacher Endorsements: Please list the names of the two teachers or other school administrator you have
asked to complete a recommendation for you. Returned recommendations returned by you will not be accepted.
1. Teacher’s Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Subject _____________________
2. Teacher’s Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Subject _____________________
IV. Signature: By signing below, you agree to the listed requirements as well as the studio expectations listed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________
Student Signature
Date
V. Parent Endorsement: By signing below, I endorse my child’s desire to be a member of the WFHS photography
class. I am fully aware of and support the expectations, possible changes in curriculum, and the financial
requirements.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________
Parent Signature
Date
For the Teacher endorsements, please provide the teacher with an envelope so that he or she can
return them to me without your involvement. Endorsements that do not come directly from the
endorsing teacher will not be accepted.
West Forsyth High School
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATION
Teacher recommendation form
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Name: __________________________________________________________
Subject: _________________________
The student listed above is applying to be on the 2014-2015 Photography class. A very important part of
the selection process is a teacher’s recommendation. We would appreciate your honest evaluation of
the abilities of this applicant. This evaluation will be held in the strictest confidence.
Please complete this form and return to Mrs. Pickens room 1551 or mailbox by February 28th .
DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM WITH THE STUDENTS. Thanks for your time and cooperation!
Please use the 0-5 scale (0=poor; 5=excellent) to rate this student accordingly. NA is also acceptable in areas you are not familiar.
Ability to plan and follow through
0
1
2
3
4
5
Assignments turned in on time
0
1
2
3
4
5
Attendance
0
1
2
3
4
5
Compassion and consideration toward others
0
1
2
3
4
5
Creativity
0
1
2
3
4
5
Decision making ability
0
1
2
3
4
5
Leadership skills
0
1
2
3
4
5
Teamwork skills
0
1
2
3
4
5
Ability to react well to feedback/suggestions
0
1
2
3
4
5
Willingness to work
0
1
2
3
4
5
Wise use of class time
0
1
2
3
4
5
Design Ability
0
1
2
3
4
5
Takes direction
0
1
2
3
4
5
Reliability and responsibility
0
1
2
3
4
5
Do you recommend this student for photography? Yes or No
Explanation?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________
Teacher Signature
______________________
Date
West Forsyth High School
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATION
Teacher recommendation form
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Name: __________________________________________________________
Subject: _________________________
The student listed above is applying to be on the 2014-2015 Photography class. A very important part of
the selection process is a teacher’s recommendation. We would appreciate your honest evaluation of
the abilities of this applicant. This evaluation will be held in the strictest confidence.
Please complete this form and return to Mrs. Pickens room 1551 or mailbox by February 28th.
DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM WITH THE STUDENTS. Thanks for your time and cooperation!
Please use the 0-5 scale (0=poor; 5=excellent) to rate this student accordingly. NA is also acceptable in areas you are not familiar.
Ability to plan and follow through
0
1
2
3
4
5
Assignments turned in on time
0
1
2
3
4
5
Attendance
0
1
2
3
4
5
Compassion and consideration toward others
0
1
2
3
4
5
Creativity
0
1
2
3
4
5
Decision making ability
0
1
2
3
4
5
Leadership skills
0
1
2
3
4
5
Teamwork skills
0
1
2
3
4
5
Ability to react well to feedback/suggestions
0
1
2
3
4
5
Willingness to work
0
1
2
3
4
5
Wise use of class time
0
1
2
3
4
5
Design Ability
0
1
2
3
4
5
Takes direction
0
1
2
3
4
5
Reliability and responsibility
0
1
2
3
4
5
Do you recommend this student for photography? Yes or No
Explanation?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________
Teacher Signature
______________________
Date