Syllabus for Beginning Photography & Film
Course: Beginning Photography & New Medias
Sequence: Introduction to the Film and Media Academy
Instructor: Mrs. Amber Fox
Room: L102
Course Description:
This course focuses on the basic principles of black & white photography, digital photography
and a comprehensive overview of film production. Specifically, the class will cover photographic
fundamentals such as camera types, film types (including ISO and digital), exposure, shutter
speed, f/stop, depth of field, lens types and uses, lighting, cropping, and printing. For digital
photography, students will become adept with IPhoto and Adobe Photoshop, as well as learn the
differences between digital and analog. Film production will include screenwriting, composition,
storyboarding, production sound, directing, editing and producing. In addition students will learn
both the technical and aesthetic skills needed to edit their films, using the IMovie computer
editing system. Although “creativity” is not usually a class goal because of its resistance to
quantification, in this class, students are expected to exercise and stretch their creative faculties.
Invention is paramount. Aside from the hands-on education of practicing photography and film,
the course will also introduce students to the history of the mediums. By studying the previous
masters, as well as reading critical analysis of their work, students will be able to intelligently
discuss the pros and cons of art. At the end of the two-semester course, the student will have
produced a portfolio of images demonstrating proficiency in the aesthetics of the photographic
medium, as well as essays covering the history and criticism of photographic arts and artists. In
terms of film, the students will of made a variety of short films.
Textbook
Photography by Horenstien & Hart
Focus on Photography by Joyner & Monaghan
Digital Film Making for Teens by Shaner & Jones
Supplementary Textbooks
Photography by London and Upton
Curriculum Art Start from the Museum of Contemporary Art
Art 21 video series produced by PBS
Film Making for Teens, Pulling Off Your Shorts, Lanier & Nichols
Online Resources
http://www.costco.com
http://www.lynda.com
Materials
Estimated costs are approximately $30.00 to $40.00 for the semester. In the first two weeks the
students should buy their photography paper in bulk, which is highly recommended. To
save money they can buy a box with a friend and split the cost. Students tend to be more
financially responsible and frugal of their own supplies, making it more cost efficient in the long
run. Besides for paper, all other supplies can be bought as projects are assigned, on a need basis.
All supplies can be bought directly in the classroom, because I can provide a tax-free cost to the
student. However, if you want to buy supplies in Whittier, the best photographic supplier is
Monte’s Camera Shop, located at 6533 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier 90601.
What disposable materials will the student need?
Arista Pearl RC Paper, 100 sheets of 5 x 7: $20.00 (Kodak and Ilford are ok too) (split the box
with a friend to save money)
Arista 100 & 400 ISO Black & White Film: $1.50 (Kodak and Ilford are ok too)
Negative Sleeves: $0.25 each
Plastic Sheet Protector: $0.10
1 ½ inch Three ring binder: buy at a store
DV tapes: $6.00 per tape
Digital Prints (in house): $1.00 for 5 x 7 and $2.00 for 8 x 10
Digital Prints (Costco/Target service): For a $15.00 lab fee, it will include:
10: 4x5 photographic digital prints
8: 5x7 photographic digital prints
2: 8x10 photographic digital prints
1: 11 x 14 photographic digital print
Camera
Students are expected to have their own 35 mm cameras. I have both SLR and digital cameras for
the students to use during school hours on campus, but the cameras cannot be checked out for off
campus use. School cameras can only be checked out with a student/parent liability form on file
for their possible loss or damage while taking photos on campus. Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
cameras are the most ideal cameras to learn on, but any camera that uses film is sufficient for this
class. As for digital cameras, I recommend any of the Canon models if you do not have a digital
camera. We will be printing photos, so keep in mind you want to be able to print at least 8x10’s,
which means a minimum of 4 mega pixel cameras. As for video cameras, we have video cameras
for the students to check out, but it would be advantageous to have one at home. Every student
does not need their own, but if funds allow, it would be great. We use cameras that allow for a
DV tape, so remember that when purchasing. Please keep in mind, the creativity of a student is
stunted when they are limited to the school campus, so I encourage that you find or purchase a
camera for them to use. Monte’s Camera Shop, Costco or Samy’s Camera are places where
cameras can be bought at a bargain.
Assignments
Black & White Assignments: Photogram, Vantage Points & Framing, Long Depth of Field
(Landscape), Short Depth of Field (Identity), Elements of Art and Principles of Design, Motion,
Portraits, Manipulated Negative, Kaleidoscopic Composite, Solorization, Montage and Sepia
Toning.
Digital Assignments: Scanner as Camera, Macro Abstraction, Perspective, Convert color to
B&W, Hand Coloring, Warhol Portraits, Text, Composite, Sense Of Place, Sacred Spaces, Tilt
Effect, Retouching Portrait, Teen Issues and Triptych.
Film Assignments: Autobiographical Slide Show, Silent Film, Commercial, Favorite Scene,
Interview, Music Video, Documentary, Short Film
Art Assignments: Painting with Photo Chemicals, Collage/Montage, Redefining Meaning, Photo
Transfer, Juxtaposition, Weaved Photo, Photo Fan and a Photo Wallet.
Literacy Assignments
Chapter Outlines, Artist Statements, Look-Analyze-Critique, Creative Short Stories, Student
Critiques, Screen Play, Movie Reviews
Tests & Quizzes
Students will be subject to quarterly assessments that will assess their learning of the material.
Four quizzes will be given each semester and one final exam.
Grading Policy
The grading criteria is based on: the mastery of media and it techniques, overall craftsmanship,
quality of both the composition and personal expression, successful use of the elements of art and
principles of design, ability to critique one’s own work and that of others, classroom behavior and
growth in one’s own capacities.
Projects: 70%
Written Assignments: 20%
Tests & Quizzes: 10%
Citizenship Grade: This grade is determined by your attendance, use of class time, use of class
equipment, ability to meet deadlines and clean up duties. Your cooperation is determined by your
behavior in class and outside of class while on assignments.