Fine Art Photography
Brian Schaubmayer
bschaubm@fcusd.org
Phone: 916.294.2410 ext 410328
Fine Art Photography uses digital SLR cameras, computers, digital darkroom
editing to approach the world of photography as a means of artistic expression.
Students will be required to learn the elements of art and the principles of design
in order to develop visual literacy. This course will require critical reading and
thinking, classroom discussion and analytical writing. As with all art classes that
are project-based, students at all levels are able to succeed in Fine Art Digital
Photography as long as they are committed to the creative art-making process.
Classroom Rules
The Rules
1. Be Positive, Be Supportive, Be Respectful!
2. If you are late, go to office first for a pass.
3. Be prepared to take notes and keep a journal.
4. The dress code will be enforced—don’t act surprised!
5. You may not do work from other classes unless you have
permission.
6. You may not check your email without permission
7. Social Networking and Games are FORBIDDEN.
8. No Food or Drink in class.
Materials
Materials required to succeed in this course is provided for. However, donations
to cover expenses such as camera usage, repairs and replacement, photo paper
and inks, flash drives for backup, and art supplies used in projects are greatly
appreciated.
Students who wish to print and take photographs home will need to pay $20 to
cover costs of photo paper and archival inks. I am only able to provide prints to
students who have paid this during the first two weeks of the term. This can be
paid online through the student store or by check in student accounts. Checks
should be made out to VDLHS.
While a flash drive is not necessary, students will find that they are extremely
helpful for saving and accessing their images—especially when the school
Internet is slow. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Though we provide cameras, students are welcome to use a digital camera from
home to complete assignments, but the camera must have MANUAL controls.
With the onset of exciting new technologies, many of today’s cameras will be
acceptable for photo 1 assignments. If students will be using a camera from
home, I will need to see it to evaluate whether it is acceptable.
Figure and Film Studies
Often during the course sequence of all the visual art courses, the student will be
working with visual materials such as famous art works, films of famous artists,
slides, video, the Internet, and computer programs. Sometimes material may
contain anatomical references, nude model poses and views of artists working
from models in their studios, as well as scenes from modern films. The material
may also mention and discuss the alternative lifestyles sometimes lived by
famous artists, which may be considered inappropriate to some. Current issues,
as they relate to art and free expression, are also discussed in the art classes. If
you are uncomfortable viewing and discussing any images or video clips,
alternative work will be provided upon request. If you have questions or
concerns, please contact me at the email address above.
Projects/Grading
All projects and due dates will be posted on my website, accessible through the
Vista del Lago home page. This site will be a wealth of information for students
and parents and includes assignments, project descriptions, due dates, as well
as helpful tutorials and online resources. All grades will be posted as they are
input. As with any project-based course, grades can only be updated as projects
become due. Consequently, grades may not be changed or updated as regularly
as other courses. Check the class calendar to see when projects are due.
Grades should be updated within 3-4 days.
Students earn grades for Practice and Presentation work, as well as quizzes and
tests. Practice work includes homework, sketchbook assignments and minor
assignments such as tutorials. Presentation work includes major projects which
are presented to the class, critiques and artist reflections. Points for assignments
will vary according to complexity and time involved.
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
<60% = F
Late Work and "Regrades"
Because you will be presenting your work to the class during critiques, it is vital
that you turn in your completed project at the beginning of class on the day
that it is due. If you do not, you will lose one grade (10%) per class day that a
project is late. Art is a process that can often take many revisions to perfect.
Once you have turned in a project and received your grade and feedback, you
may redo the project for a higher grade if you wish. In order to have a project
regraded, you must make an appointment with for a “regrade conference”
outside of class time and you must bring your original grading sheet to that
conference. You can raise any aspect of your grade except for points lost due to
turning in the project late.
Make-up work will be accepted in accordance with the school policy. See the
Student Handbook if you have questions.
Attendance
Class begins when the bell rings. Entrance anytime after the bell rings is
considered tardy or late and the student will be sent directly to the office. This
means that you need to be seated and ready to work when the bell rings.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check the on-line calendar, learn the
material, obtain handouts and assignments and make up the work you missed.
Normally, this can only be accomplished outside of class time. Please check with
me for open studio hours.
Unexcused Tardy Policy—The Vista del Lago tardy policy will be enforced, with
all students arriving late being sent directly to the office. If you are late, go to the
office and get a pass before coming to class—NO EXCEPTIONS. Detentions
and suspensions will be assigned according to Vista’s policy for tardies.
Cheating Policy
The Vista Del Lago Academic Dishonesty Policy will be strictly enforced.
Honest behavior is expected from all students. Any unauthorized collaboration,
plagiarism, forgery, theft, or other dishonest behavior will result in disciplinary
action. The consequences followed can be found in the Student Handbook.
Vista del Lago Equipment Use Agreement
Using a Camera on Campus
1. Students are physically and financially responsible for the cameras and equipment that
they check out.
2. The check out sheet must be completely filled out by both student and instructor.
3. Students should check that camera batteries are full.
4. Only students who are currently in Mr. Schaubmayer’s class my check-out and use class
cameras and equipment.
Overnight Checkout
1. All the above rules apply.
2. Cameras may not be checked out until after school and must be returned the following
day. If you are ill, a parent or guardian will need to return the camera to the office when it is
due the following day.
3. Your camera must be returned prior to second period, the next school day.
4. Cameras are for classroom assignments only.
5. Only the student who checked out the camera may use the equipment.
Use of Camera—Responsibilities While Shooting
1. You are responsible for the use of equipment. Take extra precautions against theft and
damage.
2. All members of a group are to be actively involved in the picture taking process while out
of the classroom. Using a camera is not an excuse to walk around campus. Failure to follow
this guideline will result in loss of outside shooting privileges.
3. ONLY members of your group are to be using the camera. No one else may hold it, look
through the lens, check it out, etc.
4. The parking lots are off limits. Photos taken during school hours are to be taken at the
location on student’s “on-location” pass. If for some reason, shooting requires that you visit
areas that are normally off-limits, please see administration for permission.
5. Do not enter other classrooms unless prior arrangements have been made. Do not point
cameras through windows without the teacher’s permission. Disruption of other classes will
result in loss of outside shooting privileges.
By signing below I understand the guidelines listed above and agree to abide by them.
"We have read and understand the attached document and policies For
Fine Art Photography."
Student Name_____________________________________________________
Student Signature __________________________________Date ___________
Class and Period #________________________________
Parent Signature___________________________________Date____________
Home Phone_____________________________________________________
Parent Cell ______________________________________________________