Course

Syllabus: Photography (Year)

Teacher: Lauren Enjeti
Course Description: This course will cover the mechanics of Photography, including: operation of both
digital and manual cameras, how film works, lighting, downloading to the computer, and digital image
manipulation. In addition, students will learn about compositional techniques, depth of field, black and
white versus color photography, the history of Photography, and how to start developing a personal
style. Students will exit the course with a portfolio of no fewer than 8 Proficient or Advanced
photographs, accompanied by written explanations that utilize appropriate Photographic vocabulary.

Semester 1
History of Photography: Students will study the history of Photography. This includes:
- in-class lectures and discussions on how Photography was invented, key players, and mechanics of film
and processing. Students get to see and hold vintage cameras and learn how they work.
- films on the history of Photography
Digital Manipulation: Students will study and practice manipulating images using Photoshop. This
includes:
-
-
-
-

Repairing damaged photographs

Learning how to use levels, color balance, dodge and burn, and other color and value
manipulation tools in Photoshop
Create a Photomontage expressing a viewpoint on a Social Issue. Both student taken and found
images may be utilized.
Self Study Students take photographs in which the composition is not proficient, and using
Photoshop, re-crop the photographs into a more successful composition. This is accompanied by
writing which explains the process.

Shooting Assignments:
9 Shooting assignments per quarter, based on themes given in class. 20 Photos due each Monday (or
first class day of that week). No make-up work allowed missing assignments are counted as 0s.
Semester Exam:
Students present their 4 best photographs of Semester 1, accompanied by written critiques of their
work, using appropriate art related vocabulary. Students also present this work to the class for
feedback.

Semester 2
Shooting Assignments:
9 Shooting assignments per quarter, based on themes given in class. 20 Photos due each Monday (or
first class day of that week). No make-up work allowed missing assignments are counted as 0s.
-Jekyll and Hyde: Students must take a roll of film which showcases 2 different traits they possess, one
positive and one negative. The two best examples are chosen and made into a diptych using Photoshop.
-Career Photographs: As part of a larger research project on Careers in Photography, students take at
least 1 roll of film in which they impersonate someone in that career.
-Make up roll: Any student who has not fulfilled their portfolio requirement of 8 proficient or advanced
photographs by May 1st, must take another roll in order to finish out their portfolio.
In-Class Assignments:
-1-3 Student Teacher led projects (varies by year)
-Career Project: Students research a particular career in Photography (such as Sports Photographer,
Wedding Photographer, or Fine Art Photographer). This is an in-depth project, which includes activities
such as: research, job interviews, creating hypothetical job listings, designing business cards and
websites, taking photographs (see above), and creating promotional posters.
End of Course Assessment:
For the end of course assessment, students must provide a portfolio of at least 6 proficient or advanced
photographs, accompanied by proficient writing which explains why the photographs are proficient. The
writing must utilize appropriate photographic vocabulary. This is presented in a simple Powerpoint.