First Photo Shoot!!

Next week is 'Spirit Week' at FFHS! Please take as many photos as possible relating to 'Spirit Week'. More details on the project later.......

Photographer Research Project

Photographer Research PowerPoint Project---Due at end of class Monday, February 5th
Please research thoroughly!! Know everything there is to know about your ONE photographer! When we have completed all the presentations, we'll all know about MANY photographers. This will be on your first big test on the History of Photography, which will be about February 9th!

· Select photographer and research using books and Internet (no Wikipedia)
· Every student must select a different photographer
· Research and take notes; Use the handout to record quotes and sources
· You should cover the following information:
-o Birth and death
-o When and where he/she worked
-o What type of photography
-o What was interesting or unique about the work
-o Personal information
-o Training, if any
-o Importance to the field of photography
· Include one or two photos of your photographer
· Find a minimum of six photographs typical of the photographer’s work
· Use the storyboards provided in class as a written guide to develop your PowerPoint presentation
· Storyboards must be approved before beginning PowerPoint
· There must be a minimum of ten slides (not including Title Page and Bibliography)
· Quotes used in your presentation must be attributed to the source
· The Title Page should give the photographer’s name, your name, the class, and the date
· A Bibliography slide must go at the end of the presentation—Tell where you got your information!
· Write captions about each of your photographer’s photos giving a brief description and any historical significance
· Proofread your presentation! Spelling counts!
· Save as.. using your class number and “Photographer Research Project”
· Print a handout (Go to print>handout>6 per page)
· Turn in handout, storyboard, research notes, and grading sheet (with your name and class number) as you present to the class
· Give an oral presentation with your PowerPoint
· Make sure you are familiar enough with the life of your photographer that you can answer questions from the class
· Pay attention and take notes as others present! You will need to know about all these photographers for the History of Photography Test!

Here is the grading criteria:
Technical Merit 50%
-gave pertinant information
-appears to have been well-researched
-expressed the importance of subject to photography
-used appropriate available photos
-proofread (no spelling or grammar errors)
Artistic Merit 20%
-presented in neat and attractive way
-used PowerPoint tools to enhance presentation
Followed Set Guidelines 30%
-turned in storyboard and printed presentation
-complete bibliography with all works cited for information and photos
-at least 10 informational slides in addition to title page and bibliography

Class ID numbers

Each student will use an ID number on everything you submit for grading in Photography class. Save your assignments using your ID number and a brief title of the project. You will save to the 'Completed Assignment' folder when you are finished. You should always keep a copy for yourself in your own folder on the 'N' drive. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT SO THAT YOU RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR WORK!! You should write your ID number down! In case you forget it, you may refer to this post on the blog.

1st period:
J.J.-11
Nick-12
Kristina-13
Sheryl-14
Shelby-15
Taylor-16
Pierce-17
Lauren-18
Devin-19
Ashley-110
Dennis-111
Chad-112
Kelsey-113
Sarah-114
Ian-115

2nd period:
Evan-21
Cam-22
Chris-23
Catherine E.-24
Trey-25
Sarah-26
Brent-27
Samson-29
Cierra-210
Josh-211
Kristen-212
Jordan-213
Samantha M.-214
Alex-215
Catherine P.-216
Natalya-217
Sean-219
Lori-220
Brie-221

4th period:
L.J.-41
Ashley-42
Nicole-43
Sienna-44
Britney-45
Hope-46
Aaron-47
Rich-48
Kaitlyn-49
Kelly-410
Lauren M.1
Paige-412
Emily-413
Alisa-414
Helena-415
Lauren S.-416
Kenneth-417
Katy-418
Trey-419
Caton-420
JohnMichael-421
Winn-422

This week in Photography Class....

We will spend the first day or two doing the Who's Who project. You will prepare documents with photos of twenty of your classmates and captions containing specific descriptions for each. We will continue studying the history of photography and, toward the end of the week, we'll begin the research project on a chosen photographer. Don't forget we have a make-up day on Saturday!

Syllabus

BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Ms. Lisa Finch
First Flight High School
449-7000 ext. 2459
finchli@dare.k12.nc.us

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with general digital photography. It will explore history, applications, and techniques of photography. Students will be required to do research, use basic skills, and show knowledge of photography by creating and manipulating black and white and color images.

Requirements: Students must have their own digital or traditional still camera. While a digital camera is not required, students assume responsibility for converting their negatives to digital media and meeting all assignment deadlines. In addition, students must supply their own film, processing, and cdr’s. Printing photographs will be limited to special assignments.

Specific Competencies: Students will learn to shoot and prepare images for digital reproduction. Students will do independent research in a chosen area of photography. Students will demonstrate basic competency in composition and photographic preparation. Students will be able to identify and use 35mm SLR and digital cameras. Students will learn to design various graphics for digital imaging.

Course Evaluation: Grades will be determined using the following criteria:
Tests/Quizzes…………………………………………….10%
Participation……………………………..…….………….20%
Deadlines…………………………………………………10%
Projects……………………………………………………60%

Tests/Quizzes: Tests will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester. Content will be reviewed before each test. Open note quizzes will be given to assess students’ understanding of reading assignments and class discussions. Quizzes are unannounced and can not be made up. Students are encouraged to bring all notes and handouts to class each day, along with pencil and paper.

Participation: History, background information, and art criticism will be addressed each week through various discussions and assignments. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and make good use of class time while completing assignments. Daily participation grades of 100 or zero will be assigned based upon this criteria.

Deadlines: In order to complete lessons, assignments, and projects, students are required to take photographs outside of class. Generally, that will be the only homework assignment. It is essential that students are prepared. When due dates are met student will receive 100%. This applies to both projects and homework photos. If deadlines are not met, student receives a zero. If an assignment is not turned in on time, student will be given a period of one week to submit it with a letter grade deduction. After that, the project is an F. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with assignments and their due dates.

Projects: The bulk of the grade for this class will be for photographic projects. Students will be assessed on creativity, technical skill, and effort. There will be at least one research project which will include an oral presentation. Digital sketchbooks will be maintained by students, which will include a variety of still images on assigned subject matter. A final portfolio presentation will be assembled from students’ copies of photographs. This presentation will consist of approximately 20 images made by the student during the semester.

The standard grading scale used by First Flight High School will be used:
A=93-100 B=85-92 C=77-84 D=70-76 F=0-69

Additional Information will be posted at http://finch-creativitycounts.blogspot.com

Letter to Parents

Dear Parent:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to our class. Photography can be a very rewarding hobby or career. However, your child should not dismiss this as an easy course. I have very high expectations for my students, and they should expect to work as hard here as they do in any other academic classroom. We will average one project per week, with each project graded on creativity, technical skill, and the degree of effort students put forth. Students will also be required to prepare at least one research paper during the semester, as well as a final portfolio project.

Your child will need a suitable camera for creating good images in this class. The cost for high quality digital cameras has dropped during the past several years. Entry level or mid-range cameras will be fine. The recommended digital camera for this class will have at least a 3x optical zoom and a 3-4 mega pixel image. Cameras of a lesser quality may not give the desired results, and may frustrate your child.

If you do not have a digital camera, any of the better 35mm cameras with a good zoom lens will do. Students who use film cameras will be responsible for purchasing enough film to shoot all the assignments. Students will need at least 15 rolls of color film. They will also be responsible for developing their own film and bringing to class digitized images on cd.

Students will be responsible for all assignments regardless of any difficulties they may encounter with their cameras. If necessary, disposable cameras can be purchased for short-term use so as not to get behind on projects.

Students should bring their camera each day to class, unless otherwise advised. They should also bring the cable for direct camera-to-computer connection and/or their memory cards. Every effort will be made to protect cameras brought to school; however, we can not be responsible for theft or damage to cameras during school hours. Since every student will have a different camera, they should read over their individual User Manuals and be familiar with the basic operation of their own camera prior to class.

Because of the expense of printing, most assignments will be turned in digitally and graded in the same manner. Students may be allowed to print certain special projects, but they are responsible for providing their own photographic printer paper. It is suggested that students also have a USB flash drive. Students should retain copies of all projects to be used in their final portfolio assignment at the end of the semester.

As a rule, the only homework students will be assigned will be taking pictures, and they will have several days notice before a due date. They will be required to take pictures after school and on weekends. I am asking you to help your child get assignments done on time. By keeping on schedule, we will have better classroom discussion of student progress, and will be able to avoid last minute work. The only acceptable excuse for photos being late is if a student has an excused absence on the day the pictures are due, in which case the assignment is due immediately upon student’s return to school. If a picture-taking assignment is turned in late for any other reason, the student will receive a zero for the deadline grade. Late projects will lose one letter grade. I have created a web site "blog" where deadlines will be posted and questions about assignments may be asked. I invite you to monitor classroom assignments at
http://Finch-CreativityCounts.Blogspot.com.

Students will also be asked to sign the FFHS honor pledge that all photographs turned in for a grade will be taken by the student during the semester they are enrolled in photography class. If a student violates this rule, they will receive a zero for the assignment and will be referred to Administration. All student work that is turned in for a grade becomes the property of First Flight High School. We reserve the right to publish or display any or all student work. Every effort will be made to return student work if requested.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at FFHS (449-7000 ext.2459) or by email at finchli@dare.k12.nc.us.

Cameras

You should begin bringing your cameras, manuals, and cords to class on Monday, January 29th.

History of Photography

For the next several classes we will be studying the history of photography and some of the more important photographers. Be sure to keep all worksheets, handouts, and notes to use in an upcoming open-note quiz. You will get your first test on the history of photography about February 9th.

WELCOME 2nd SEMESTER!!!

You'll use this site a lot during the semester. Please make note of the address and keep it handy! Welcome to Photography Class! Ms. Finch

STUDY FOR THE FINAL EXAM!

The long weekend we have coming up would be a great time to prepare for the final exam! Here are some things you should go over:
Know about the photographer you presented to the class.
Know about at least one other photographer we studied (from reading, films, or other presentations).
Know the basics about 35mm photography.
Know how to get the proper exposure.
Know about action photography and how to get blurred action and stopped action shots.
Know about composition. Read over your research paper on the topic!
Read over your career research paper.
Know when and when NOT to use the 'automatic' setting on your camera.
Read over our early worksheets and hand-outs.
Know PhotoShop! Know where to find all the tools. Go over the PhotoShop handouts if you are unsure.
Understand terms like Bits, Bytes, Pixels, dpi, ppi, Histogram, Hue/Saturation, Noise, Resolution, RGB, JPEG, Exposure, F-Stop, Aperture, Point-of-View, Composition, Shutter Speed, Exposure, Dodge, Burn, Redeye, etc.
I am going to give you time to study on Tuesday. Please bring in all your notes. You may use the textbooks in the classroom if there is anything you are unsure about. I will be available at that time to answer any questions. If you are exempt, please bring something productive to do during this time.

FINAL PORTFOLIO PROJECT

As you know, this project is due at the beginning of class today. Try not to leave any empty slides. Put SOMETHING on each, even if it's not your best work. Each photo will be graded seperately. You will receive a 0 if a photo is not submitted or does not meet the criteria set forth. You will receive a 3.5 for below average work, 4 for average, or 5 for above average. The sum of the twenty photos will count as a double project grade. We will be presenting our projects today through Tuesday, January 16th. You will not have class time to do any late work. Come to the studio at B-314 after school if you have any make-up work to do. Exams are January 17th and 18th. I will give an idea of what to expect on Friday, January 12th. Good luck!

EXAM EXEMPTIONS!

The following people have the opportunity to be exempt from the final exam based upon their current grade and minimal absences:
Carrie Boyce
Whitney Brinkley
Liz Jungen
Jessica Kimsey
Linsey Robertson
Taylor Sullivan
Amelia Tillett
Kelly Vaughan
Anna Zappulla
Alyssa Gill
Sara Herrity
Trevor Lampton
Cody Stone
Jason Hanson
Ryan Thacker
Trevor Andrews
Adam Preiser
Christopher Zappulla
Jesse McNeill
Justin Forlano
Meagan Gomez
Derek Kichline
Britton Stewart
Tyler Stublen
April Weeks
Peter Rodenhauser

PLEASE NOTE: This list is subject to change if there are additional absences or poor quality of work submitted before the exam date! I will post the final list on January 16th.

Final Portfolio Project

Due Date: January 10, 2007
Format: PowerPoint
Criteria: Students will produce a 22 slide PowerPoint presentation highlighting their best work in Digital Photography I. It will include a title slide and a final slide containing an honor statement as well as the following photos (in order):
1-Exterior Architecture or Architectural Detail—man-made structure should be the primary focus
2-Landscape, Student’s choice (“calendar shot”—the goal is beauty)
3-Black and White of Student’s choice
4-Macro photo
5-Nature shot
6-Candid photo of school life
7-Posed Portrait
8-Student’s best collage
9-A Montage
10-Photo which shows action/movement
11-Backlit close-up photo
12-Backlit Landscape
13-Family/Relationship-themed collage
14-Unique photo showing creativity—student’s choice of subject matter
15-Still Life photo of food/beverage
16-Student’s choice of photo showing use of a creative filter
17-A Vignette
18-Metaphor Self-Portrait Still Life (not collage!)
19-Field Trip photo (Elizabethan Gardens or Butterfly Garden)
20-Created artwork from a photo or photos showing student’s best use of PhotoShop tools

Title and end slide should show similar design features. End slide will be the honor code stipulating that you took all photos personally and during the fall semester. Use transitions and animation on your slides, but do not automate your slide show. You may label the slides, but it is not required. Make sure the text enhances your work, not detracts from it.

Note: A PhotoShop canvas size of 10 inches wide by 7.5 inches high is the equivalent of a PowerPoint slide. Each photo will be graded individually on effort, creativity, imagination, and technical skills. Do not submit photos with serious photographic errors such as red eyes, out-of-focus, underexposed or overexposed, etc. This project will make up a large percentage of your final grade. Do a good job! The ABSOLUTE DEADLINE for this project is Wednesday, January 10th. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS PROJECT! If you are absent on Wednesday, your project will be due at the beginning of class on Thursday--no exceptions! We will begin presentations on Thursday.

Final Project!!!

We will work on our final project for the semester during the week of January 8th! It will be a PowerPoint presentation of all your best photos. Mix old photos that you have previously submitted for a grade with new ones that I have not seen! Be taking any additional photos you might need this week and over the weekend! I'll post details of this assignment soon.