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ALISO NIGUEL HIGH

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Digital Photography
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Digital Photography 1A/1B is a year-long elective which meets the A-G Fine Arts requirement for UC approval.  Digital Photography 1A/1B is an introductory photography course designed to instruct students in the fundamental skills of creating digital photo images and processing them using industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop. Basic and intermediate techniques are taught to enhance or manipulate images for any purpose.  With hands-on experience, students become familiar with photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes.  Students will also explore photography careers, photography’s place in art history, and iconic photographers.  Applied creative thinking and visual problem solving prepares students for more advanced media courses and a foundation for professional career possibilities.  This course meets the A-G requirement for fine arts, earns three units of college credit at Saddleback College, and has honors-weighted grading.
 
“Things happen in front of you. That's perhaps the most wonderful and mysterious aspect of photography. It seemed like you just had to decide when and where to aim the camera.”
-Annie Leibovitz 
 
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Keeping up with assigned reading.
  • The completion of in-class and homework photo projects.
  • Participation in class critiques.
  • Participation in class discussion questions on Canvas.
  • Checking Canvas calendar, announcements, assignments, and grades.
  • Bringing a notebook and pencil or pen to class each day. 
  • Preparing and studying for quizzes and final exams.
  • Getting help when having difficulty with a topic.
 
COURSE STRUCTURE:  The course is broken down into four areas: shooting, genre studies, photo editing, and critiques.
 
Shooting – The students will learn through hands-on practice concepts and techniques such as framing and composition, exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), focus (depth of field), perspective, lighting (low-key vs. high key, Rembrandt Portrait Lighting), sequencing, and color theory.
Genre Studies  - Students will create a portfolio throughout the year that includes photos from the following photography genres:  Fashion, Food, Street, Portrait, Architectural, Photojournalism, Travel, Documentary, Nature, Animals, Landscape, Fine Art, Abstract. 
Photo Editing – Students will learn basic Adobe Photoshop skills such as image analysis, tilting, brightness and contrast, cropping, color balance, sharpening, layering and retouching archival photographs.
Critiques – Students will engage in critiques of each other’s photographic work as they learn photography concepts and the use of Adobe Photoshop.
 
MAKE UP WORK:  Late work is accepted following an excused absence. In the case of an extended illness, assignments can be obtained by checking Canvas or calling the guidance office.  All assignments must be made up within two weeks of returning from an excused absence. Unexcused late work is accepted for half credit.
 
GRADING:
The course will be based on a “Total Point System”.  Students will earn points based on attendance, class participation, critiques, quizzes, tests, and photo projects.
 
Expected Classroom Behavior:
  • Come to class on time and login and be ready to work.
  • Be an active learner – follow directions the first time given.
  • Be respectful of others at all times. Don’t talk while others are speaking to the class.
  • Sign in and out to use the hall pass and return to class within ten minutes.
  • Follow the school’s academic integrity policy (only turn in work that is your own).
  • Stay within school boundaries when shooting photos during class time.
  • No  food, gum, drink (water is okay), or electronic devices allowed in class. Phones are allowed for class projects only.
  • Do not alter computer hardware or software or access inappropriate web pages.
  • Do not shoot any photos that depict anything that is against the school’s rules.
BFA in Media Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
MA in Telecommunications, Film and New Media Production from San Diego State University
Teaching Credential in English with CLAD Emphasis from San Diego State University
Teaching Credential in Multimedia from Cal State Long Beach
22nd year teaching in Capistrano Unified District
16th year teaching at Aliso Niguel High School

About Mr. Ohnstad
BFA in Media Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
MA in Telecommunications, Film and New Media Production from San Diego State University
Teaching Credential in English with CLAD Emphasis from San Diego State University
Teaching Credential in Multimedia from Cal State Long Beach
22nd year teaching in Capistrano Unified District
16th year teaching at Aliso Niguel High School