Photography 1 & 2 Course Overview: In our study of photography, we will first explore the foundations of film photography, camera operation, processing with wet chemistry in a traditional darkroom, and basic composition. During the second half of the course, our study will be centered on learning the basics of digital photography and editing with computer software, as well as the practical application of photography in today's art industry. Students will also be asked to engage in critical analysis of photography and photography readings. Based on their analysis, students will engage in academic discussions with their classmates.
As an ROP (Regional Occupational Program) course, our examination of photography will be centered on building practical, technical, and professional skills necessary to achieve success in the competitive world of professional photography. Through an examination of various genres of photography; such as photojournalism, fashion, and fine art, we will study and meet professionals in various fields of photography, explore the practical techniques and skills they use, and employ those skills in the creation of our own photographs.
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop an artistic voice - The ability to create, pre-visualize, and analyze your own work and the ability to identify, interpret, and constructively critique historical, cultural, and contemporary artwork.
- Be inspired through perception, analysis, and discussion - Through the analysis of other artist's works, through historical slides, conversations, lectures, and exhibits.
- Mastery of digital camera techniques and knowledge of contemporary digital media - Be able to demonstrate advancing skills in-camera techniques, Photoshop, and applied learning in the development of a lifelong work ethic.
- Create a portfolio of artworks and secure an exhibition in a public space - The ability to anticipate questions and conversation, write an artist's statement, and present utilizing the vocabulary of the discipline.
- Research and Identify photographers and their work - Using a variety of methods and materials, including traditional research and interviews, students will be able to prepare a written and verbal presentation of a professional photographer's career and a critique of their work.
- Increase their craft skills in various media - Developing and honing professional presentation skills (cutting window mats, artwork placards, postcard/advertisement creation, and establishing good work ethic)
- Effectively communicate their intended meaning within a given artwork - Reading, analyzing, and forming opinions grounded on evidence.
- Apply knowledge and practice that idea creation is communication - The process of moving from concept, creating a “game plan," execution, and the creation of a final product.
- Be able to communicate effectively with their community and peers - Developing the skills necessary to communicate the motives and intentions of their artistic endeavors in a professional manner.
- Be able to demonstrate workplace behaviors and skills - Students will gain an understanding of proper and professional workplace behavior and work ethic
- Be able to demonstrate commercial photographic technical skills - Students will be able to demonstrate skills used in the current photographic industry.
2D Animation Course Overview: This class begins by exploring various forms of visual arts simply by looking and listening. After this introduction, we discover the many purposes of art and the things in our world that influence its creation. We learn that artists have visually communicated motion and time passing in still imagery since ancient times. We look at the timeline of animation development and all the inventions as it progressed into the current technologies of computer-generated animation, including all of the animation pioneers along the way. Trends in animation around the globe, as well as cultural, social, and historical influences on this visual art form, are introduced.
Lessons will include class lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on art activities. Prior to creating animations, students learn the elements of art and the principles of design, how to recognize them in visual artworks, and how to incorporate them into their own. Students use traditional studio art supplies, industry-standard software, and computers as tools to create art and animations.
Creativity, originality, and freedom to be personally expressive are encouraged. Artistic talent, technical skills, and workplace best practices of a professional animator are heavily instilled in students. The final class project will be a portfolio that will showcase their best works.
Creative Skills: Students will experience the creative process by developing concepts for short sequences and character development, and by sketching ideas, drawing storyboards, and performing hands-on exercises and short projects. In addition, students will participate in animation critiques and discussions to improve their ideas, their drawings, and their animations.
Technical Skills:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Principles of Animation.
- Students will become proficient using vector art tools in Adobe Illustrator (for drawing), and Adobe Flash (for drawing and animating).
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of animation concepts: Keyframes, Cells, In-Betweens, Tweening, Puppets, and Library Assets.
- Students will master cell and tween animation.
Workplace Basic Skills:
- Students will practice personal and social responsibility, and apply critical thinking and communication skills daily.
- Throughout the year, students will develop a digital portfolio of original animations. All content produced must be "original content" (already published images, illustrations, photographs, text, and other content will not be acceptable).
- Students will write a Resume, Cover Letter, and complete an Employment Application.
Methods of Instruction: Lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, projects, guest speakers, field trips, film screenings, class presentations, and project critiques, supplemental reading. We will foster mutual respect, a safe space, tolerance, and openness... for creative and fun learning!
