Madison High School Photography Class Overview
Photography 1
This is a basic course in photography designed to offer experiences with a point-and-shoot camera. Various camera settings will be learned to offer greater creative and technical control. This course builds the foundation for visual literacy regarding both form and content of photographic images. The elements and principles of design as they relate to photographic composition are emphasized. Students learn framing within the viewfinder and explore various compositional principles. Students also learn to examine images critically through weekly critiques. Digital processing techniques are introduced using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Successful completion provides a foundation for further study in advanced photography courses. This class is open to sophomores and juniors and requires three to four hours of homework each week.
Photography 2
Students interested in completing the photography program should complete the Photography 2 sequence during their junior year. These classes require a time commitment outside of school to be successful. An average of three to four hours a week outside of school is required. You must be able to use the studio before school, at lunch, or after school to complete your assignments during Photo 2B, second trimester.
This year-long course provides students with a variety of technical and creative skills. During the first trimester, students learn manual camera functions including control of aperture, shutter speed, and lens choice. Assignments explore the creative possibilities of manual control of the camera and lens. Continued Photoshop lessons will be assigned and digital asset management using Adobe Bridge will be taught during this trimester.
The second trimester focuses on studio portraiture and principles of lighting. Students learn to use studio strobes and light modifiers. Emphasis will be placed on the creative and commercial aspects of studio portrait photography. Retouching and enhancing images in Photoshop will be taught. Professional display of photographs using mats and frames will be expected for the final portfolio at the end of the trimester.
The third trimester covers the history of photography, and the use of the skills learned in the studio with natural light. Students will learn the historical events and trends that gave rise to photography as an accepted art form and shape the current attitudes, aesthetics, and direction of photography. Location portraiture will cover both reflective and subtractive lighting techniques. The last part of the third trimester will cover landscape photography.
Photography 3
Students interested in completing the photography program should complete the Photography 3 sequence during their senior year. These classes require a time commitment outside of school to be successful. An average of three to four hours a week outside of school is required.
The first trimester covers manual strobist lighting techniques to light location portraiture and/or editorial content. Students learn to use off camera hot shoe flashes and various modifiers to achieve desired effects. Students learn to work with ambient light or overpower it to control conceptual content. Students are required to complete a significant body of independent work. Independent Photoshop projects will be assigned.
During the second trimester, students learn still life photography, strengthen their experience with studio portraiture, and further develop Photoshop skills. Students will begin an independent exploration of photo essays and write an artist mission statement.
During the last trimester, students will complete a photo essay and prepare for their senior show. The last part of the trimester will include architectural lighting assignments.
Students will be given the opportunity to take the Adobe Suite Certification at no cost
This is a basic course in photography designed to offer experiences with a point-and-shoot camera. Various camera settings will be learned to offer greater creative and technical control. This course builds the foundation for visual literacy regarding both form and content of photographic images. The elements and principles of design as they relate to photographic composition are emphasized. Students learn framing within the viewfinder and explore various compositional principles. Students also learn to examine images critically through weekly critiques. Digital processing techniques are introduced using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Successful completion provides a foundation for further study in advanced photography courses. This class is open to sophomores and juniors and requires three to four hours of homework each week.
Photography 2
Students interested in completing the photography program should complete the Photography 2 sequence during their junior year. These classes require a time commitment outside of school to be successful. An average of three to four hours a week outside of school is required. You must be able to use the studio before school, at lunch, or after school to complete your assignments during Photo 2B, second trimester.
This year-long course provides students with a variety of technical and creative skills. During the first trimester, students learn manual camera functions including control of aperture, shutter speed, and lens choice. Assignments explore the creative possibilities of manual control of the camera and lens. Continued Photoshop lessons will be assigned and digital asset management using Adobe Bridge will be taught during this trimester.
The second trimester focuses on studio portraiture and principles of lighting. Students learn to use studio strobes and light modifiers. Emphasis will be placed on the creative and commercial aspects of studio portrait photography. Retouching and enhancing images in Photoshop will be taught. Professional display of photographs using mats and frames will be expected for the final portfolio at the end of the trimester.
The third trimester covers the history of photography, and the use of the skills learned in the studio with natural light. Students will learn the historical events and trends that gave rise to photography as an accepted art form and shape the current attitudes, aesthetics, and direction of photography. Location portraiture will cover both reflective and subtractive lighting techniques. The last part of the third trimester will cover landscape photography.
Photography 3
Students interested in completing the photography program should complete the Photography 3 sequence during their senior year. These classes require a time commitment outside of school to be successful. An average of three to four hours a week outside of school is required.
The first trimester covers manual strobist lighting techniques to light location portraiture and/or editorial content. Students learn to use off camera hot shoe flashes and various modifiers to achieve desired effects. Students learn to work with ambient light or overpower it to control conceptual content. Students are required to complete a significant body of independent work. Independent Photoshop projects will be assigned.
During the second trimester, students learn still life photography, strengthen their experience with studio portraiture, and further develop Photoshop skills. Students will begin an independent exploration of photo essays and write an artist mission statement.
During the last trimester, students will complete a photo essay and prepare for their senior show. The last part of the trimester will include architectural lighting assignments.
Students will be given the opportunity to take the Adobe Suite Certification at no cost