Photography: Upper Division Visual Studies
(Studio Art)
Course Syllabus
|
Instructor: Robert Teslow
Photography Lab Rm. LL10
Contacts:
Classroom Lab, 952-988-3712
Email, rteslow@blakeschool.org
Photography is magical with initial reference made to the latent image. The darkroom lab is a place of timeless wonder and exploration. However, there is nothing magical about using the manual mode film camera. Understanding how reflected light is collected to expose a light sensitive media is essential to nurture the photographic eye. Using manual mode strategies will offer students a breadth of control to make their own exposure decisions guided by experience and concept. Understanding manual mode operation of the 35mm SLR format will satisfy various shooting situation commonly encountered in making ambient light photographs. Control, commitment, and consistency are also keys to a successful experience in enhancing visual acuity. Learning how to see again is only one of the ultimate goals of this course of study. Yet it may be the most important. Certainly the discoveries of others will be considered, but those made by the student through their own experience are most significant. Currently there is no textbook specifically required for this class. Rather electronic and hardcopy references will be used as empirical sources for instruction. Lectures and demonstrations will add to the mixture of information that will bring additional technical and historical content to students in this course of study.
Developing a group dynamic with a sense of individual and public identity must be established early in the semester in order for participating students to feel comfortable and engaged. This also sets the tone necessary for honest and respectful dialog that is essential for personal reflection and group critique (C.R.A.P.) sessions. Critical response to artistic process/product.
Menu
Appetizers
Painting with Light
Cameraless Print: Photogram – Man Ray
Pinhole Photography: Dark Container and Camera Obscura
Pre-Instruction Shooting Assignment: Record Keeping
Main Course
35mm SLR: Manual Exposure Mode
You’re in Control: Linking Aperture and Shutter Speed
Motion: Shutter Speed Controls the Sharpness of Moving Objects
Near to Far: Depth of Field
Aperture controls the sharpness of the image near to far in place/space
Film Development: Small tank black and white technique
Contact sheet/proof sheet/index print
Composition: Rules to Consider- Ansel Adams
Printing Technique : In the Dark
Test print/contrast filters/burning-dodging/spotting
Presentation: Dry mount/hinge mount
Narrative: A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
Alternative Shooting: Hip Hop or Hip Shot
Alternative Printing: Twice Exposed
Family Tradition: Ethnic Holidays
Stranger: Up Close and Personal (Winter Break/Spring Break)
Digital Capture : An Image in a Box
Dessert
Living with Art: An Inventory of Artwork in Your Home Environment
Bring it All Together: Self-directed
Self Portrait: Personal Identity
Ingredients
Students have a photo locker to maintain their camera equipment and supplies as well as their portfolio of finished, in-process assignments. All handouts presented in class that are three-hole punched should also go into the portfolio. Cameras should also be stored in this locker outside the photography classroom lab. Combination locks have been provided for each locker. Students should not use their assigned hall locker for any photography related supplies. Book bags are to be left out side the classroom lab.
Students will have classroom lab and darkroom/lab time to work individually, with a lab partner, and in groups each week during regularly schedules class time. Students are encouraged to work outside of this scheduled time to initiate self directed projects as well as to support timely completion of assigned work. Students are strongly encouraged to seek out or find appropriate subject matter to satisfy shooting assignments away from the school environment. Field experiences will be organized for the entire class and trips by school and public transportation will be scheduled during class time to broaden awareness of place, local museums, studios, and galleries. The photography classroom lab and darkroom labs are open to enrolled students throughout the day unless another scheduled class is using the lab. There is currently no strategy or policy established for using the photography labs after hours. Therefore use of the photolab is limited to the scheduled academic day.
Self directed, student centered exploration and production is encouraged outside of course assignments. Once students have demonstrated appropriate skill development and a clear sense of responsible care of classroom lab equipment and safety procedures, projects that take course assignments to the next level, support other school related activities, or are of individual interest can be implemented. Consideration should always be made regarding appropriateness of self -directed work that is intended for display in the school environment. Students are encouraged to become familiar with the Minnesota Center for Photography and other institutions that regularly exhibit photography.
Students will be individually responsible for electronically preparing finished work for inclusion in the On-Line Art Gallery. At least three pieces must be formatted with accompanying title and didactic/artist statement for the semester.
Critique sessions are scheduled at various points during the semester to encourage reflection and opportunities to art speak about work- in -process and finished prints. Each student must fully participate, must engage in listening, and respect comments from each individual. These C.R.A. P. (Creative/Critical Response to Artistic Process/Product) sessions are meant to discuss and question what is seen, analysis elements of art and principles of organization, interpret meaning and communication, and to make judgments about intentions rather than personal preference.
Assessments will be done by rubric, portfolio review, observation, and written objective assessment. Formal grade reporting will be done at least two times a semester with a written self -evaluations forming a significant part of the assessment process. Instructor grades and comments will be made available based on school policy. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend conferences to gain additional insight about level of student engagement, participation, and understanding.
Students will be required to maintain communication with their instructor through weekly email correspondence beginning no later than the fourth week of the semester. These weekly communications are meant to provide another vehicle for students/and teachers to respond to each other outside of class discussion. Guidelines for suggested topics, content, and a rubric for assessment will be provided to each student prior to the first required communication. While this requirement is intended to be reflective, submissions do not have to wait for the end of the week. Thoughts, questions, and ideas as well as reflections on the course of study and connections made to other instructional study can be initiated at any time during the week. Students will receive an instructor reply and a score for weekly communication.
The instructor is not to be referred to by surname. It is the instructor’s expectation that appropriate decorum, respect of the individual, and a commitment to maintaining the instructional lab is the responsibility of each member of the class. Personal listening devices are not to be used in the classroom lab during regularly scheduled class time unless explicitly approved by the instructor. Bringing food or beverage into the classroom lab or darkroom lab is not safe and will not be allowed unless approved by the instructor. Likewise, food or beverage is not appropriate in the vicinity of any computer technology or computer workstations.
Ala Carte
Flash: Literary Arts Magazine
This school-sponsored periodical is published by a staff of Upper School students in association with faculty sponsors of Literature and Visual Art. Submissions are encouraged throughout the year. The student art editor selects a portfolio of eight artworks and a cover design. Artwork that includes text/written word or artwork that illustrates text is also considered.
National Art Honor Society
Organization of students interested in Studio Art that promotes activities and experiences related to art found in the community and institutional. NAHS sponsors art related activities for participants and awards participation points for engaging in sponsored and non-sponsors experiences. Points lead to national membership at the conclusion of the senior year in The Blake School chapter of NAHS #459. Colored tassels at graduation recognize national members and honor cord are recognition of committed service and accomplishment in Studio Art at The Blake School.
Scholastic Arts Award
An exhibition of art work done throughout the state. Work is submitted prior to Winter Break to a participating instructional staff member. Each instructor can submit 10 entries for evaluation by the program organizing committee. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and Art Educators of Minnesota sponsor this exhibition annually.
Tri Metro Visual Art Exhibition
An exhibit of Tri Metro conference participating schools held in late January/early February. Each school can submit a total of ten entries in various categories for display. Ribbon awards are given in each category as determined by the judges.
MSHSL Visual Arts Festival
This festival format one-day exhibit and workshops for students in region 4A of the Minnesota State High School League is held annually at the Perpich Center for the Arts in golden Valley. Each participating school can submit two entries per category for assessment based on MSHSL adjudication rubric. Awards are given for Superior and Excellent as well as Jury Awards based on the preference of the region jury. This exhibit is held in conjunction with Region 4AA in early April.
|
|
