A semester-long elective open to 9th through 12th grade, Foundations of Photography (formerly Foundations of Digital Media) started tin 2009. Students will learn techniques in composition and lighting while practicing different genres of making images.
This hands-on elective class has two objectives: the first is to engage you as media consumers; the second is to inspire you as media producers. This is Career and Technical Education (CTE) course with experiences that prepare you for work and further study in the digital media industry. First we will consider our own relationship with photographs and digital media. In doing so, we will evaluate the impact of media on ourselves, our communities, our culture, and on the world. We will avoid making judgments of what is “good” or “bad” media. Instead we will view media like anthropologists by developing skills to be active and discerning consumers and producers of media. We are all familiar with the phrase ‘you are what you eat.’ I propose that ‘you are what you media.’ Simultaneously, we will recognize our power as media makers. We will hone our skills in photography by learning how to play with light and shadow, how to make an image rather than take it. We will understand framing and depth of field. We will practice making photographs in different genres of photography. All students will create a web-based portfolio of their work. This is an individual website owned, designed, and managed by the student. Should the student wish to continue their work in subsequent levels of digital media, their website will serve as their cumulative portfolio for entrance to further education or employment. Areas of Study:
Essential skills:
The success of this class - as with any community - hinges on students' willingness to be open, to create an inclusive environment where we explore ideas, criticize content but never people, and question existing paradigms.The media shown in class is chosen for two key reasons: first, each is an example of a particular genre. We cannot participate in our culture, for example, without being subjected to advertising. The second is that each may exhibit characteristics that push the medium into a new or historic space. |
Cleveland Students: Is this class for you?
The best way for me to answer that question is by asking you some questions.
If this sounds like you then, YES, this class is for you. What about equipment? You don't have to provide all of your own equipment. We have DSLR cameras you will be working with in your second and third years. Initially, you will use the camera on your smartphone. You should also have access to a computer with access to the internet that is fairly robust (that can handle working with images). What about experience? It's almost impossible to have NOT taken an photograph, so you already have some experience. This is a beginner level course. What kinds of projects will we make? You will learn to MAKE an image rather than TAKE a photo. You will learn portraiture, still life photography, landscape photography, and other genres you choose. In this first semester, you will taste many varieties of photography to settle on one of your favorites. |
original images by students of CHS Media Classes