Fine Art Photography

Course Description

In Fine Art Photography, students cover how to effectively manipulate the elements and principles of design, digital SLR camera settings, and Adobe Photoshop in order to achieve a desired outcome. Students will also be introduced to the history of photography and its processes. Further, the students will be exposed to and experiment with alternative photographic processes. This course is intended to feed students into Graphic Design and AP 2D Studio.

Grade Level(s): 10th-12th grade

Related Priority Standards (State &/or National): Missouri Grade Level Expectations for Visual Arts

Essential Questions

• What makes a photograph fine art?
• How has the understanding of photography changed over time?
• What are the cultural or aesthetic implications of photography?

Enduring Understandings/Big Ideas

• Digital imagery is ubiquitous in our society.
• The photographic image is often integral to visual literacy.
• Photography has changed artistic habits and processes.
• The elements and principles of design can be used in a composition to achieve a desired outcome.
• Students' visual literacy can be increased by understanding the role of composition.
• Photography as an artistic means of expression.
• Students' visual literacy can be increased by understanding the digital process.

Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

Unit 1: Composition

In this unit, students will understand and use the elements and principles of design in photographic compositions. Students will understand through application how the elements and principles of design effect photographic outcomes, emotionally and formally.

Unit 2: Photographic Process

Throughout the course, students will shoot and edit digital photographs and capture images through alternative, non-digital processes. Students will use the DSLR camera and digital imaging software and equipment, such as Adobe Photoshop, to create and manipulate compositions.

Unit 3: History of Photography

In this unit, students will be introduced to the invention of photography and subsequent changes in the field of photography. Students will also be introduced to careers in and related to photography. Further, students will study and discuss fine art photography in terms of aesthetics and historical periods or movements. Students will also learn how photography has given meaning to moments in history and has formed cultural understandings.

Unit 4: Critique of Photography Work

Students will communicate their beliefs, feelings, opinions, and observations about photographic artwork. Further, students will be able to back up their reasons based on compositional concerns, camera knowledge, software knowledge, and/or historical references.

Course Resources & Materials: Art of Education Flex and Pro for ART

Date Last Revised/Approved: 2012