This introduction to the classic principles and techniques in photography begins with students making pinhole cameras. These are used to explore a range of photographic design elements including framing, angle of view, silhouette, negative space, and near-far relationships. Images are developed in the darkroom, scanned, adjusted in Photoshop, and posted to the class page for critiques. Later projects hone in on-camera functions, principles and elements of design, and Photoshop techniques, providing many creative opportunities and a solid foundation for further exploration in photography.

This course goes beyond the single photograph, expanding opportunities to explore the medium as a means of personal expression. Students are challenged to solve conceptual prompts in combination with new and alternative techniques, including new digital processes, analog photography, traditional darkroom wet-lab processing, and exploring creative techniques to communicate with photography. The class offers a playful, peer-supported, and intellectually stimulating forum for discovering various means to express ideas photographically while investigating new image-making skills.

Photography 3 is designed to help students develop a unique creative voice as image-makers. Assignment prompts are open to creative interpretation, challenging students to clarify their point of view and then identify the best visual techniques for expressing it. Ample time is given for learning and testing new methods. Regular peer critiques provide a positive forum for guiding student efforts toward successful and personally meaningful finished imagery. New approaches to photography, including image/text combinations and mural printing, further expand each student’s creative potential. The skills covered also provide an introduction to the self-directed format of the AP.

This course guides students through AP Studio Art: 2D Design, a year-long immersive experience for motivated seniors interested in developing a body of photographic work for submission to the College Board. The course provides the time, space, tools, and guidance of the instructor to support and expand on the AP assessment guidelines, including competence in design skills, technique, investigation, and the development of a thematic portfolio. Frequent discussions hone critical skills and help students practice synthesizing input to improve their work. This experience also gives passionate art students a better understanding of the career of the visual artist by learning to work in series, meet project deadlines, develop concept statements, submit work electronically, and mount work for presentation.

This class is an introduction to digital video as a creative medium. Students participate in all aspects of video production, including the gathering of ideas, storyboarding, shooting with digital cameras, editing in Final Cut Pro and screening of final works. The assignments given in class acquaint students with concepts and movements in contemporary video art. Thematic assignments like “The Myth of Sisyphus” challenge students to visually and conceptually explore ideas and techniques like looping to communicate creatively. This class inspires students to explore sound and moving images as a catalyst for self-expression.