• Studio InPhotography

    Mr. Martin

    email: tmartin@newpaltz.k12.ny.us

    voicemail: 845.256.4000 ext. ext. 69520

    availability: daily 2:20-2:45 Art Wing

     

    The visual arts have roots in every culture and historical period throughout the world. They reach across stereotypes, religion, socioeconomics, and prejudices, allowing everyone to be more globally connected. Visual arts are fundamental if students are to become informed and contributing members of the world community. - excerpt from the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts

     

    The word Photography comes from the Greek words photos - meaning light and graphos meaning drawing, and refers to the art of recording light or other electromagnetic radiation into durable images using light-sensitive material or an electronic sensor. 

     

    STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

     

    Students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct. 

    The art studio is essential for each student to work on projects as well as participate in maintaining the studio space, engage in the process and share experiences/strengths with other art students. The art studio is a shared area so we must respect each area as such. 

    Respect is essential to success in an art studio – for artwork, materials, procedures, and most of all, for each other!

     

    As a student in this class you are expected to:

     

    • Arrive to class on time. If you anticipate being late, get a pass from the teacher, counselor or administrator you are with. Three unexcused tardies will result in a student/teacher meeting.

    • Put your cell phone, earbuds and/or any other electronics away in your backpack before the beginning of the block bell has rung. Unless the “Do Now” states otherwise. 

    • Do the “Do Now” posted on the board. This should be done before the beginning of the block bell has rung.

    • Be prepared for class with all necessary tools for the current project and current homework.  (Your 3-ring binder, a pencil and your Chromebooks are required every day.) Your 3-ring binder will be collected at least twice quarterly for a grade. 

    • Be responsible for the care and maintenance of all equipment, tools and the classroom as a whole. Use tools as intended. Clean them up when done and put them in their proper place.

    • Complete all class assignments as well as homework on time.  Lateness will be penalized. (Absence or special circumstances must be discussed on an individual basis with me.)

    • Do your best at all times. We are all learning and things will be difficult at times. 

    • Be engaged and actively listen during lessons, presentations and while anyone is speaking/presenting. 

    • Use class time to its fullest extent, as well as participate in discussions and critiques.

    • Work the entire block. No wandering or sleeping. 

    • Not use your cellphone and any of its functions unless previously discussed on an individual basis with me. Students may listen to music during work time with one ear bud (you must be able to hear me when I am making announcements or speaking to you directly) or to take reference photos only. Absolutely no cellphones in the darkroom.

    • Complete shooting assignments outside of school and class time. 

    • Assist in photo shoots and demonstrations on a regular basis.

    • Produce a portfolio of prints and maintain an organized 3-ring binder.

    • Give an oral presentation/report on a selected photographer’s work and/or a photography process, as part of your midterm and final photography portfolios.

    • Make use of library and classroom resources in conjunction with various projects.

    • Use Open Studio hours as needed (typically after school Tuesdays until 4pm). EXTRA LAB HOURS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THIS COURSE.  If you miss a day of class, you should stay after for Open Studio to make up for that time. 

    • Be respectful to everyone at all times. RESPECT YOUR TEACHER, YOUR CLASSMATES, AND YOURSELF!

     

    We will need to work together with respect for each other and the delicate nature of this medium. In this course you will be encouraged to take a risk with your art making, to push your art to a new level. 

     

    GRADING POLICY:

    Your grade for this class will be based on the following: Participation, Creativity, Class work, Notebook, Homework, Effort, Neatness and Overall quality of your work

     

    ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:

    Critiques – In progress and completed works will be presented for visual analysis and will lead to discussion and articulation of how the assignment was interpreted, what technical skills were used, if the composition is successful, etc.  Every student will be expected to participate in critiques. If a student is not prepared with work for the critique, their grade will be affected negatively.

     

    Each completed project will be graded based on a self-assessment rubric.  The rubric will be completed by the student and handed in with the completed project. A completed project is a final finished portfolio quality mounted print. 

    The rubric may change depending on the criteria of a particular assignment, but the main categories are generally Composition, Creativity, Effort, Craftsmanship and Classwork. 

     

    A portfolio will be presented and collected at the end of each quarter of the semester for your semester grade.  The portfolio will consist of your binder with contact sheets, negatives, handouts, notes and assignments, all neatly organized, as well as working prints, test strips and final finished mounted prints. If a student does not hand in the portfolio on the due date, 5 points will be subtracted from the grade for each late school day.

    Work will be returned after quarterly grading. Prints will be exhibited at the High School Annual Art Show as well as other area shows. 

     

    COURSE OUTLINE:

     

    We will follow the NYS Learning Standards for the Arts:

    The four artistic processes of Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Responding, and Connecting will be incorporated into instruction simultaneously. Lessons and units will move fluidly between the processes, rather than address them in isolation.

     

    This class is designed to lead you through an in-depth exploration of traditional manual photography and darkroom techniques, and to immerse you in the process of creating black and white photography prints; from research & design to product completion.

    In this course you will be encouraged to take a risk with your art making, to push your art to a new level. 

     

    In Photography, students will extend the study of the visual arts through the use of introductory photography skills.  In doing so, students will expand their artistic skills analytically, conceptually, and technically and will further develop their visual arts vocabulary.  Students will be using pinhole cameras, SLR cameras and digital cameras and/or a combination of these to produce works in photography.  Students will learn to create photographic works through the use of successful composition, camera mechanics and the use of available light.  The material learned in the foundation classes and any other art course, should be applied to all works in regards to the elements and principles of design.

     

    Areas of study and exploration in this course will include but not limited to:

    -Camera Obscura

    -Pinhole cameras

    -SLR and digital SLR cameras

    -Shutter and Aperture priority

    -Photo manipulation

    -The History of Photography




    SUPPLIES NEEDED: 

     

    - 1” 3 ring binder for organized class notes, negatives, handouts and contact sheets.

    - YOU DO NOT NEED THIS YET. 6-8 rolls of film – Tri X or T-Max 35mm 400 ISO are recommended.  Please be aware of the films on the market that are color films yielding black and white prints. We cannot process these - they are often called “black and white” but are processed using C-41, a color processing.

    - Photo paper is supplied in small quantities - you may need to buy more near the end of the class, be frugal and conserve.  Keep your paper safe, away from light and bring it to class every day.

    - For this course a 35 mm SLR camera is needed.  If you do not own one, consider borrowing one from a friend or a relative.  The camera does not have to be brought to school, but it is often helpful in the beginning.  The art department has a few loaner cameras that can be signed out for limited periods of time.

    - Students will be provided with negative sleeves, mounting board, contact tissue, a limited amount of photo paper and bulk loading film and processing chemistry. 

    - 000 spotting brush – optional 

     

    *Artcraft in Kingston is the closest location for a majority of photography supplies.  

     

    *Rhinebeck Artist Shop carries black and white and 000 brushes.

     

    SHOOTING ASSIGNMENTS (first half of the year):

    1. The Elements – discovery of light and design

    2. Depth of Field – using focus to guide the viewer’s eye. Aperture priority.

    3. Stop Action/Create Motion/Panning.  Shutter priority.

    4. Time Exposure – night photography and light sculpture.

    5. Self Portrait – a chance to be on the outside looking in.

    6. Silhouette – a study of contour, shapes and positive/negative space.

    7. Choice of Special Effect – darkroom effects, toning and digital imaging.

    8. Social Comment – use your power and ability to break the news.

     

    Each assignment is related to the camera mechanics as well as an exercise in the use of proper light and visual perception, needed in developing an artistic eye.

     

    A photographer must learn to SEE and compose a successful, well-organized image, rather than the everyday snapshot.

     

    SAFETY: 

     

    -Notify me immediately of any accidents or injuries. 

    -Notify me immediately of any broken tools or equipment.

    -Do not use any equipment that you have not been trained to use. 

    -No eating or drinking in the art room or darkroom. Wash your hands at the end of every class. 

    -Use tools only for their intended purpose. Don’t know how to use a tool? Ask for help.

    -Always use tongs when handling prints in chemical baths. 

    -Always use trays to transport wet prints from the darkroom.

    -When working over development trays, students must keep their hair pulled back. Be careful with dangling jewelry when working around the development trays. 

    -No students allowed in the darkroom unless they are enrolled in the class currently. 

     

    OPEN STUDIO

     

    Art Open Studio hours are Tuesdays after school until 4:00. Please note that there is a late bus. Anyone wishing to not take the bus must have a ride scheduled in advance. 

     

    This is a time for students to work in the studios on either class projects or independent work.

     

    This is a great time to work on a project as well as get direct input on a specific issue you may be having with a project. 

     

    PARENTS & GUARDIANS

     

    Course information and assignments can be found on the Google Classroom. Links will be provided. 

     

    Student grades will be posted online in Grade Book

     

    The best way to contact me is via email at tmartin@newpaltz.k12.ny.us with any questions or concerns.

     

    You may also reach me by leaving a message at (845) 256-4000 ext. 69520

     

    I encourage a strong parent/teacher relationship and thank you in advance for your support and cooperation and look forward to meeting you at OPEN HOUSE, September 20th.

     

    Code of Conduct

    IV. Behavior Concerns, Violations, Interventions, and Accountability

    F. CELL PHONES/CHROMEBOOKS

    High School: Classroom teachers and study hall teachers have the right to create and enforce cell phone policies in their classrooms. Cell phone limitations in the classroom may range from a complete ban on cell phones to allowing the use of cell phones for educational purposes. Cell phones should not be used for entertainment purposes in classes or in study halls. Students may not use cell phones in the hallways or in the lavatories while class is in session. Special permission to use the phone outside of the room during class may be granted by the teacher in case of emergency. Teachers must clearly explain their classroom cell phone policies and include them on their course syllabi so that students and parents fully understand them. Students are required to follow all classroom cell phone policies. Teachers and study hall monitors have the right to confiscate cell phones that are being used in violation of classroom rules. Students may use cell phones between periods, during lunch, before and after school, and on school transportation. However, all cell phone use must follow the guidelines set forth earlier in this code of conduct, including not speaking loudly, listening to loud music, or being disruptive, and not videoing people or taking their pictures without permission. If listening to music with headphones or earbuds, one of the individuals ears must remain unblocked at all times so that they can hear people talking to them and so that they can hear safety announcements.

     

    I understand the need to communicate with your student during the day for a variety of needs. Please encourage your student to communicate with me when this is necessary. 

     

    Students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct. 

     

     “The problem is never how to get new, innovative thoughts into your mind, but how to get old ones out. Every mind is a building filled with archaic furniture. Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it.” – Dee Hock

     

    Most of all… use the camera as a means to channel your specific needs into expression.  Be open to your sense of discovery.  Have fun.