Syllabus

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 SYLLABUS

Uwharrie Charter Academy

Instructor: Mr. Matthew Lopina (matt_lopina@uwharriecharter.org)

Location: Room 303, and online @ www.eagleiso.weebly.com
Meeting Times: Class meets daily during 1st and 3rd block

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will help the students become well rounded in the fundamentals of digital photography. Four areas
of instruction will be emphasized: (1) How cameras work, (2) how composition works, (3) how lighting works,
and (4) how to use photo editing software. Students will receive basic instructions, demonstration, and see
samples of the desired outcomes at the beginning of each leaning unit. Daily reviews of photos taken [by stu -
dents] for current projects will likely be the most useful part of classroom instruction. Students will see what
makes a successful photo and what does not.

At the end of the semester, students will:

Know how to use the various features of the camera to have creative control of your photographs.
Be able to decide what type of lighting to use in a given situation to produce optimum results.
See how photographic composition can make or break a photograph
Understand how to use photo editing software to improve the overall appearance of images.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
To successfully complete this course, students must:
Show up to class on time
Pass Celebrations of Knowledge (aka. tests)
Complete assignments by given deadlines
Cooperate with other students and staff to increase learning potential
Take and edit photographs successfully using digital cameras and photo editing software
Research a photographer and report on his/her style and impact on photography
Take part in class discussions and critiques of photos presented in class

REQUIRED MATERIALS
To successfully complete this course, you will need:
An SD memory card to store your images (regular size, any capacity)
Access to a digital camera is VERY IMPORTANT! This class has two (2) dslr cameras that students
may use. Students are encouraged to find a compact digital camera or SLR digital camera to use
during the course (these may be stored in the locked cabinet in the classroom). Students may oc-
casionally use cell phone cameras, but only in airplane mode. Students whose phones remain in
airplane mode during the entire semester receive an automatic 5% good citizenship grade.
This course requires a $15 materials fee

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To successfully complete this course, there are endless options to consider, but these are most important:
Students are wise to have a memory card (SDHC) or two to keep their photos safe.
You will store your final images in a specific folder in your Google Drive by the required deadline
(shared with Mr. Lopina during the first week of class)
An EXCELLENT way to show your work and share is with a free Weebly website.

COURSE TOPICS
To successfully complete this course, there are many topics we will cover. Expect to learn:
Various Camera Modes and their uses, Flash Modes, ISO settingsWhite Balance, Drive Modes,
Lens Focal Length, Exposure Compensation, Focusing Options, Depth of Field (Depth of Focus),

1 of 2 revised July 2017

 Syllabus

Macro Photography, Portraiture, Landscape, Action Photography, Still Life, Candid Photography, In
door Photography, Fine Art Photography, Black and White (Monochrome), Basic Techniques of
Lighting (Including: Front, Side, Back, Defused, etc.), Basic Photo Composition (Including: Rule of
3rds, Leading Lines, Framing Subjects, etc.), Basic Photo Editing (Using Gimp and Pixlr), Special
Ideas involving use of layers, High Dynamic Range (H.D.R.) Photography, Knowledge of Pixels,
Mega Pixels, DPI, PPI, and Image Hosting

GENERAL RULES
To successfully complete this course, rules and expectations must be followed for everyone's success:
Students are to handle all class equipment, (including computers, cameras, lights, etc.)
with care.
Cell phones/tablets must always be in airplane mode.
Students are to avoid shooting photos in or near other classrooms so they will not disrupt
the teaching and learning of others.
Students are not permitted to leave the school campus during class time to shoot photos.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom at any time.
Class lab time is expected to be spent working on assignments. Students will not be
allowed to defer shooting photos, or editing photos until a later time.
Photos taken at home (or another time) may only be counted for extra credit, and then only if a
student has completed all of the other assignments for the class.

GRADING POLICIES
To successfully complete this course, your behavior and quality of work will used to determine your final grade.
Photo assignments will be graded on their: quality, creativeness, relevance to the assignment, and ability to
communicate an idea or message. Quizzes will be multiple-choice and short answer. The photographer Power-
Point report will be presented in class, and general behavior and classroom citizenship will be assessed.

Assignments/Projects: 60%
Quizzes: 15%
PowerPoint Report: 10%
Discussions/Participation: 10%
Citizenship: 5%
TOTAL: 100%

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To successfully complete this course, students are encouraged to remain in close contact with Mr. Lopina dur -
ing the entire semester. Mr. Lopina generally remains on campus for one hour after school each day. No email
will go unanswered for over 24 hours (unless it's a weekend or holiday).

Please take a moment to observe the NOTICE TO ALL STUDENTS posted by the classroom door. Generally, it
states that in the classroom is a place for Mr. Lopina to TEACH YOU, INSPIRE YOU, and HELP YOU GROW.

STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read and understand the information contained in this syllabus. Any questions regarding policies will be
asked in a timely manner, and I'm ready to learn about photography!

X X
Student Signature Parent Signature

2017 2017
Date Date

2 of 2 revised July 2017