Digital Photography

Ms. Sena
E Period • Computer Lab
Office Hours: All day drop-in (Hours vary)
415.292.3161
senaATsacredsf DOTorg

Course Description
Digital photography is a one-semester course that introduces the use of SLR (single lens reflex) digital photographic equipment, theory and processes. Using school-owned digital cameras, students learn camera operation with manual settings, composition, digital photo sorting and storage techniques, as well as computer photo manipulation as a means of creative expression.  Upon course completion, students will be able to successfully expose, digitally manipulate, and print a well-conceived composition in a variety of genres.

Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to shoot a variety of subjects using multiple lenses in varied lighting conditions, which will require field trips. As much as possible, off-campus work will be arranged to meet the schedules of the class participants.

Students will keep a digital online portfolio of their work, culling their portfolio for a class show at the end of the semester.

Class Structure & Policies
Classroom/Lab Instruction
This is a hands-on lab-type course alternating between classroom instruction (lecture), shooting in the field, and computer lab time for downloading, sorting, and manipulating images. Students should familiarize themselves with the course schedule found here and immediately prepare for class upon arriving in the computer lab, whether it be opening their photos in Adobe Bridge for critique, signing out their cameras from the computer office, or readying their notebooks for note taking. Students are expected to be self-motivated and on-task.

During most block periods we will shoot outside. San Francisco weather is unpredictable (read: often cold, foggy, and windy), so you may want to keep a scarf and hat in your locker and grab it on the way to class if the weather is not so pleasant.

Camera Care
Students are responsible for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other related equipment signed out to them. Students signing out equipment should carefully check to make sure they indeed have all the pieces in the kit given to them and that everything works properly, immediately reporting any irregularities to the instructor.

Although every effort is made to give students the same cameras each class throughout the semester, it is possible the cameras may be used by other individuals once they are returned to the computer office, therefore students must download all photos and empty memory cards before checking them back in, as photos left on card may be erased when cards are reused.

Grading Policies
Students are responsible for obtaining all class notes and handouts missed due to absences as well as making up any missed assignments listed on the class on-line calendar. Students who miss a photo shoot should immediately make arrangements with the instructor about how to make-up that shoot. Assignments due on the day of an excused absence are due at the next class meeting. Other make-up work is normally due within one week of an excused absence unless other arrangements have been made. Because this is a sequential course with skills taught early on being foundational for skills learned later, points may be deducted for late work.

This course uses the grading scale printed in the Student Handbook. Letter grades are assigned from the percentages earned from student assignments and quizzes (70 percent), online portfolio (20 percent), and in-class and in-field participation, including setting up for the class show (10 percent).

Confused? Have questions? The instructor is almost always in the lab or office -- or is available by e-mail -- and is happy to help you get everything into focus.

Caroline O'Driscoll

Ali Clopton

Gabriela Kirkland

Molly O'Shea

Alex Sierra