PHOTOGRAPHY II
©Gregory Crewdson
Instructor: Mrs. Hannah Cooper McCauley, MFA
Classroom: Ayres A116 (Mac Lab)
Office: A101 in Photo Lab
Office Phone: 210.564.6187
Email: h.cooper@tmi-sa.org
Office Hours: Tuesday during US Flex Time, before and after school by appointment
Mac Lab Hours: Open daily during flex time and lunch, before and after school by appointment
A knowledge of photography is just as important as that of the alphabet.
- Laszlo Maholy Nagy
Unless you photograph what you love, you are not going to make good art.
- Sally Mann
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Photography II is a focused and intensive image making course that provides advanced photography students the opportunity to have a more in-depth exploration of their creative process and photographic interests. The course is structured around independently theme-based photographic projects, as well as group critiques and portfolio production. Students work toward a focused, cohesive, and highly crafted photographic portfolio suitable for exhibition, juried competitions, and professional and college applications.
Photographic processes include advanced digital image manipulation, large-format inkjet printing, alternative photographic processes, black and white film scanning and processing, and mounting, framing, and presentation techniques. Students will produce photographic projects based on themes such as documentary, still-life, portraiture, story-telling, abstract, and photo-essay.
CLASS WEBSITE
www.tmi-photo.com
Our class website is the primary method for communication between instructor and student. This site includes weekly class announcements, assignment parameters and due dates, slideshows, tutorials, and photography resources. It is the student’s responsibility to check the class website often. The syllabus and instructor contact information will also be available on our site. All assignments will also be posted to Google Classroom and OnCampus, with a link to the class website for more detailed information on projects, classwork, etc.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- One large box size 11.7 x 16.5", 13 x 19” or 17 x 22”
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Tripod (not required, but highly recommended. Tripods are available for check-out on a first come, first serve
basis.)
SUGGESTED TEXT
The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr., E. B. White, and Roger Angell.
I suggest you invest in this small book. You are expected to write well in and out of class.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDY
This course is organized around a number of components that introduce specific information or experience:
1. Lectures: classroom presentation of course information
2. Demonstrations: classroom tutorials and studio/lab demonstrations of technique
3. Lab and studio: individual creative work during class lab or on location
4. Critique: feedback on projects through individual and class discussion. Final projects will all culminate in a major critique. Students are expected to be present at each critique to present their work, and both give and receive valuable feedback from their peers. Do not ever miss a critique.
5. Slide/electronic presentations: photographic history, photographic theory, current issues and practices 6. Text and readings, discussion: technique, theory, critique, and context
7. Assignments: introduce strategies for creative solutions for course projects
8. Conferences: individual and group feedback on in-progress student projects
9. Exhibits: opportunities to see finished work in an exhibition context
CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Always follow the TMI Honor Code: Because I believe that integrity is essential, I promise not to lie, cheat, or steal.
• Be in class on time.
• Turn in all work (both your projects and any assigned class materials) fully and on time according to the
assigned deadlines.
• No food or drinks in the labs at any time. No chewing gum during class. Failure to comply will result in a detention.
• Come to class prepared — bring required materials DAILY (this usually includes your camera, external drive, and any assigned work-in-progress). Be ready to participate and engage in the material.
• Show respect. To me, to each other, to yourself, to the lab, to your equipment.
• Do not plagiarize — you will receive an automatic 0 for your assignment in addition to disciplinary action.
• Share your opinions, discuss your work with me and with your classmates, and ask lots of questions about what
you do not understand.
• Students will place their cell phones at the front of the classroom in the “cell phone parking lot” each day, unless otherwise instructed by me.
• Believe in yourself, your talents, and work to the very best of your ability.
• Photography is about the process of discovery and can be a tremendous tool to engage with and participate in
your world. Keep your camera with you and handy at all times!
GRADING
Projects (40%):
Students will conceive, shoot, edit, print, and submit photography projects as assigned throughout the year. Topics might include documentary, still-life, portraiture, story-telling, conceptual, abstract, photo-essay, and alternative photographic methods. Since this is an advanced-level photo class, I will expect advanced-level projects and projects of the highest quality. This includes postproduction and print quality.
Please note: Students will be required to shoot photos outside of class and on weekends. In-class time will be primarily used for demos, Photoshop processing, critiquing, printing, and covering other relevant material. It is essential that students have assignment photographs shot and ready for editing by the given deadline. 80-minute class periods will be reserved for critique days, when applicable. All projects are due on critique day unless otherwise noted.
Portfolios (20%):
Students will create two final photo portfolios—one due at the end of each semester—consisting of 10 cohesive photographs and high quality prints with a thoughtful and cohesive idea. Students will turn in this portfolio of prints during the last week of each semester in lieu of a final exam. Portfolios will require a written artist statement in addition to other assigned parameters. The Spring semester will include an individual senior-showcase to be curated, printed, mounted, and hung in a gallery space on campus.
In-Class Assignments (20%):
These may include:
• Technical exercises on photographic methods or postproduction technique
• Contact Sheet or digital image submission
• Quizzes
• Critical analyses of photographs
• Guided in-class discussions and activities
• Research presentations
• Participation
Weekly Photo Challenge (10%)
Each semester, students will complete a weekly photo challenge. Students will create an online gallery with the VSCO app to serve as a visual journal. Each Monday, I will assign a theme for the weekly challenge. You must use your cell phone to capture photographs that best fit the theme. Post your strongest image to your VSCO gallery and email it to me at h.cooper@tmi-sa.org. At the end of the week, I'll post the most successful images to the TMI Photography Instagram account.
Exhibition Submissions (10%):
Students are required to submit photographs to at least four photography exhibition opportunities (one per quarter.) Proof of submissions is required for a grade. Failure to make submissions to these will result in a 0. Check our class website for opportunities to submit your work under Contests and Exhibition Opportunities under Links. Details, examples, and guidance will be covered extensively in class.
Grades, assignments, and project details will be uploaded and available for review online, and each student is responsible for checking both onCampus and the class website regularly. Please see me as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns about your grade or progress in class.
Grades will be determined by using the following criteria:
Quality:
The success of the images you make is a reflection of the degree of clarity and commitment you put into an idea. Every aspect of your image is a decision. Do not expect good results (or a good grade) through procrastination and last-minute action. However, mistakes do happen and things may fail- do not get discouraged, it is all part of
the learning process. Some of the most inspiring works were born out of accidents and frustrations. Use your mistakes to your advantage, but do not use them as a reason for not doing work. Take the failures and rework them into successes.
Quantity:
Creating art is a process of discovery. It requires research into ideas and materials, as well as experimentation to see what excites you. The more you play, the more you think, and the more you work, the better you will become.
Think Hard:
This is an art class. Art is about thinking. Think about your ideas and concepts to make thoughtful images. We see so many pictures everyday. How are you going to make something that holds our attention? It is difficult to do this, so think and work hard.
Technique:
Assignments will be evaluated on the basis of the care and craft you have put into your work, and the technical decisions made to support the content and/or ideas it represents. If you do not care about how your work looks, why should anyone else?
Craft:
A demonstrated ability to use tools and execute techniques. Neatness counts. You will be downgraded for sloppy technique.
Concept:
The inspiration and/or ideas behind the technique, or what your work is about. Making thoughtful photographs is hard work. Push yourself.
Creativity:
The level of innovation exhibited in the execution of craft and concept.
In keeping with the grading policies of what is accepted as a standard at most colleges I assign the following definitions to letter grades. Please note I am not in the habit of inflating grades. You will get the grade you earn.
Grading Criteria
A: Excellent: Work that is of outstanding caliber, exhibiting exceptional comprehension of the material, along with meticulous attention to craft and innovative application of skills. This work is exceptional in every way and is indicative of the highest possible thought and effort. Be prepared to work hard if this is the grade you want to achieve.
B: Above Average: Work that is well done in all respects and exhibits better than average comprehension of material, better than average attention to craft and thoughtful execution. This work is free of any major defect, yet, has room for improvement.
C: Average: Work that is attentively produced and meets the objectives of the course. This work is middle of the road, average work and can benefit from a more vigorous investment in the course content. Weaknesses stand out. Being like most other things you encounter in the world is being average - no better.
D: Below Average: Work that shows only minimal commitment to the goals of the course and only the barest investment of time. This work has defects in all categories.
F: Insufficient: Work that is indicative of a lack of commitment and effort.
LATE WORK
Make-up work due to an excused or unexcused absence will be subject to TMI’s policies found in the Student Handbook. Please review the Student Handbook for a more detailed guide of the school late work policy.
All assigned work is due at the beginning of class on the date specified. It must be uploaded, edited, printed
(when applicable), and ready for class critique.
For all academic classes, unexcused absences will be treated as follows:
● Zeroes will be given for homework, quizzes, or other daily assignments missed.
● For major assignments and examinations, the student may not receive a grade higher than 70%.
Unplanned absences: When a student is unexpectedly absent (for a family emergency, illness, injury, or other similar reasons), (s)he should consult onCampus, and then email teachers of the classes missed to request additional information or materials if they are needed. In such cases, the student may have an extra day to complete the work. If more time is necessary for a student to catch up on missed instruction, (s)he must make arrangements with the teacher.
Prearranged absences: When a student is absent due to a planned event (such as a medical appointment, religious commitment, school team sports competition, school field trip, or other similar reasons), (s)he must submit the work before it is due or immediately upon return to school. Make-up quizzes and tests will be scheduled at the teacher’s discretion, typically within two days of the student’s return to school.
Please see me as soon as possible for a planned excused absence. If you know you will be absent, please plan ahead and keep in contact with me so as not to fall behind in the course material.
FAILURE TO TURN IN WORK THAT IS NOT ABSENCE RELATED: Any classwork or daily assignments that are not received on the due date may be turned in for up to 8 days after the due date for a maximum grade of 80, with 10 points deducted per day thereafter. After 8 days, no late work will be accepted.
Any projects received after the due date must be turned in on the next school day for a maximum grade of 70, with 20 points deducted per day thereafter. After 4 days, no late work will be accepted.
Please remember that camera, computer, or equipment failures are not a valid excuse — always back up your work and leave yourself plenty of time in case of technical errors.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
All students are expected to adhere to the TMI Honor code. Any dishonesty in academic work is unacceptable, and will be submitted to the Honor Council for review. This includes plagiarism in artwork: you are expected to create your own work. You are expected to create new work for each assignment. It is unacceptable for you to recycle work from another course or previous assignment.
Additionally, copying another artists' work and representing it as your own constitutes plagiarism, even if you are making minute changes to the work such as color and/or additional line work.
Here is the College Board's statement on ethics, artistic integrity, and plagiarism as defined in their AP Studio Art course description:
"Any work that makes use of (appropriates) photographs, published images, and/or other artists’ work must show substantial and significant development beyond duplication. This is demonstrated through manipulation of the formal qualities, design and/or concept of the source. The students individual “voice” should be clearly evident. It is unethical, constitutes plagiarism, and often violates copyright law simply to copy another artists’ work or imagery (even in another medium) and represent it as one’s own."
RESOURCES FOR MATERIALS
RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups.
FINAL NOTE
Photography requires time, patience, and hard work. I encourage you to be creative, inquisitive, and courageous in your image making. And I cannot stress this enough, you must practice good TIME MANAGEMENT. Have fun, and welcome to TMI Photography II!
Classroom: Ayres A116 (Mac Lab)
Office: A101 in Photo Lab
Office Phone: 210.564.6187
Email: h.cooper@tmi-sa.org
Office Hours: Tuesday during US Flex Time, before and after school by appointment
Mac Lab Hours: Open daily during flex time and lunch, before and after school by appointment
A knowledge of photography is just as important as that of the alphabet.
- Laszlo Maholy Nagy
Unless you photograph what you love, you are not going to make good art.
- Sally Mann
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Photography II is a focused and intensive image making course that provides advanced photography students the opportunity to have a more in-depth exploration of their creative process and photographic interests. The course is structured around independently theme-based photographic projects, as well as group critiques and portfolio production. Students work toward a focused, cohesive, and highly crafted photographic portfolio suitable for exhibition, juried competitions, and professional and college applications.
Photographic processes include advanced digital image manipulation, large-format inkjet printing, alternative photographic processes, black and white film scanning and processing, and mounting, framing, and presentation techniques. Students will produce photographic projects based on themes such as documentary, still-life, portraiture, story-telling, abstract, and photo-essay.
CLASS WEBSITE
www.tmi-photo.com
Our class website is the primary method for communication between instructor and student. This site includes weekly class announcements, assignment parameters and due dates, slideshows, tutorials, and photography resources. It is the student’s responsibility to check the class website often. The syllabus and instructor contact information will also be available on our site. All assignments will also be posted to Google Classroom and OnCampus, with a link to the class website for more detailed information on projects, classwork, etc.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR) with kit lens (18-55mm is typical, additional lenses are recommended) — with manual, charger, and battery
- 2 SD memory cards for your camera (at least two 32GB recommended)
- External hard drive of at least 500 GB (You must bring to class every day)
- USB flash drive of 32GB or higher
- Notebook or sketchbook for taking notes/sketching ideas
- Two boxes of Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster
- One large box size 11.7 x 16.5", 13 x 19” or 17 x 22”
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Tripod (not required, but highly recommended. Tripods are available for check-out on a first come, first serve
basis.)
SUGGESTED TEXT
The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr., E. B. White, and Roger Angell.
I suggest you invest in this small book. You are expected to write well in and out of class.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDY
This course is organized around a number of components that introduce specific information or experience:
1. Lectures: classroom presentation of course information
2. Demonstrations: classroom tutorials and studio/lab demonstrations of technique
3. Lab and studio: individual creative work during class lab or on location
4. Critique: feedback on projects through individual and class discussion. Final projects will all culminate in a major critique. Students are expected to be present at each critique to present their work, and both give and receive valuable feedback from their peers. Do not ever miss a critique.
5. Slide/electronic presentations: photographic history, photographic theory, current issues and practices 6. Text and readings, discussion: technique, theory, critique, and context
7. Assignments: introduce strategies for creative solutions for course projects
8. Conferences: individual and group feedback on in-progress student projects
9. Exhibits: opportunities to see finished work in an exhibition context
CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Always follow the TMI Honor Code: Because I believe that integrity is essential, I promise not to lie, cheat, or steal.
• Be in class on time.
• Turn in all work (both your projects and any assigned class materials) fully and on time according to the
assigned deadlines.
• No food or drinks in the labs at any time. No chewing gum during class. Failure to comply will result in a detention.
• Come to class prepared — bring required materials DAILY (this usually includes your camera, external drive, and any assigned work-in-progress). Be ready to participate and engage in the material.
• Show respect. To me, to each other, to yourself, to the lab, to your equipment.
• Do not plagiarize — you will receive an automatic 0 for your assignment in addition to disciplinary action.
• Share your opinions, discuss your work with me and with your classmates, and ask lots of questions about what
you do not understand.
• Students will place their cell phones at the front of the classroom in the “cell phone parking lot” each day, unless otherwise instructed by me.
• Believe in yourself, your talents, and work to the very best of your ability.
• Photography is about the process of discovery and can be a tremendous tool to engage with and participate in
your world. Keep your camera with you and handy at all times!
GRADING
Projects (40%):
Students will conceive, shoot, edit, print, and submit photography projects as assigned throughout the year. Topics might include documentary, still-life, portraiture, story-telling, conceptual, abstract, photo-essay, and alternative photographic methods. Since this is an advanced-level photo class, I will expect advanced-level projects and projects of the highest quality. This includes postproduction and print quality.
Please note: Students will be required to shoot photos outside of class and on weekends. In-class time will be primarily used for demos, Photoshop processing, critiquing, printing, and covering other relevant material. It is essential that students have assignment photographs shot and ready for editing by the given deadline. 80-minute class periods will be reserved for critique days, when applicable. All projects are due on critique day unless otherwise noted.
Portfolios (20%):
Students will create two final photo portfolios—one due at the end of each semester—consisting of 10 cohesive photographs and high quality prints with a thoughtful and cohesive idea. Students will turn in this portfolio of prints during the last week of each semester in lieu of a final exam. Portfolios will require a written artist statement in addition to other assigned parameters. The Spring semester will include an individual senior-showcase to be curated, printed, mounted, and hung in a gallery space on campus.
In-Class Assignments (20%):
These may include:
• Technical exercises on photographic methods or postproduction technique
• Contact Sheet or digital image submission
• Quizzes
• Critical analyses of photographs
• Guided in-class discussions and activities
• Research presentations
• Participation
Weekly Photo Challenge (10%)
Each semester, students will complete a weekly photo challenge. Students will create an online gallery with the VSCO app to serve as a visual journal. Each Monday, I will assign a theme for the weekly challenge. You must use your cell phone to capture photographs that best fit the theme. Post your strongest image to your VSCO gallery and email it to me at h.cooper@tmi-sa.org. At the end of the week, I'll post the most successful images to the TMI Photography Instagram account.
Exhibition Submissions (10%):
Students are required to submit photographs to at least four photography exhibition opportunities (one per quarter.) Proof of submissions is required for a grade. Failure to make submissions to these will result in a 0. Check our class website for opportunities to submit your work under Contests and Exhibition Opportunities under Links. Details, examples, and guidance will be covered extensively in class.
Grades, assignments, and project details will be uploaded and available for review online, and each student is responsible for checking both onCampus and the class website regularly. Please see me as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns about your grade or progress in class.
Grades will be determined by using the following criteria:
Quality:
The success of the images you make is a reflection of the degree of clarity and commitment you put into an idea. Every aspect of your image is a decision. Do not expect good results (or a good grade) through procrastination and last-minute action. However, mistakes do happen and things may fail- do not get discouraged, it is all part of
the learning process. Some of the most inspiring works were born out of accidents and frustrations. Use your mistakes to your advantage, but do not use them as a reason for not doing work. Take the failures and rework them into successes.
Quantity:
Creating art is a process of discovery. It requires research into ideas and materials, as well as experimentation to see what excites you. The more you play, the more you think, and the more you work, the better you will become.
Think Hard:
This is an art class. Art is about thinking. Think about your ideas and concepts to make thoughtful images. We see so many pictures everyday. How are you going to make something that holds our attention? It is difficult to do this, so think and work hard.
Technique:
Assignments will be evaluated on the basis of the care and craft you have put into your work, and the technical decisions made to support the content and/or ideas it represents. If you do not care about how your work looks, why should anyone else?
Craft:
A demonstrated ability to use tools and execute techniques. Neatness counts. You will be downgraded for sloppy technique.
Concept:
The inspiration and/or ideas behind the technique, or what your work is about. Making thoughtful photographs is hard work. Push yourself.
Creativity:
The level of innovation exhibited in the execution of craft and concept.
In keeping with the grading policies of what is accepted as a standard at most colleges I assign the following definitions to letter grades. Please note I am not in the habit of inflating grades. You will get the grade you earn.
Grading Criteria
A: Excellent: Work that is of outstanding caliber, exhibiting exceptional comprehension of the material, along with meticulous attention to craft and innovative application of skills. This work is exceptional in every way and is indicative of the highest possible thought and effort. Be prepared to work hard if this is the grade you want to achieve.
B: Above Average: Work that is well done in all respects and exhibits better than average comprehension of material, better than average attention to craft and thoughtful execution. This work is free of any major defect, yet, has room for improvement.
C: Average: Work that is attentively produced and meets the objectives of the course. This work is middle of the road, average work and can benefit from a more vigorous investment in the course content. Weaknesses stand out. Being like most other things you encounter in the world is being average - no better.
D: Below Average: Work that shows only minimal commitment to the goals of the course and only the barest investment of time. This work has defects in all categories.
F: Insufficient: Work that is indicative of a lack of commitment and effort.
LATE WORK
Make-up work due to an excused or unexcused absence will be subject to TMI’s policies found in the Student Handbook. Please review the Student Handbook for a more detailed guide of the school late work policy.
All assigned work is due at the beginning of class on the date specified. It must be uploaded, edited, printed
(when applicable), and ready for class critique.
For all academic classes, unexcused absences will be treated as follows:
● Zeroes will be given for homework, quizzes, or other daily assignments missed.
● For major assignments and examinations, the student may not receive a grade higher than 70%.
Unplanned absences: When a student is unexpectedly absent (for a family emergency, illness, injury, or other similar reasons), (s)he should consult onCampus, and then email teachers of the classes missed to request additional information or materials if they are needed. In such cases, the student may have an extra day to complete the work. If more time is necessary for a student to catch up on missed instruction, (s)he must make arrangements with the teacher.
Prearranged absences: When a student is absent due to a planned event (such as a medical appointment, religious commitment, school team sports competition, school field trip, or other similar reasons), (s)he must submit the work before it is due or immediately upon return to school. Make-up quizzes and tests will be scheduled at the teacher’s discretion, typically within two days of the student’s return to school.
Please see me as soon as possible for a planned excused absence. If you know you will be absent, please plan ahead and keep in contact with me so as not to fall behind in the course material.
FAILURE TO TURN IN WORK THAT IS NOT ABSENCE RELATED: Any classwork or daily assignments that are not received on the due date may be turned in for up to 8 days after the due date for a maximum grade of 80, with 10 points deducted per day thereafter. After 8 days, no late work will be accepted.
Any projects received after the due date must be turned in on the next school day for a maximum grade of 70, with 20 points deducted per day thereafter. After 4 days, no late work will be accepted.
Please remember that camera, computer, or equipment failures are not a valid excuse — always back up your work and leave yourself plenty of time in case of technical errors.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
All students are expected to adhere to the TMI Honor code. Any dishonesty in academic work is unacceptable, and will be submitted to the Honor Council for review. This includes plagiarism in artwork: you are expected to create your own work. You are expected to create new work for each assignment. It is unacceptable for you to recycle work from another course or previous assignment.
Additionally, copying another artists' work and representing it as your own constitutes plagiarism, even if you are making minute changes to the work such as color and/or additional line work.
Here is the College Board's statement on ethics, artistic integrity, and plagiarism as defined in their AP Studio Art course description:
"Any work that makes use of (appropriates) photographs, published images, and/or other artists’ work must show substantial and significant development beyond duplication. This is demonstrated through manipulation of the formal qualities, design and/or concept of the source. The students individual “voice” should be clearly evident. It is unethical, constitutes plagiarism, and often violates copyright law simply to copy another artists’ work or imagery (even in another medium) and represent it as one’s own."
RESOURCES FOR MATERIALS
- bhphotovideo.com
- amazon.com
- Camera Exchange (San Antonio) — carries some photography supplies as well as new and used cameras
6635 San Pedro
210.349.4400 - Precision Camera (Austin) — highly recommended — carries a wide variety of all photography supplies including new and used cameras, lenses, tripods, film, and paper
2438 West Anderson Lane
Suite B-4
512.467.7676
RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups.
FINAL NOTE
Photography requires time, patience, and hard work. I encourage you to be creative, inquisitive, and courageous in your image making. And I cannot stress this enough, you must practice good TIME MANAGEMENT. Have fun, and welcome to TMI Photography II!