Photography

The photography class taught by Eliot Spencer is one of the arts electives offered each term for students in grade 9. Students do not need any previous experience with cameras or digital photo editing to take this course.

Through class discussion, hands-on practice, and the study of work by professional photographers and photojournalists, students develop both the technical and aesthetic skills of photography.

Cameras

Students in this course use digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras so they can maximize manual control over exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. All photography students have the opportunity to sign out a school-owned camera for the duration of the course.

Skills & Projects

In addition to learning how to skillfully operate their cameras, students explore composition and framing, light control, and shooting techniques for a wide range of subjects from portraiture to landscapes. Throughout the year, class field trips provide an opportunity to practice new skills and capture striking images.

For each project, students work in the digital lab where they learn to use Photoshop to adjust and edit their photos.

By the end of the course, students are proficient in taking projects from concept to finished work and have the foundational skills to pursue advanced photography in high school and college.