Photography

Our photography courses provide opportunities for image-making to both the novice and advanced student. The O'Brien Arts Center houses a Barbour Photography Suite, plus a state-of-the-art graphic arts lab. Students in photography courses at all levels of studies will:

Develop film in a wet black and white lab;
Pursue a study of historical and contemporary photography that complements practical exercise; and
Participate in three annual student art exhibitions in the school's Warner Gallery, and play an important role in the preparation for these exhibitions.

Students who complete introductory coursework in photography may choose to further their study of that discipline by “majoring” in photography in the senior year. Majors take a full-credit Advanced Study course during the senior year that requires extensive, independent work outside the classroom, with a goal of building an individual portfolio of ambitious original photography.

Photography Courses

Photography 1

open to IV, V, VI Form students

Semester-Long Half-credit elective

This foundational course introduces students to the medium of photography by focusing on camera controls, composition, and storytelling. Starting with the basics, students learn how to utilize a digital SLR camera and edit using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students hone their photographic voice in an open critique setting and learn to edit their work by compiling a comprehensive final portfolio. A study of historical and contemporary photography complements practical exercise and independent projects. No prior experience is required.

Darkroom/Traditional Photography

open to IV, V, VI Form Students

Semester-Long Half-Credit Elective

Prerequisite: Photo 1

This course explores all aspects of traditional wet-lab photography. We will learn about, and experiment with, small, medium, and large format film cameras. Students will learn how to work with the wide variety of chemicals involved in the creation of analog photographic materials, and discover how many contemporary artists are reinventing the past and finding inspiration in these beautiful techniques. Most importantly, student will walk away with a portfolio of beautiful, unique prints from a wide array of fine art photographic processes.

Advanced Lighting

open to V & VI Form students

SEMESTER-LONG HALF-CREDIT Elective

PREREQUISITE: PHOTO 1

Understanding light is undeniably the most important skill that a photographer can possess. In fact, many photographers believe that light IS the subject of every photograph. This course will guide students through all aspect of lighting, from natural/available, to studio, to location shoots where artificial and natural light come together. We will explore how to modify, shape, and balance lighting of all kinds in order to achieve whatever look we want, in any situation.

Advanced Study in Photography

open to VI Form students

Two semesters of a Photo class, one of which must be photo 1

Yearlong course

This yearlong course is an intensive studio art (in this case, photography) class designed for VI Form students interested in investigating advanced methods and concepts central to the visual arts. Students concentrate on hands-on studio work with individual faculty in one of the visual arts disciplines (painting, photography, sculpture, or film), and come together for lectures and discussions of contemporary issues in art, practical demonstrations, such as portfolio development, and critiques. Coordinated, thematic assignments stimulate comparative discussions among visual art disciplines as in an advanced collegiate fine arts seminar.