Photography (6-12)
Class Overview
This Photography class is designed to prepare students for success in advanced art, media, or creative pursuits beyond high school through a wide variety of engaging and foundational topics. Throughout the year, students will explore the art and technique of photography in a hands-on and meaningful way. We will cover both film and digital mediums, including the science of photography and how it had been used to evolve photographic ability across history.
Learning will go beyond the textbook or manual. Students will participate in shooting assignments completed both in class and at home, along with activities, critiques, and projects that encourage curiosity, creativity, composition, and critical thinking about visual storytelling. Each student will get the chance to play with both film and digital mediums, using the foundations we built on the science of light to equip them to capture their vision with a photograph.
This is a project based course, where there bulk of the student work will be presented in the photographs that they take, culminating in an end of year portfolio. I truly believe the best way to learn photography is to shoot, observe, discuss, and experiment—through viewing the world with fresh eyes, intentional composition, and hands-on image-making.
A Note about the class a material fee:
This course invites students to explore photography at an advanced hobbyist level. This requires more advanced equipment than normal households would have on hand (film and digital SLR’s can range from $200-$600 each depending on model and lens package – even used!).
To facilitate the student experience while keeping parent investment low, the material fee covers cost of student film, photo printing, darkroom supplies, as well as a camera rental fee which covers the student use of both a film and digital SLR throughout the year.
Above all, my hope is that students not only grow in their technical and artistic understanding of photography, but also develop a deep appreciation for God’s creation, His intentional design in light, color, form, and beauty, and the unique way each person can capture and share glimpses of that wonder through their lens.
Coursework + Coursework at Home (Homework):
At Ethos Academy, we offer core classes through a hybrid learning model, which means students will complete weekly coursework at home in addition to in-class instruction. This work is essential to student success in the course.
· Please plan for an average of 60–90 minutes per week of homework (including shooting time).
· Some weeks may take as little as 30 minutes (quick shoots or editing), while others may take up to 120 minutes (longer projects or editing sessions).
· Some projects will be much more fun if students are able to travel outside of their home or neighborhood to shoot. Projects will not necessarily require that the student travel to shoot. But it certainly is more fun if they can go somewhere to shoot and will give the student an opportunity to explore new scenes and types of light.
Understanding the Curriculum
There is no formal curriculum or student workbook required. Each week and project will be broken down through demonstrations or handouts.
Our resources guide students from big-picture concepts (like seeing light and composing intentionally) into more detailed techniques (camera controls, editing, and creative expression). This gives students a well rounded perspective of how to use photography to demonstrate their vision.
Students will be tracking a ‘journal’ where they can keep notes, reflect, and organize their projects. The Photography Journal is designed to support students by helping them:
· Focus on the main ideas and principles
· Understand key techniques and concepts ·
· Organize their shoots, edits, and reflections without feeling overwhelmed
Students are encouraged to do their best, stay curious, experiment freely, and not get discouraged if every image isn’t perfect right away. Students who demonstrate they have tried their best will do well in the class.
Classroom Supplies
Please have the following items available for class use:
· Photography Journal/Sketchbook (composition book or spiral-bound sketchbook for notes, planning, and contact sheets)
· A 3 ring binder folder (for handouts and reflections)
· USB drive for file transfer
· * Students will need to be able to access a Google Drive folder for submitting photographs to print.
· *Computer/laptop access at home for editing (free software options like GIMP or Photopea if Adobe not available)
· Optional: External hard drive or additional storage for backups
Required Curriculum
· All required instructional material will be handed out in class.
Payment Information
This one-hour course tuition is $200 per semester, plus a $120 materials fee.
To facilitate the student experience while keeping parent investment low, the material fee covers cost of student film, photo printing, darkroom supplies, as well as a camera rental fee which covers the student use of both a film and digital SLR periodically throughout the year.
● The materials fee is collected during the registration period.
● The materials fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Parent Partnership, Student Expectations & Classroom Culture
High school is prime time for developing independent, discerning thought, and this class supports that growth. Parent partnership helps reinforce habits at home.
Parent Partnership
Parents play a vital role in encouraging and supporting their students as they learn to manage shoots, deadlines, and creative habits. Your encouragement, structure at home (like designated editing time), and positive communication about their work make a meaningful difference in your student’s success.
It will also be most beneficial for parents with younger students (middleschool age) to help keep them organized, maintain their equipment, and facilitate their students photography ideas.
Parents are always welcome to contact me with any questions, concerns, or clarification needed throughout the year.
Student Responsibility
to get the most out of our class time together, students are expected to take ownership of their learning by:
· Writing down all assigned shoots and coursework during class
· Completing assigned photography work at home in a timely and thoughtful manner
· Checking the Ethos LMS regularly to confirm what is expected (including shoot themes, due dates, and file submissions)
There is never a reason for a student to be unsure of what has been assigned. Between in-class directions, written notes, and Ethos LMS updates, expectations will always be clearly communicated.
Learning to track assignments, meet creative deadlines, and follow through is an important life and artistic skill, and I am excited to help students build that confidence this year.
Classroom Culture & Expectations
I strive to create a positive, fun, and inspiring learning atmosphere in our classroom. At the same time, a strong creative environment requires students to be respectful of one another’s work and to be focused during instruction and critiques.
This means that when I am speaking, demonstrating, or leading a critique, students are expected to listen attentively, avoid side conversations, and stay engaged. Social time and sharing inspiration are valued and will be integrated into activities, but they should never take away from learning or respect for others’ creations.
If a student demonstrates a difficulty in helping create this environment they will be politely excused from the class that day.
By working together to keep our classroom focused, respectful, and encouraging, we create a space where every student can experiment boldly, feel supported, and truly enjoy the process of capturing God’s world through their unique perspective.
Contact Information
I am excited to partner with you on your child’s creative journey and am committed to supporting both you and your student throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out anytime via text, phone call, or email with any questions, comments, or concerns.
It is a privilege to walk alongside your family in both learning and growth, and I pray that this year is one filled with curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for God’s design in light, beauty, and the stories we tell through images. I look forward to working together to help your student thrive.
Mrs. Charissa McCune
208-286-8173