“To take photographs means to recognize—simultaneously and within a fraction of a second—both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, one's eye and one's heart on the same axis.”
—Henri Cartier-Bresson 

Students in the Photography program at George School learn to photograph what inspires and motivates them. The creative process each student undertakes is often informed by the history of the medium, current affairs, social concerns and the exploration of personal identity.

In addition to developing an understanding of composition and aesthetics, students develop the technical “know-how” to use a camera and create refined prints. The Photography program takes full advantage of traditional film-based, digital, and alternative photographic processes.  

In the advanced classes, students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of photographic techniques and to delve deeper into how and what they want their images to convey. Advanced students complete their Photographic studies by creating a portfolio consisting of a cohesive concept or theme.

Photography

Basic photography concepts, processes, and techniques lead students toward mastery of 35mm camera operation, exposure, and darkroom procedures. In addition to technical skills, students explore the aesthetics of photography through critiques, presentations, and written assignments. Student work is exhibited throughout the year in the George School galleries. Assessment is based on the quality of work, effort, and timeliness. Students must have a 35mm manual camera for this course, and projects are shot outside of class time. Film and chemicals are provided; all other materials are available for purchase in the George School bookstore. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking painting and drawing courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in painting and drawing courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. 

Alternative Photographic Processes

Technical skills acquired in Photography are further refined. In addition, experimental techniques are introduced, ranging from historic and antique processes to cutting-edge digital imaging. Students experiment with studio lighting, digital imaging, nonsilver processes, and bookbinding. Participation in class critiques is required as images created by students are analyzed for aesthetic, conceptual, and theoretical concerns. Student work is entered in regional and international photography contests and exhibited throughout the year in the George School galleries. Since the curriculum changes every year, students are encouraged to take this class more than once. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking photography courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in photography courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. 

Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)

Digital Imaging

The art of digital imaging through the use of Adobe Photoshop is explored in this course. Students create images with 35mm cameras using color and black-and-white film. These images are scanned into the computer. Among other things, students learn to retouch, color balance, enlarge, and crop their images. They also learn to color black-and-white images by hand and create photomontages by participating in hands-on demonstrations and completing technical exercises. This course may only be taken once. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking photography courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in photography courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. 

Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)

AP Studio Art—Alternative Photographic Processes or Digital Imaging

This course provides an opportunity for students to refine technical skills while incorporating experimental techniques ranging from historic and antique processes to cutting-edge digital imaging. In the early part of the year, students experiment with studio lighting, digital imaging, nonsilver processes, and bookbinding. As the year progresses, students develop and focus on a single project to produce a cohesive portfolio as required by the AP exam. Students are required to participate in class critiques as they address aesthetic, conceptual, and theoretical concerns relating to the images they create. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course. 

Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)