p.1 #1 · Photo Class- for highschoolers- advise needed
Hi All:
I currently teach Photoshop at my HS. In my advanced section I want to add a photography unit, using d-slrs. So... thinking about buying several/a few Nikon D40's and using online content for the lessons/tutorials. This public education- budgets... yeah disaster.
I would prefer to use Nikon, just a comfort thing with me; D40 is older, but still good enough and not too costly. D60 I think will be too expensive.
Basic outline of the Unit: Basic photo principals. Workflow of a particular type of photograghy. Doing photo projects using specific workflows. Photoshop will be used for the post processing.
I dont need Pshop content- I got that covered, but mainly how to's, lessons about exposure/aperture/focal points/composition... stuff like that.
My questions are...
1. D40- for (used) price- a good camera for the kids? Where would I best spend the funds?
2. Best place for (free) curriculumn content... besides my own brain.
3. What else can I do, or what am I missing?
4. Anyone know a teacher doing this in high school setting?
p.1 #2 · Photo Class- for highschoolers- advise needed
1. Buy used here of FM. Pick a used set of bodies, your choice of brand, and some decent, yet inexpensive glass. For Canon you could start with a 5D Classic(or 20D, 30D, 40D, etc.) and a 50mm f/1.8 plastic fantastic and let them zoom with their feet or a 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6, an inexpensive diamond in the rough.
2. Have each student spend $25.99 and buy "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Once they have read the book, he opens up a free library of video streams to them. Use the free simulator at: http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/
3. Teach them to use the camera in MANUAL mode setting apeture, shutter speed, and ISO to get a creatively correct exposure with the depth of field desired. Then move into the use of hand held off camera flash.
4. Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga teaches photography.
p.1 #3 · Photo Class- for highschoolers- advise needed
Beat the bushes and put out the call for used camera donations. Remind prospects about charitable tax deductions. There are a lot of old, used DSLRs out there gathering dust with owners who don't want the hassle of ebay or craigs list.
I donated a Canon 20D to a local school. Mpex.com would pay about $100. Ebay said it was worth about $250. Nonsense, I said. Mine's mint, worth about $450. At my Fed+State marginal rate, I effectively I sold the camera to the IRS for $160.
Free up funds for things you can't beg, borrow, or steal.
