Big Ideas

Big Ideas

Photography
for example, darkroom, digital, and alternative photography
is a unique art form that captures images for artistic expression.
Traditions, perspectives, worldviews, and stories are shared through aesthetic experiences
emotional, cognitive or sensory responses to works of art
Growth as a photographer requires time, patience, and reflection.
The creation of photographs relies on the interplay of mind and body.
Photography offers unique ways of exploring our identity and sense of belonging.

Content

Learning Standards

Content

elements
colour, line, shape, space, texture, light, exposure, contrast
of visual art
principles of composition
balance, rule of thirds, point of view, leading lines, framing, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, simplicity, depth, focal point
image development strategies
cropping, layering, colour manipulation (e.g., white balance, hue/saturation adjustment), rotation, multiplication, fragmentation, photomontage, elaboration (e.g., digital manipulation, addition of other materials to a photo)
in photography
materials
of photography (e.g., printing ink, photo paper, various types of film, chemicals)
, processes, techniques, and image-making technologies
in photography, any image-making technology, such as cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, enlargers, computers, scanners, digital imaging software, accessories, and other pieces of equipment; could also include improvisational use of miscellaneous items
, used in one or more types of photography:
photo chemistry
includes developer, stop, fix, and other chemicals
(if using film) or alternative chemical processes
cyanotypes, Van Dyke Brown photographic processing
creative processes
the means by which an artistic work (in dance, drama, music, or visual arts) is made; includes multiple processes, such as exploration, selection, combination, refinement, reflection, and connection
behaviours of light:
  • images formed by lenses and mirrors
  • effects of translucent, transparent, and opaque objects
ways of sensing light:
role of the photographer and viewer
influence of visual culture
aspects of culture that rely on visual representation
in social and other media
history of photography
traditional and contemporary First Peoples worldviews, stories, and history as expressed through photography
ethics of cultural appropriation
use of a cultural motif, theme, “voice,” image, knowledge, story, song, or drama, shared without permission or without appropriate context or in a way that may misrepresent the real experience of the people from whose culture it is drawn
and plagiarism

Curricular Competency

Learning Standards

Curricular Competency

Explore and create

Create photographic works using sensory inspiration
ideas inspired by sensory experiences such as the feeling of rain on our face or the sound of a dog whimpering
, imagination, and inquiry
Explore photographic possibilities and take creative risks
make an informed choice to do something where unexpected outcomes are acceptable and serve as learning opportunities
Express meaning, intent, and emotion through photography
Create photographic images with an audience in mind
Develop and refine photographic skills and techniques in a range of styles
Photographic works that share common visual characteristics can be described as belonging to the same artistic style.
and genres
categories of photography similar in form, style, or subject matter (e.g., abstract, landscape, portraits)
Demonstrate safe and responsible use of materials, tools, and work space

Reason and reflect

Describe and analyze how photographers use materials, technologies, processes, and environments in art making
Recognize and evaluate design choices in photographic works
Develop personal answers to aesthetic questions
questions relating to the nature, expression, and perception of artistic works

Communicate and document

Document
through activities that help students reflect on and demonstrate their learning (e.g., drawing, visual journaling, constructing new works, compiling a portfolio)
, share, and appreciate photographic images
Demonstrate respect for self, others, and place
any environment, locality, or context with which people interact to learn, create memory, reflect on history, connect with culture, and establish identity. The connection between people and place is foundational to First Peoples perspectives on the world.
Communicate and respond
through activities ranging from reflection to action
to social and environmental issues
occurring locally, regionally, nationally, and/or globally
through photography

Connect and expand

Create photographs that demonstrate personal, cultural, social, environmental, and historical contexts
Explore First Peoples perspectives and knowledge, other ways of knowing
First Nations, Métis and Inuit, gender-related, subject/discipline-specific, cultural, embodied, intuitive
, and local cultural knowledge to gain understanding through photography
Engage in digital citizenship
using information and social sharing technology in a way that is respectful of self, others, and privacy laws
throughout the photographic process