Design & Multimedia Arts
Ralston Valley students taking Design and Multimedia Arts will get hands-on experience in the world of photography and graphic design.
Expand the sections below to view course information. Use the button below to visit Mrs. Bell's website to view projects, student work, and additional information.
Courses Offered
Level 2
Digital Photography I
Full-year course
This Commercial Photography I course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers in related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.
Digital Photography II
Full-year course
Commercial Photography II emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film-to-digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large-format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Basic darkroom procedures such as film processing, contact printing, and enlarging will be covered. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.
Level 3
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. The course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. The course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator (2018).
Digital Photography II
Commercial Photography II emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film-to-digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large-format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Basic darkroom procedures such as film processing, contact printing, and enlarging will be covered. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.
Level 4
Design and Multimedia Arts
Designed for students with a serious interest in art, the AP Studio Art – 2D Design course enables students to refine their skills and create artistic works to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation. Students are asked to demonstrate proficiency in 2D design using a variety of art forms. These could include but are not limited to, graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting or printmaking. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way with the entire spectrum of ideas.
Design and Multimedia Arts
Designed for students with a serious interest in art, the AP Studio Art – 3D Design course enables students to refine their skills and create artistic works to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation. Given the nature of the AP evaluation, the course typically emphasizes quality of work, and attention to issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture. Such elements and concepts may be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes. These might include traditional sculpture, architectural models, apparel, ceramics, three-dimensional fiber arts, or meal work, among others.
Practicum in Commercial Photo
Practicum in Commercial Photography is recommended for students who have completed Commercial Photography II. This course is meant to serve students interested in further development of a professional portfolio in addition to further development of skills and technical knowledge. Students will be expected to further develop knowledge and awareness of the industry of commercial photography. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences and/or career preparation opportunities.
Capstone Design and Multimedia Arts
This course allows for individualized, advanced and cumulative work in a program of study. This work is individualized to the student within a specific program of study to allow for specialized study. It may include problem- and project-based learning or preparation for industry certification. The specific content and course design is determined by the instructor, in collaboration with the individual student.
Design and Multimedia Arts
These courses are taught together in a one-semester term. Photo-Image Capture I emphasizes the fundamental operations of a DSLR camera. The general operation of the camera, proper camera handling and maintenance, exposure control, depth of field, lenses and the visual characteristics of lenses and an understanding of how digital capture works are emphasized. Additional topics include f-stops, shutter speeds, metering modes, use of the histogram, autofocus, auto bracketing and exposure compensation.
Digital Capture Processing will cover the post-processing of digital captures. Methods of transferring files from camera to computer, basic digital asset management, image editing tools, optimizing files for print and screen, image sharpening, proper understanding of black and white tonal scale, methods of converting color captures to black and white images, printing and matting are included. The lab portion of the class will also be used to assist the production of images required for Photo-Image Capture I and Perception and Photography I.