Course Overview
The Photography track at University Prep Art and Design High School combines the innovation and thoughtful process of fine art photography alongside the technical skills required in a commercial studio atmosphere to promote professional artists who are positioned for careers in the field. All classes cover the art of making a photograph, rather than just "taking" one, through the cultural context of photography in historical and contemporary times.
Photography 1 covers beginning camera technical skills and composition with an emphasis on the foundational skills of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. This year, we completed the Composition project, hand coloring photographs, and the Hagopian Rug Design competition.
Photography 2 focuses on more of the professional aspects of being a photographer. This year, we completed the Singularity show, which was a floor level professional gallery opening with a focus on the self portrait, along with documentary stories with a focus on social change.
Photo Portfolio positions students who are interested in professional careers in photography. This year, they focused on creating a series of work with a singular focus as well as creating their own personal branding.
With the COVID-19 crisis, all photography students were given the opportunity to participate in bi-weekly Photo Challenges that had an emphasis on technical skills and creative problem solving.
We're very proud to show the best of the work from the year!
Featured Student: Naomi Worthy, 11th Grade
Photography 1 covers beginning camera technical skills and composition with an emphasis on the foundational skills of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. This year, we completed the Composition project, hand coloring photographs, and the Hagopian Rug Design competition.
Photography 2 focuses on more of the professional aspects of being a photographer. This year, we completed the Singularity show, which was a floor level professional gallery opening with a focus on the self portrait, along with documentary stories with a focus on social change.
Photo Portfolio positions students who are interested in professional careers in photography. This year, they focused on creating a series of work with a singular focus as well as creating their own personal branding.
With the COVID-19 crisis, all photography students were given the opportunity to participate in bi-weekly Photo Challenges that had an emphasis on technical skills and creative problem solving.
We're very proud to show the best of the work from the year!
Featured Student: Naomi Worthy, 11th Grade
CompositionPhotography 1 students tested out their newfound skills in camera techniques to show mastery in the rules of composition and the exposure triangle.
Social ChangePhotography 2 students used their advanced skills in their craft by creating a documentary web story to draw attention to situations that they want to change in the world.
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Hand ColoringPhotography 1 students experimented with printing and hand coloring digital photographs to create new visual discoveries.
SingularityPhotography 2 students held their own gallery show on the 4th floor which focused on creating self portraits in multiple ways through alternative processes.
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HagopianA yearly UPAD tradition, Level 1 students across the school created residential rug designs for the Hagopian company that was inspired by the theme of Detroit:Tomorrow.
3 Piece SeriesPhoto Portfolio students created a three piece series of work based on any idea that they felt was personally important to them.
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Ms. Mara Magyarosi-Laytner
Mara Magyarosi-Laytner is an artist, educator, and alternative process photography enthusiast. A graduate of the College for Creative Studies Photography and Art Education departments in 2012, her work typically explores the impact that anxiety disorders have on the human condition. She is currently advancing her education through her Masters of Fine Arts in Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently in her eighth year of teaching, she combines her love for photography and her passion for furthering the new creative class through her work as the high school photography educator and National Art Honor Society advisor at University Prep Art and Design High School. With a focus on culturally responsive education, Ms. Mags pushes her students to think both technically and creatively as artists with a heavy emphasis on promoting their own personal voice.
Website
Mara Magyarosi-Laytner is an artist, educator, and alternative process photography enthusiast. A graduate of the College for Creative Studies Photography and Art Education departments in 2012, her work typically explores the impact that anxiety disorders have on the human condition. She is currently advancing her education through her Masters of Fine Arts in Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently in her eighth year of teaching, she combines her love for photography and her passion for furthering the new creative class through her work as the high school photography educator and National Art Honor Society advisor at University Prep Art and Design High School. With a focus on culturally responsive education, Ms. Mags pushes her students to think both technically and creatively as artists with a heavy emphasis on promoting their own personal voice.
Website