Class Calendar Length
Year Long
Grade Levels
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites
None
Seats Available
15
Class Schedule
Mon through Fri, 10:28 to 11:13 am
Course Summary
In this dynamic, hands-on course, students will bridge the gap between creative artistry and professional technology by mastering digital photography and some basics of graphic design. Utilizing industry-standard tools like Photoshop and Pixlr, participants will explore essential camera mechanics—including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—to capture professional-grade imagery. Beyond technical skills, the course emphasizes media literacy and the exploration of anti-racist and anti-bias perspectives within the arts. Students will collaborate to solve creative problems, culminating in the creation of a professional digital portfolio that showcases their unique visual voice.
Key Outcomes
- Demonstrate technical mastery of digital photography and editing software.
- Apply principles of graphic design to create impactful social and artistic media.
- Curate and publish a professional-grade digital portfolio of original work.
Mass. State Standards
- A.MA.R.07–09: Media Arts (Analyzing and interpreting artistic work for bias)
- 9-12.CAS.c.6–8: Computing and Society (Digital presence and media messages)
- 9-12.DTC.a–c: Digital Tools & Collaboration (Artifact design and expert collaboration)
- 9-12.CAS.a–b: Safety & Ethics (Safe online practices and computer laws)
About the Instructor
Jesse Merrick is a veteran Art and Technology educator at Frontier Regional High School, where he has spent over 20 years teaching photography, video production, and digital media. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education from MCLA with a specialized focus on Technology and Photography, as well as degrees in Film and Digital Media Production from UMass Amherst and MassArt. In addition to his Technology Teaching License, Jesse has two History Licenses which have helped him incorporate Social Studies into his Art instruction. Jesse’s extensive background includes supporting students at Amherst and Hampshire Colleges, and his teaching is deeply rooted in media literacy and anti-bias education. An active professional photographer with work featured in multiple galleries, Jesse is passionate about helping students master technical camera mechanics while developing a critical lens for modern media. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, biking, exploring street photography and spending time with his friends & family.