ClassInfo

We will take photography beyond the basics, approaching it as a means of expression, investigation, critical inquiry and interaction. This is an art class, not just a technology class. The emphasis is on finding your personal voice and direction as a photographic artist. Students should come to this class with a working knowledge of the basics of camera operation and photographic principles, from technical to aesthetic and conceptual. There may be overlap with the technical content of ARTS Photography1701, especially at the beginning of the term. (We will evaluate your prior digital photography and Photoshop experience and continue as appropriate). We will learn and use advanced digital tools and workflow in the service of your own creative exploration. The class will foster development of critical thinking and vocabulary relating to photography in the context of contemporary and historic image making. We will examine the changing role of digital image production and distribution in society. During the reality of Covid, how can the camera be both a tool for you and a support to you? Though this is an online class, it will provide many opportunities and prompts to engage with both your own physical surroundings and the larger world during this moment in time. Smart phone cameras, videos, social media and mass dissemination of images have changed the time and people's everyday lives. These media have highlighted long-standing systems of violence and affected social movements. These tools are forefront during a time of social distancing and a pandemic. We will engage with these topics. We will consider our own image making in the context of current events, photographic history, and the universe of imagery in which we live. Projects will be completed with manually controlled advanced digital cameras, cell phone cameras, found images (print, negatives and / or digital), and more.

This online course meetings will be semi-synchronous, meaning a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. For the first day of class, I will hold an optional in person face-to-face class. This is fully optional and we will stream this online.

Students who have taken ARTS Photography 1701 or the equivalent. Additionally during Covid, students who need or want the flexibility of online learning. Students who are looking to find ways to engage more fully in this current moment and also in their own physical surroundings should take this class. This class meets online, but its projects and exercises offer opportunities for students to engage fully in their surroundings and larger world during this time of social distancing.

Class activities will consist of lectures, demonstrations, exercises, virtual visiting artist lectures, and field trips into your own neighborhood. This is an online class that will provide many opportunities and prompts with the goal of getting you to engage with your own surroundings and the larger world during this moment in time. The core of this class is a series of photographic assignments and exercises, culminating in an extended final project on a subject of your choice. While some assignments will have a technical basis, all work should be approached in the service of creative expression, critical thought and exploration. Students' work will be constructively discussed in class in online-small group critique sessions and one-to-one feedback with the professor.

We will begin with a review of the basics of digital camera operation and workflow and Photoshop. We will move on to more advanced Photoshop skills such as refined selections and compositing, and fine-tuning color and tonality using curves and levels. We will produce both print and screen-based projects. Special emphasis will be made on fine print making. Our class will invariably have a range of prior technical experience. There are many ways to use Photoshop, and even many ways to complete the same action(s). Students will also share their specific expertise through presentations, research and teamwork. Here, we are a community of learners. Will teach and learn from each other.

Class readings and discussions will address digital photography issues such as: dissemination, authorship, democracy, and impact. You will become conversant in the practices of photography, and will develop thoughtful ways to read your own and others' photographs. For this, the written assignments consist of research projects and presentations, reading responses, field trips in your own neighborhood and virtual class visitors.

This online course meetings will be semi-synchronous, meaning a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. For the first day of class, I will hold an optional face-to-face class meeting. This is fully optional and we will stream this online.

70% photo assignments

15% written work & in-class presentations

15% class participation

30% Lecture
20% Discussion
50% Laboratory