ARTS1701: Introduction to Photography

Want to take photography to the next level beyond the phone in your pocket? Photography is a way to understand and explore the world and your own inner life. This class incorporates both digital and analog (black and white darkroom) technologies. It will emphasize a balance of technical skills, exploration of personal vision, and development of critical thinking and vocabulary relating to photography. Your own image making will be considered in the context of photographic history, visual literacy, and the universe of imagery in which we live. Half of the semester will be devoted to B&W film and darkroom, and half to digital cameras and processes. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital and film camera operation and will be introduced to digital imaging software and printing. We will cover refined digital capture, image adjustment/manipulation and inkjet printing methods. Class activities will consist of lectures and demonstrations, individual and group exercises, project assignments, lab time, field trips and student presentations. Students’ work will be constructively discussed in class and small group critique sessions.35mm film cameras will be provided. The class requires students to have their own digital camera (a limited number of cameras are available for students unable to provide their own). Students who have no prior experience with serious photography, as well as those who are already avid photographers, are both welcome. The class serves as a prerequisite for all 3000 level photography classes.

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