Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Find and develop creative ways to solve artistic and conceptual problems with an increased understanding of the medium using a variety of photographic strategies that demonstrate a sophisticated command of processes, techniques and materials.
• Participate in critical dialog about ideas and issues in photography using appropriate terminology and apply and adjust as ideas evolve.
• Interpret and critically evaluate prints from many cultures to initiate a life-long process of studying the diverse perspectives of the human experience.
• Express connections to personal experience through photography with the awareness of the standards and practices established by both contemporary and historical artists.

Students will engage in studio work during and out of class time to critically engage with the practical studio application of skills, techniques and concepts in addition to lectures and presentations, demonstrations, critiques, group discussions and activities.

• Actively engage in studio work and complete all projects and homework assignments on time.
• Develop personal photographic artwork, that are aesthetically and formally challenging and demonstrate an understanding of photographic ideas and the processes, materials, and techniques.
• Demonstrate sound photographic technique and safe and efficient studio habits and practices in a shared studio environment with respect to open communication, mentoring and collaboration.
• Participate in discussion and critiques. Take an active role and make contributions applying concepts and terms used in the discipline.
• Evaluate both technical approaches and conceptual directions in photographs through comprehensive responses, critique, self reflection, written assignments and peer review.

Themes

• Visual communication
• Photographic image as a tool for expression
• Developing methodologies for composing and producing photographs.
• Explore new directions in photography as well as connections between popular and fine art use of the photographic image and new directions in conceptual use of the medium.

Concepts

• Formal and aesthetic considerations
• Content and meaning
• Consideration of materials, technique and process
• Professional best practices; funding, marketing, academic and career planning
• Introduction to collaboration, mentoring, community and service through Photography.

Issues

• Building independence and autonomy in students critical thinking and problem solving skills relative to photographic practices
• Better understanding of photography as an art practice, the specific possibilities and challenges inherent to the medium and the reasons for their exploration
• Manifest autonomous expression through photography with awareness of the standards and definitions established by both contemporary and historical artists from different cultures.
• Introduction to business practices for working artists: Issues of funding, development, community work and introduction to non profit structures of support
• Better understand the unique position photography has played in history and visual culture; the specific possibilities and considerations related to the making of the photograph in multiple fields and subjects

Skills

Advanced methods and strategies for developing and completing photographic images

• Create personal photographic artwork that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the processes and techniques associated with photography
• Exploration of digital medium as a tool for creativity
• Strategies for generating and evolving ideas

Technical strategies

• Advanced Manipulation of camera controls over focus, exposure and image capture technologies
• Technical evaluation of images, darkroom and digital means of editing and altering photographs
• Printing techniques, choosing appropriate paper, contrast, evaluating tone, archival methods, safety and protocol/work flow.
• Principles of lighting; modifying and working with natural and artificial light as well as flash and studio lighting issues and techniques.

Professional practices

• Artist statements, biographies, curriculum vitae, resumes for college and job applications using best practices as determined by current standards and guidelines
• Finishing the print, presentation and standard gallery hanging techniques and strategies for installation and exhibition as well as preservation.

Critique and self-reflection strategies

• Evaluating prints and images with consideration as a part of a portfolio
• Development of a portfolio of work over the term from idea to final product

Studio Safety

• Best practices for autonomy and safety in a collaborative, shared lab and studio space.