Introduction to Photography

Catalog description

Introductory course that examines the nature of photography and visual literacy through the personal exploration and making of photographic images with various image-making and various image-processing approaches, including the use of digital cameras, imaging software for photography and an analog (film) darkroom. The primary focus of the course will be to engage in photographic practice as a means to respond subjectively as well as objectively to the conceptual and aesthetic experiences of the photographic image as a visual document of creative expression and communication. Historical and contemporary photographic works from diverse perspectives and approaches within the contexts of the family album, art photography, commercial / advertising photography, photography and media, and cyberspace will be examined and critically discussed to further cultivate and refine each students' visual literacy of the photographic image in society and culture. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and digital SLR's can be used. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-3)