Photography: Truth & Privilege

Catalog description

In this studio course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of digital photography through the study of contemporary artists from marginalized communities. Contemporary methods of portrait photography will be explored through three assignments covering candid portraits, self-portraiture, studio portraits, staged portraits, still-life and memory. The course will include readings and research around the impact of images on race and history, the ethics of seeing, racial bias and photography, photography and privilege and students will learn about how artists who are from oppressed communities make photographs as a way to address issues of race, class, gender and sexuality. Photography techniques taught will include using a DSLR in manual, lighting techniques in and out of the studio and digitally developing and printing photographs. Image presentations, group discussions and class critiques will complement the studio projects.