A Photo Teacher |

Danny Lyon, Bruce Gilden, John Szarkowski, Dorothea Lange and Cindy Sherman (clockwise from top left)

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PHOT 252 – Photography IV examines the practice and process of becoming an active and working photographer with a heightened understanding of personal vision, aesthetic sensibility and refinement of technical skills. As one’s personal practice of photography continues to become more engaged and begins to evolve with a greater sense of maturity, it becomes necessary for the photographer to further develop insight into who they are as a photographer and their working process. We’ll discuss the working process of photographers within the contexts of various genres of photography, including art, documentary, portraiture, fashion and advertising. Perspectives into the photographic creative process will be examined, including personal vision and content, creative possibilities and choosing directions, sustaining an engaged practice with photography, business and marketing considerations as well as dealing with artisic growth.

Catalog Description

An advanced course to further develop and refine the techniques necessary to support serious photographic communication will be the primary objective of this final course within the major. Skillful control of modern technological options and clear understanding of historical and contemporary issues within the medium will be applied with a high degree of critical analysis in the production and interpretation of the student’s photographs. A final portfolio will be produced describing the depth and scope of the student’s interest, craft ability and vision.

Prerequisite: “C” or “CR” grade or higher in PHOT 152 – Photography III or equivalent

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A sample of projects and activities students will have the opportunity to explore include:

From Concept to Portfolio

© William Eggleston, Los Alamos, 2002, portfolio of 75 dye transfer prints in an edition of 7 published by Eggleston Artistic Trust

During the course of the semester, students will have the opportunity to conceptualize, develop and execute a final photographic print portfolio (minimum 20 photographs). Initially, students will present work previously made so as to identify potential interests, ideas and conceptual possibilities for further photographic exploration. Once a concept has been identified, students will focus their attention on developing a working process that is viable and conducive to exploring their idea with sustained interest and engagement. Particular attention will be given to refining a photographic vision that best articulates these ideas, including how content is approached, as well as considerations of tools and materials. The finished print portfolio will be completed in such a manner to reflect the student’s photographic vision and sense of professionalism.

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Presentation Projects | Who Are You? and Creating A Space

In conjunction with conceptualizing and producing a photographic portfolio, students will have the opportunity to conceive and develop self-promotion | marketing materials and presentation strategies.

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Various promotional materials and installation view of exhibition, Field Work – Documenting California’s Migrant Farm Labor Experience, 1935 to 2003, at the San Diego State University Art Gallery, 2007

Conceive and construct a scaled-model of an exhibition space in preparation of how a photography exhibition is developed, including the preparation of an announcement card, and a mock-up installation of images.

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On Being A Photographer

Throughout the semester, students will participate in discussions on various aspects of photography, on being a photographer as well as critical issues in photography from both historical and contemporary contexts. Discussions may include the following:

• Finding Your Subject – what are your interests, curiosities and ideas in which you would like to explore through photography, and what do you want to visually say
• Identifying Your Vision – what are your conceptual concerns and how do you approach your subject in consideration of your aesthetic sensibilities and use of tools and materials
• Knowing Your History – which photographers have worked in a similar manner and how do you deal with this influence
• Sustaining Photographic Practice – what direction(s) would you like to see your photography go (art, documentary, portraiture, fashion and/or advertising) and what steps are necessary to develop and maintain your photographic work
• Marketing Considerations – what opportunities exist within the various genres of photography, identifying potential audiences/markets and what to consider when introducing your work
• Business Practices – understanding business and legal aspects of photography, including copyright and reproduction rights
• The Next Step – where do you see yourself going next (continued education, career, and/or personal interest)

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Many of the discussions will be based on various readings from the course website, handouts and/or books, including the required text, Image Makers, Image Takers, which is available from Amazon or photo-eye. Students will be asked to complete written responses for some of the discussions.

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Click on the Adobe Acrobat PDF file to download the course syllabus: 

Click on the Adobe Acrobat PDF file to download the course calendar: