Matthew C. Siber

This basic class, required for entry into all other photo classes, introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. This course also introduces seeing, thinking and creating with a critical mind and eye to provide greater understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. While various physical cameras are still in use today the fundamentals of using digital cameras, including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. Eclectic forms of output are explored in order to discover methods of presentation most suited to a particular idea.

'Knowledge of photography is just as important as that of the alphabet. The illiterate of the future will be a person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as the pen.' Laszlo Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946). This course will address the complex and continual shifting nature of photography; what influences our understanding of how a photograph functions while exploring a diverse array of photographic genres and applications.

Assignments will provide technical skills to use cameras, compose images and print digital photographs. Readings, screenings and discussions will provide a framework for critically analyzing the photographs we encounter every day, as well as our own photographs.

Color Concepts introduces complex ideas and processes associated with the various applications of color in photography. Emphasis is on conceptual, theoretical, cultural, and perceptual aspects of color related to both vision and photographic image-making. The class explores all aspects of color photography. It traces the roots of analog three-color photographic processes first theorized in 1855, less than 30 years after the advent of black and white photography, and explores the successes and the limitations of color film (for example, the racial bias of color film.) Lastly, the class examines contemporary color dominant popularity amongst artists since the 1970s, through the context of a color constructed digital future.

Through a variety of exercises and assignments students will develop a keen eye to seeing color in the world and on the screen, use peer discussion and collaboration to advance critique skills, and build aptitude for visual literacy. Technical skills learned, include image capture, color correction, qualities of light, color corrected printing on varying scales and media, digital camera and medium format film camera authorizations, strategies of presentation while expanding on digital skills introduced in PHOTO 1001.

Advanced Post-Production and Fine Arts Printing refines and expands the digital imaging skills learned in previous classes. Emphasis is placed on all stages of production that occur after image acquisition and streamlining digital workflow and mastering advanced editing skills in preparation for creating exhibition-quality prints. Workflow techniques include advanced image correction, color management, and advanced masking methods. Photo manipulation approaches focus on using Photoshop and other photo editing software addons and programs as creative tools for exploring the conceptual applications of retouching, image compositing, color grading, and other post-production methodologies.

This course utilizes a variety of technical assignments designed to build and reinforce digital skill-building. Students will progress through the technical material via structured assignments and the completion of self-conceived creative projects. Readings and discussions address contemporary theoretical issues surrounding digital imaging and the constant shift and development of new capabilities associated with digital output technologies. Since the toolsets related to color science, photographic manipulation and digital asset management software are in constant flux, assignments will also incorporate research methodologies and problem-solving specific to students? workflow and output needs. Students will gain new perspectives on current toolsets, and the skill to evaluate and stay current as toolsets associated with post-production continue to evolve.

Advanced Post-Production and Fine Arts Printing refines and expands the digital imaging skills learned in previous classes. Emphasis is placed on all stages of production that occur after image acquisition and streamlining digital workflow and mastering advanced editing skills in preparation for creating exhibition-quality prints. Workflow techniques include advanced image correction, color management, and advanced masking methods. Photo manipulation approaches focus on using Photoshop and other photo editing software addons and programs as creative tools for exploring the conceptual applications of retouching, image compositing, color grading, and other post-production methodologies.

This course utilizes a variety of technical assignments designed to build and reinforce digital skill-building. Students will progress through the technical material via structured assignments and the completion of self-conceived creative projects. Readings and discussions address contemporary theoretical issues surrounding digital imaging and the constant shift and development of new capabilities associated with digital output technologies. Since the toolsets related to color science, photographic manipulation and digital asset management software are in constant flux, assignments will also incorporate research methodologies and problem-solving specific to students? workflow and output needs. Students will gain new perspectives on current toolsets, and the skill to evaluate and stay current as toolsets associated with post-production continue to evolve.