Introduction to Photography

This course is a general introduction to the fundamentals of photographic practice and theory. In this course, students acquire the core studio skills essential to any creative photographic practice. Through hands-on assignments, in-class exercises, and regular group critiques, students gain a functional competence in essential photographic practices, principles, and processes, color theory, and its applications, as well as essential hand skills. Structured progressively, the Freshman Seminar familiarizes students with the wide-ranging world of photography through a thematic approach of the medium (documentary, photojournalism, street photography, editorial, fashion, portraiture, still life, photo 2.0 as well as abstract and landscape photography).

Every two weeks, a new theme is introduced, and students will explore related visual and theoretical issues through research, texts, shooting & writing assignments, in-class presentations, films, etc. Every other week, a portion of the class is dedicated to visiting Parisian museums and galleries showing photography, further contextualizing the investigation of a given theme. Additionally, a short assignment explores each new theme in either a historical or current context. This is an assignment-based class that requires a serious time commitment. Emphasis is placed on photographic experimentation, exploration, and the synthesis of skills and knowledge. Through in class critiques, students learn the appropriate vocabulary to talk about photography and are also encouraged to develop a personal photographic style and language. Students will learn to make photographs rather than take photographs.