This lower division studio course will explore video as a distinct medium and will encourage an understanding of sound-image relationships. Topics include fundamentals of video editing and production, camera use, sound acquisition, framing, composition, content and context, coverage, sequencing, and linear and non-linear narrative structures. Premiere Pro will be the primary software used in this course. An understanding of video and sound will be gained through lectures on historical and contemporary applications and ideas, hands on exercises, projects, research and writing, visiting artists, discussions of readings as well as film and video screenings.Prerequisites: All Foundation studio courses.
This class explores multiple paths by which to generate, manipulate and interrogate photographic content and pursue the wide array of platforms on which photographic images are experienced (i.e. paper, screen, and object). The expansive definition of a camera will be investigated through the use of iPhones, scanners, video cameras, photograms, and digital negatives as tools for creating photographic images. Skills taught will include digital SLR manual camera functions, an introduction to darkroom processes, and basic Adobe Lightroom workflow. Assignments, lectures and readings will provide a comprehensive overview of the photographic image in the media and art world and will challenge students to interrogate photography as they know it.
This studio course examines every step of the photographic workflow, encouraging students to align formal choices related to composition, exposure, editing and presentation with their conceptual intent. Using both digital SLR and medium format film cameras, students will scan film and import RAW files, using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop as processing tools. Technical instruction will focus on manual camera functions, shooting with available light, simple modifiers and fill flash, custom white balancing, retouching, post-production digital manipulations, and large format inkjet printing. Conceptual development will be emphasized and students will practice articulating ideas verbally and visually, creating coherent bodies of work based on assignments. Through readings and lectures, students will be exposed to contemporary photographic practices and theories.
Studio Lighting Essentials teaches lighting techniques both in and out of the studio that can be applied to the practices of students working in various mediums from photography to animation to video. Students will learn to work with continuous tungsten lights as well as off camera strobe speed lights in a variety of situations using modifiers and grip equipment. Understanding light on form, shadows and lighting ratios are concepts that will be covered, as well as color management and digital workflow using digital SLR cameras. Assignments, readings and lectures will expose students to contemporary and historic photographic lighting techniques in both fine art and commercial contexts.
This class allows students the opportunity to explore a specific application of the photographic medium and participate in rich dialogue around historic and contemporary approaches. Topics for investigation are offered on rotation and include: ~Alternative Processes: Introduces students to a variety of alternative photographic processes as a means to artistic expression with a focus on contemporary concerns. Students will experiment with antique photo processes as well as newer imaging technologies, interfacing the traditional with digital advances. ~Analog Practices: A darkroom based class focused on analog black and white photography in which students will learn film exposure, camera functions, darkroom processes, and the use of natural and available light. ~Fashion Photography: Explores themes of fashion photography in contemporary artistic as well as commercial contexts. Skills taught include considerations of concept, pre-production, set design, styling, lighting, post production, model contracts, and other professional practice elements of the industry.~Product Photography: Explores language and aesthetics of advertising photography and its dialogue with fine art photography. Skills taught include concept, set design, lighting strategies, capture and post production, client contracts, and other professional practice elements of the industry.~Documentary Photography: Investigates the history of documentary photography while working with assignments that push students to ask questions of ethics, practice and aesthetics in their own work.
This class is for students who want to take black and white darkroom aesthetics to the next level. The class will consist of two different tracks (students can choose one path or navigate between the two). One, a more traditional path, of gaining skills in intermediate/advanced black and white printing techniques: negative quality and controls, fiber based printing, creating a fine-art print for exhibition, toning and final presentation. The second path is for those who want to experiment with non-traditional approaches in the darkroom; using the materials of the darkroom but in non-traditional, disruptive ways. Class time will consist of: weekly readings on historical and contemporary issues in art, critiques, individual meetings, lectures and darkroom work sessions.
In this course students work on a term-long project using the 4x5 view camera. One on one meetings with the instructor and in-progress critiques will give students feedback on their work throughout the term. Weekly readings and class discussions will cover photographic criticism and theory from the 1920's to today.
This course investigates contemporary photographic ways of seeing and creating, exploring work that expands beyond the boundaries of the photographic print. This class is about experimentation and students are expected to take risks, producing work that challenges their normal mode of art-making. There is an emphasis on critical theory and students are urged to make connections between their studio practice and critical literary knowledge. Weekly readings and discussions will inform the work and aid students in placing their work in a historical context.
As a continuation of PH273 Lighting Essentials, this course will focus on the manipulation and control of photographic lighting to align with conceptual intent. Students will work with strobe light kits and a wide range of modifiers and grip equipment both in and out of the studio. They will practice mixing available light, tungsten and flash in complex lighting scenarios while using both digital and medium format film cameras. Professional practice will be taught through consideration of scenarios that involve working with clients, drawing up contracts and collaborating in groups. Assignments, readings and lectures will expose students to contemporary and historic photographic lighting techniques in both fine art and commercial contexts.
As a continuation of PH272 Concept / Capture / Print I, this course will focus on aligning formal choices in capture, post-production and print processes with conceptual intent. An advanced investigation of digital capture, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, color management and digital workflow will be pursued as we examine the whats and whys of industry standards and learn a wide range of professional approaches to post-production editing. Through written project proposals, readings, and lectures students will be encouraged to develop their practice in relation to contemporary issues in fine art photography. Professional practice is integrated into the class through field trips to photography studios, discussion of marketing strategies and a final project that centers around the presentation of a body of work in book format.
Special topics courses are approved to take advantage of timely subjects, the expertise of a faculty member, or to test student interest in a topic which may later be added to the curriculum.
Willamette University