L Koo

This course is for students with a fundamental knowledge of digital photography who want to push themselves technically and conceptually. Students will be asked to challenge photographic cliches and the function of enhanced digital techniques while deepening their understanding of digital workflow, photo manipulation, Adobe Photoshop editing, and digital output. The course starts with projects that explore the possibilities in digital photography, such as collage, montage/compositing, time-lapse, long exposure, and still-to-video, ultimately focusing on the skills necessary to complete individually-driven final projects. Students research photography¿s potential and limitations as a language when looking to historical artists like Moholy-Nagy, Hannah Hoch, and Gordon Matta-Clark, combined with contemporary artists such as Daniel Gordon, Steffi Klenz, and Erin Shirreff. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. Using the city of Chicago as both subject and inspiration, students will explore and respond to its architecture, culture, and visual energy¿an experience made possible only in a city with such a rich photographic legacy.

*NOTE* Previous experience in digital photography, including knowledge of manual camera functions/exposure, digital workflow, photographic vocabulary, and basic Adobe Photoshop editing, is required. Students must provide their own digital SLR camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring a laptop with software for after-studio hours and homework.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot personally meaningful subjects in content and contemporary contexts. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point-and-shoot cameras.

Learn how to properly light your work for the purposes of photo documentation. By studying a variety of lighting scenarios, students learn to make specific choices with regard to existing or ambient light conditions, as well as light augmented by other sources of illumination. Learn the rudiments of metering, mixing light sources, using an electronic flash within existing lighting conditions, and continuous light. Fantastical lighting schemes with strobe systems and hot lights will also be explored. Class time will be spent on demonstrations, individual projects, digital image manipulation, printing, critiques, and lectures. Students must supply their digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point-and-shoot cameras. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Digital Photography or equivalent experience.