Photography Courses
With emphasis on artistic development coupled with critical thinking, historical analysis, and communication skills, Photography Department prepares students to become effective media artists and professionals. Development of a personal creative identity begins with a highly structured sophomore curriculum. Graduates are expected to demonstrate excellence in artistic vision and professional skills, innovation, and a contextual understanding of their work in contemporary culture.
The program emphasizes an awareness of fine arts traditions as well as the professional disciplines of the contemporary media artist. Students work in documentary, experimental and in narrative. The department promotes critical thinking and independence across the spectrum of media making.
PHOT-101
Photography I
This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of black-and-white photography. The basic technical skills cover the operation of the small camera, exposing and developing film, making contact prints, enlarging, and finishing of black-and-white photographs. In addition to class critiques, slide presentations acquaint the student with the photographers who have shaped the medium. Field trips are taken to gallery and museum shows.
PHOT-102
Photography II
This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of black-and-white photography. The basic technical skills cover the operation of the small camera, exposing and developing film, making contact prints, enlarging and finishing of black-and-white photographs. In addition to class critiques, slide presentations acquaint the student with the photographers who have shaped the medium. Field trips are taken to gallery and museum shows.
FILM-109
Video I
Enables the art student to produce her/his own work in video, through the learning of basic production and post-production skills, and to develop critical skills in looking at video. The course consists of instruction, video screenings and discussion, and group critiques. It focuses on the production of short video works, with an equal emphasis on concept, content and equipment use. Experimentation is encouraged in all areas.
FILM-141
Film I
This class focuses on the use and operation of the filmmaker's tools and their relationship to different uses and styles in filmmaking. Students work with exercises in the use of Super-8 silent and sound cameras and editing equipment. Lens and optics, light meters, stocks and processing are studied. The class consists of assignments, exercises done outside of class and a final, individual film.
PHOT-201
Photography III
This is a course for students with a basic background in small camera operation and darkroom procedures, with a greater emphasis on the photograph both as a fine print and as an interrelated trace of the students' interests and perceptions. Class time includes discussions, slide shows, and field trips to current local photography exhibitions.
PHOT-265
Photography: Color I
In this course, students are introduced to color photography, including additive and subtractive color, the Kelvin scale, and color negative developing and printing. Aesthetic possibilities in color photography are reviewed in slide presentations. Students learn automatic processes. Color darkrooms with appropriate chemicals and equipment are available for student use outside of scheduled class time.
PHOT-250
Photography: Digital I
Students learn about the scanning of slides and prints and manipulation through dodging, burning, color correction, retouching and printing.
HA-337
Photography I: 1839 to WWII
Integrates the history of photography with a study of its aesthetics and criticism and covers technical and conceptual developments in photography from its inception in 1839 to World War II. Consideration of the cultural context is integral to this course, especially major art movements and their influence on photography. It is recommended that students complete HA-115, HA-116, HA-215 and HA-216 prior to taking this course.
PHOT-320
Photography: Studio I
A lecture-demonstration course for the serious photographer who has a firm grasp of basic black-and-white photographic and darkroom skills. It includes all aspects of artificial light photography, including the use of tungsten and electronic flash illumination for portraiture, still life, and interior photography. It is designed for students who want to learn specific studio lighting techniques. Electronic flash meters, Polaroid film, and medium format are also covered.
PHOT-266
Photography: Color II
The emphasis in the second semester of color photography is on developing a personal color portfolio. Students are expected to visit New York galleries and study photographic publications to be familiar with current trends in this medium. Students use automatic processing equipment. Color darkrooms with appropriate chemicals and equipment are available for student use outside of scheduled class time.
HA-338
Photography II: 1946 to present
Integrates the history of photography with a study of its aesthetics and criticism from World War II to the Pop Era and beyond through the 1980s. Consideration of the cultural context is integral to this course, especially major art movements and their influence on photography. Course requirements include weekly written assignments and structured class participation to hone critical skills in addition to exams. It is recommended that students complete HA-115, HA-116, HA-215 and HA-216 prior to taking this course.
PHOT-303
Photography: B/W printing
This class covers advanced black-and-white printing and characteristics and performance of photographic lenses. Students review photo papers, chemistry, printing methods and archival printmaking techniques. Photo lens studies include color correction, aperture, focal length, zoom and varifocal lenses.
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Utica, New York 13502
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