PHO 333: Creative Exploration

Students in this course can expect to learn to:

• Explore and research a variety of creative image-making and photo related techniques such as employing technology, digital compositing, alternative photographic processes, innovative photo setups, mixed media, collage, and/or other approaches to creating unique and compelling images.
• Research and examine the work of recognized photographers/artists who employ mixed media strategies to produce their professional and artistic work.
• Experiment with and expand your ability to manipulate, fabricate, and conceptualize images through innovative uses of technology, alternative photographic processes, innovative photo setups, mixed media, collage, digital compositing and/or other approaches to creating unique and compelling images.
• Examine, gather, analyze, synthesize, and professionally present research and creative work in alignment with the course content, assignment criteria, and presentation guidelines.
• Actively participate in class discussions/meetings, constructively assess the work of your peers, and enhance your creative work based upon feedback.
• Effectively generate, clearly convey, and support ideas by employing critical thinking, communication, and writing skills while considering divergent perspectives, cultural framing, historical context, research, and ethical concerns when providing critiques of peers’ work and participating in presentation sessions.
• When applicable, demonstrate effective and efficient use of your camera and create photographs with careful consideration of lighting, color, exposure, composition, art/design principles, and point of view in alignment with the course content and assignment criteria.
• If in alignment with your concept(s), plan, stage, and execute photo shoots by adapting for a variety of settings and lighting situations (studio and on-location). Reshoot when necessary or recommended.
• Where applicable, apply and demonstrate technically proficient retouching, careful consideration of contrast, cropping, exposure, and color correction techniques to improve or enhance photographic images to a professional level utilizing appropriate software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

• Computer with Internet connection.
• Digital camera required, adjustable ISO and adjustable white balance features recommended.
• Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, or equivalent program.
• Basic experience in the software package needed for this course.
• Art supplies as needed, depending on selection of projects.