Since the birth of photography in Paris in 1839, the French capital has played a pivotal role in nurturing this modern art form. In addition to the classic works of Atget, Brassai, Doisneau, and Cartier-Bresson, the works of Robert Capa, and William Klein come to mind in the context of photography and Paris. The works of these photographers are studied in reference to Paris. In addition, the documentary styles of Robert Franck, Walker Evans, Gary Winogrand and a contemporary generation including Sophie Calle, Gregory Crewdson, Joel Sternfeld, and Andreas Gursky are also explored.
Within this broad aesthetic context, students develop their personal vision using traditional, alternative and contemporary photographic techniques including 35mm, 6×6, 4×5, pinhole and digital. Studio work is evaluated through individual and group critiques. The collections of the Bibliothèque Nationale, the Musée Carnavalet, the Centre National de la Photographie, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the Musée d’Orsay and the Centre Pompidou, as well as those of local working photographers, serve to illustrate the rich span of photographic history.
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This year-long freshman seminar is a general introduction to the fundamentals of photographic practice and theory and will familiarize students with the broad range of the field of photography: Documentary, Fine Arts, Fashion, Photojournalism, Documentary, etc. It will include critiques, lectures, seminal texts and the development of a body of work. Students will begin to seek a photographic vocabulary of their own.
3 credits per semester
This is the first part of a year-long course introducing students to both camera handling and basic black-and-white darkroom techniques. The course will cover camera operation, principles of exposure, film development, printing, and picture content. The majority of class time is devoted to working in the darkroom and building printing techniques.
3 credits (Fall only)
Part two of a year-long course that will further deepen students understanding of Black & White darkroom and printing techniques. The majority of class time is devoted to working
in the darkroom, improving printing techniques and building a body of work. In addition to the lab sessions, weekly shooting assignments, lectures, and readings will further augment
the course.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 (or equivalent)
3 credits (Spring only)
This course presents the fundamentals of drawing with emphasis on narrative and conceptual experimentation. Drawing becomes a point of departure for spatial and compositional research and for exploration of ideas. The emphasis is placed on integrating classic drawing principles with sequential narration. The course will meet bi-weekly for five hours per class.
2 credits per semester
This year-long, progressive course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital technologies through Adobe InDesign�, Photoshop� , and Illustrator�. Aspiring photographers will learn essential tools for effective digital photo manipulation, as well as basic design and layout skills necessary for a creative practice. The course aims to build skills and familiarity with essential software applications, while exploring the different perspectives Art Directors, photo editors and other image professionals have on photography.
3 credits per semester
This seminar builds on the Freshman Seminar and further deepens an understanding of photographic practice and theory. Students will continue to develop a strong body of work informed by critical readings and discussions. An essential aspect of the seminar is the deepening of visual sensibilities and the discovery of new ways of seeing. Students will work on multiple projects throughout the semester and produce and present a cohesive body of work at the end of the term.
3 credits per semester
Students are introduced to basic photography using color materials. Through a year-long study, they learn to master camera controls and film exposure in the format of their choice. Ambient and artificial lighting as well as their impact on various emulsions are examined with an eye towards producing high quality digital color prints, color C-prints and transparencies. Emphasis will be on developing a personal approach and vision using color materials. Exposure to historical antecedents, contemporary readings and criticism are integrated into the course.
3 credits per semester
This year-long course introduces students to the creative and technical possibilities of digital photography. Through demonstrations and hands-on sessions, students learn the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop to produce effective digital photographs. Students are taken through all the basic processes encountered in digital workflow, from basic scanning and retouching, image enhancement, and printing fundamentals, to RAW file processing and photographic post-production methods.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2 (or equivalent), Introduction to Digital Photography (or equivalent), Digital Skills & Composition (or equivalent)
3 credits per semester
This is the first part of a year-long course introducing students to the fundamentals of studio lighting and providing an overview with an emphasis on practical applications for portraiture and still-life photography. In-class demonstrations cover the use of strobes, tungsten lights and electronic flash equipment, as well as diffusing light with reflectors, soft boxes, beauty dishes, umbrellas, etc. Students learn to consider the direction of light, proper exposure, metering, the effect light has on contrast and color balance as well as using this knowledge to enhance expressive and emotional characteristics in their work. Topics include the properties of various light and film combinations.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2 or Introduction to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits (Fall only)
Part two of a year-long course will expose students to a broad range of lighting situations, whether in the studio or on-location. Students learn how to create a natural look with strobes, work under low light or mixed light conditions, and will become familiar with on-camera strobe, multi-strobe setups, mixing strobe with artificial light, as well as color corrections using gels, filters, etc. Through hands-on practice and assignments, students familiarize themselves with the use of lighting equipment and accessories; through presentations and discussions of current exhibitions, students further explore the direction and quality of light and its function in a photograph.
PREREQUISITE: Lighting Seminar 1
2 credits (Spring only)
This is a year-long course building on the Freshman and Sophomore Seminars, serving as a critical and technical exploration of the language and theory of photography. Students will further develop their individual photographic statements while placing their work within conceptual and historical contexts. Students will work on only one project throughout the second semester, culminating in a body of work which will be presented at the end-of-the-term show.
3 credits per semester
This is a semester-long critical studio course. The course will be solely dedicated to the exploration of the contemporary photographic scene in this vibrant city. Gallery and museum visits, guest lectures, studio visits, etc. will be an integral part of this course as well as the development of a cohesive body of work inspired by the city and/or its photographers.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2 (or equivalent) and Intro to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
3 credits (Spring only)
Digital Imaging and Multimedia
(See Communication Design)
3 credits (Fall only)
This is the first part of a year-long course dedicated to refining printing skills. Students are introduced to advanced B/W printing techniques in the digital and analog darkroom. The focus will be on developing an eye to recognize the subtleties in b/w prints, and on creating a body of large size museum quality photographs.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2
2 credits (Fall only)
Part two of a year-long course that will further deepen students' understanding of color printing techniques. The majority of class time is devoted to working in the color darkroom, improving printing techniques and building a cohesive body of work. Light and its impact on various emulsions as well as shooting under ambient, artificial and mixed light, will be explored. The course will encourage students to develop a personal approach and vision. Emphasis is placed on creating a body of museum quality color prints.
PREREQUISITE: Advanced Printing Techniques 1 and Color Photography 1 & 2
2 credits (Spring only)
Under the Internship program, students can work in the studio of a professional photographer or artist, or in the photography department of a magazine or museum under the supervision of established photography professionals. The student is responsible for finding his/her own internship with the support of the department. Alternatively, students may take a photography elective of their choice.
2 credit (Spring only)
This year-long seminar continues to build on the previous Junior Seminar. Part one of this course is dedicated to help the student identify a subject that will be developed into a senior thesis project, while continuing to challenge the students' critical and technical exploration of the medium. Part two of the seminar is dedicated to producing a body of photographic work, a written thesis component contextualizing the images, and culminates in a gallery exhibit. The final thesis project/exhibition will be reviewed and evaluated by a jury consisting of faculty members and guest critics from the Parisian photographic community.
3 credits per semester
Business practices for creative professionals are the subject matter of this class.
This year-long course will cover a broad range of essential business practices such as: building relationships with galleries, museums, agencies, magazines, contract negotiations, grant applications including resume and artist statement, copyright issues and reproduction rights, release forms, etc. Guest lecturers are an integral part of this course.
3 credits (Spring only)
Senior Studio (Professional Identity 1 & 2)
This year-long cross-departmental course focuses on the individual needs of each student as they prepare to enter professional life. Students will work collaboratively with designers and illustrators on a variety of assignments that will push their thinking and skills to new levels. The course will be taught by a variety of instructors ranging from image professionals to art directors, editors, illustrators, etc. The spring semester is either devoted to an industry-sponsored project in the student's chosen field, or intensive five week workshops leading to a stronger portfolio and enhanced job opportunities.
3 credits per semester
ELECTIVES
Introduction to Digital Photography
The emphasis in this fundamental course is the ability to create technically good photographs through proper camera handling and the effective use of simple lighting techniques. Open to all students, this course provides the essential knowledge necessary for any professional image maker, artist or designer in today's image driven world. Starting with an in-depth understanding of how to maximize the functions of a digital SLR camera, students will be introduced to basic lighting techniques (on-camera and off-camera) in order to maximize the quality of their images. In addition, a component of the course will focus on digital workflow, archiving, retouching and professional output (printing). Through numerous in-class shoots, students will gain first hand experience in producing high-quality images for various purposes such as print or digital portfolios, websites, documentation, promotional material, etc.
PREREQUISITE: None
2 credits (Fall & Spring)
Photojournalism & Documentary
This course introduces students to the history and practice of photojournalism and documentary photography, its tools, techniques and applications in the print and news media. The first part of the course will provide a brief historical overview and then focus on issues of content, editorial processes, sequencing, production and presentation. The second part of the course will engage students in critical discussions surrounding photography and objectivity but also address political, social and ethical implications such as voyeurism, victimization, exploitation, etc. Students are expected to create photographic narratives that reflect a critical awareness and an understanding of contemporary approaches and strategies.
PREREQUISITE: Intro to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits (Fall only)
Video 1 & 2
This year-long progressive introductory class focuses on the basics of video methodology. Basic conceptual elements such as scenario, storyboarding, camera, shooting, lighting, sound, and video editing will be taught and applied in short technical exercises that will guide students in the creation of a final collaborative video project. The first semester will terminate with the creation of a short fictional video. The second semester focuses on documentary video through an application of documentary principles, methods and styles.
PREREQUISITE: Foundation/Photography first-year core studios, Intor to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits
Contemporary Portraiture
The Contemporary Portraiture class focuses on two areas: the history of portrait photography from the 19th century to the present, and an in-depth study of contemporary photographers through their philosophies and lighting techniques. Students put these lighting techniques into practice in a series of exercises that culminate in a final project consisting of 10-15 portraits.
PREREQUISITE: Sophomore core studios
2 credits (Fall only)
Fashion Photography
This course looks at contemporary fashion and its expression via the medium of still photography. Through an in-depth study of the work of well-known Fashion photographers, students will examine the broad range of radical and avant-garde ways Fashion has been represented and still continues to function today. Particular attention will be paid to the critical role models, timing, lighting, decor, hair, makeup, etc. play in the construction of images using creative experimentation and artifice. In class guest lecturers, make-up artist, stylist, etc. will be an integral part of this course.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2, Color Photography 1 & 2,
Intro to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits (Spring only)
Early Forms of Photography
Students will learn about the beginnings of photography and experiment with the earliest forms of image-making (photograms, cyanotypes, pinhole cameras, etc.).Through various assignments and weekly lab sessions, students will explore alternative ways of image making and develop an understanding of how these 'primitive methods' can open up an array of new creative possibilities.
2 credits (Spring only)
This year-long cross-departmental course focuses on the individual needs of each student as they prepare to enter professional life. Students will work collaboratively with designers and illustrators on a variety of assignments that will push their thinking and skills to new levels. The course will be taught by a variety of instructors ranging from image professionals to art directors, editors, illustrators, etc. The spring semester is either devoted to an industry-sponsored project in the student's chosen field, or intensive five week workshops leading to a stronger portfolio and enhanced job opportunities.
3 credits per semester
The emphasis in this fundamental course is the ability to create technically good photographs through proper camera handling and the effective use of simple lighting techniques. Open to all students, this course provides the essential knowledge necessary for any professional image maker, artist or designer in today's image driven world. Starting with an in-depth understanding of how to maximize the functions of a digital SLR camera, students will be introduced to basic lighting techniques (on-camera and off-camera) in order to maximize the quality of their images. In addition, a component of the course will focus on digital workflow, archiving, retouching and professional output (printing). Through numerous in-class shoots, students will gain first hand experience in producing high-quality images for various purposes such as print or digital portfolios, websites, documentation, promotional material, etc.
PREREQUISITE: None
2 credits (Fall & Spring)
This course introduces students to the history and practice of photojournalism and documentary photography, its tools, techniques and applications in the print and news media. The first part of the course will provide a brief historical overview and then focus on issues of content, editorial processes, sequencing, production and presentation. The second part of the course will engage students in critical discussions surrounding photography and objectivity but also address political, social and ethical implications such as voyeurism, victimization, exploitation, etc. Students are expected to create photographic narratives that reflect a critical awareness and an understanding of contemporary approaches and strategies.
PREREQUISITE: Intro to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits (Fall only)
This year-long progressive introductory class focuses on the basics of video methodology. Basic conceptual elements such as scenario, storyboarding, camera, shooting, lighting, sound, and video editing will be taught and applied in short technical exercises that will guide students in the creation of a final collaborative video project. The first semester will terminate with the creation of a short fictional video. The second semester focuses on documentary video through an application of documentary principles, methods and styles.
PREREQUISITE: Foundation/Photography first-year core studios, Intor to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits
The Contemporary Portraiture class focuses on two areas: the history of portrait photography from the 19th century to the present, and an in-depth study of contemporary photographers through their philosophies and lighting techniques. Students put these lighting techniques into practice in a series of exercises that culminate in a final project consisting of 10-15 portraits.
PREREQUISITE: Sophomore core studios
2 credits (Fall only)
This course looks at contemporary fashion and its expression via the medium of still photography. Through an in-depth study of the work of well-known Fashion photographers, students will examine the broad range of radical and avant-garde ways Fashion has been represented and still continues to function today. Particular attention will be paid to the critical role models, timing, lighting, decor, hair, makeup, etc. play in the construction of images using creative experimentation and artifice. In class guest lecturers, make-up artist, stylist, etc. will be an integral part of this course.
PREREQUISITE: Black & White Photography 1 & 2, Color Photography 1 & 2, Intro to Digital Photography (or equivalent)
2 credits (Spring only)
Students will learn about the beginnings of photography and experiment with the earliest forms of image-making (photograms, cyanotypes, pinhole cameras, etc.).Through various assignments and weekly lab sessions, students will explore alternative ways of image making and develop an understanding of how these 'primitive methods' can open up an array of new creative possibilities.
2 credits (Spring only)
