This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
"To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." George Orwell.
"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange.
Lectures: 1 session / week, 1 hour / session
This course explores photography as a disciplined way of seeing, of investigating landscapes and expressing ideas. Readings, observations, and photographs will form the basis of discussions on landscape, light, significant detail, place, poetics, narrative, and how photography can inform design and planning, among other issues.
Students keep a journal of writings and images throughout the semester and develop a portfolio of photographs that express the qualities of a particular place, sequenced as a web of narratives. Each student selects a site for the focus of their work in the course. The place may be anywhere in the Boston region - urban, suburban, or rural; it may be a studio site or place studied in another class. Work is in color slide film or digital format. Images are projected for class discussion and posted in online gallery designed and maintained by each student. The student work from the class can be seen in the projects section.
Students must have a rudimentary understanding of photography and have access to a camera. Although this is not a lab class, the course includes an introduction to digital printing and its potential for adjusting contrast, hue, saturation, and other qualities. Prior experience with Adobe® Photoshop® and web authoring is recommended, but not required. Expenses include the cost of film and processing for at least five rolls of 35mm slide film.
Student work will be evaluated in five ways:
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Class Attendance and Discussions | 20% |
| Weekly Journal | 20% |
| Three In-class Shooting Assignments | 30% |
| Final Photo Essay (Posted in Online Gallery) | 30% |
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