The representational capacity of the photograph is its greatest strength, yet it can also present one of the medium’s biggest challenges. Since photographic representation is so frequently concerned with the recording of events and things, images often function simply as illustrative documents. However, the most enduring images are not just about the thing pictured but are, in fact, about larger ideas and concepts. This one-week workshop addresses strategies for content generation with the goal of making both individual pictures and long-term projects that move beyond the illustrative and literal.
Course content emphasizes individual student projects with daily research and shooting assignments. Discussions are based on the examination of a number of historic and contemporary projects that serve as case studies. Topics and issues include: the role of metaphor and symbolic meaning, document versus art, the implications of a technical approach, and effective/appropriate final presentation.
Students should have a well-developed technical foundation and may produce work digitally or with light-sensitive materials.