History of Photography: A Hands-on Approach

Course Description:

This course proposes an examination of photography from its prehistory to the present from a practical point of view.  During class, there will be theoretical lectures, slide shows, demonstrations, and field trips, including visits to photo exhibitions and the MNAF Museum of Photography.  These on-site excursions will address photography’s multiple histories and its different technologies through time. Students in the course will also study a variety of classical techniques including hands-on demonstrations of pinhole cameras, stereo photography, solargraphy, cyanotypes, salt prints and Polaroid transfers. Throughout the course, students will become familiar with images and technologies made by important contributors to the history of photography.  They will additionally learn the vocabulary and issues of photographic theory, practice, and criticism and will be expected to make an active contribution to class discussions and presentations.

All students must have analog SLR and digital cameras which function in manual mode. All materials can be purchased in Florence. The first day of class the professor will accompany students to the photo store in order to purchase any missing materials.