The course will survey in chronological order the development of photography from the 1930s to the early 20th century, addressing technological developments and their influence on various photographic styles and approaches. The course will refer to prominent photographers in every given period and emphasize their attempts to break free of the existing boundaries of the medium. In addition, we will discuss the influences of social and economic trends on photography and vice versa. We will also practice critical reading of texts.
The course is an introduction to the language of visual art. Its main axis will focus on modes of representation of the human body, addressing the two- and three-dimensional space in their cultural and conceptual context. In addition to theoretical classes, we will be visiting exhibitions.
The course provides a space for study and practice, aiming to get students acquainted with the material and processes of analogical photography, originating in the 19th century. Throughout the year we will learn how to use analogical cameras: 35 mm, medium format and technical 5×4 inch cameras; as well as black-and-white, color and transparency film developing. We will also learn quality chemical printing (silver printing). In addition, we will leave the lab to experiment with photography, visit exhibitions, and get to know photographers who use the photography medium in a unique manner – in order to help each student establish his or her personal signature.
A departmental course combining students from all years, and guest teachers and lecturers.
“A Voyage of Biographical Photography” fluctuates between moving inward and expanding, between the private and the public. We will start with a personal biographical mapping of each of the participants, and move on gradually to photographic experimentation in public, less familiar environments that will enable the participants to experiment and become acquainted with a rich variety of experiences. The course is divided into two semesters that differ in structure. First semester: a format of weekly sessions, lectures, exercises and class reviews, in combination with encounters with guest photographers dealing with biography in different ways in their practice, as a personal or political starting point. Second semester: after a biographical mapping of the participants of the course, we will plan a number of trips to various destinations across the country in order to photograph and collect material. During the semester we will have a meeting in which we will share the material, edit and process it in preparation for a mini exhibition in the department, where we will showcase the travel journals of each student, as well as a number of selected photographs from the material, which will be enlarged. The course will enable collaboration, working in groups or independently.
Digital studio course, which constitutes an introduction to the world of staged photography. During the sessions we will practice photographic techniques and utilization of studio props. We will study the principles of composition on a staged set, the qualities of flash and constant light, and the integration of all these to emphasize the photographed subject and object with maximum control over the outcome. We will experiment with the photography of materials, portraits and still life.
The course teaches students the various Photoshop tools as well as effective working habits for a digital environment. Students will be introduced to the digital lab – study the different stages of scanning and processing the digital file up to the printing preparation stage. With short practical exercises in photography and photo processing, we will be dealing with various topics and become acquainted with artists and photographers who use the software as a central tool in their practice, and as a personal or political expression. Students will also be introduced to the software’s many features and begin creating works in Photoshop in an intelligible and efficient way.
The course introduces cinematic language through the world of experimental cinema, video clips and documentaries. During the course, students will be equipped with tools for video photography and editing, and study the programs Premier, Encore, and DVD. Various exercises will be given, and at the end of the year students will present a film that they shot and edited.
In today’s image-filled world, it is important to understand in depth the photographic language, the beauty of photography, and its documentative power vis-à-vis its quality as an instrument for personal expression. In this course we will become acquainted with the foundations of photography, discover the relationship between the instrument and the outcome, familiarize with photographers from the past and present, hold discussions on their works and on the works of the students. In the first semester, students will be faced with fundamental photographic concepts, as each student experiments with various types of photography. In the second semester, each student will attempt to develop his or her own unique photographic language while receiving personal guidance.
The course aims to get students better acquainted with the technical, practical and theoretical aspects of the video medium. Students will be equipped with tools for filming digital video and managing lighting and sound, while considering the use of materials, editing and the full creative process of video art works and shorts in various styles. During the course we will watch and analyze segments from films and video works, which will expose the students to a variety of filming styles from the history of cinema and video art.