ART 245 The Art of Photography

This introductory course for non-art majors emphasizes photography as both a fine art and communications medium. The focus is on major photographers, photographic imagery, the history of the medium, the use of photography for artistic communication, and the major themes used by photographers: the Human Condition, the Still Life, the Portrait, the Nude, Nature, and War. The history of the medium will be explored, along with the works and lives of many of the major photographers of the past and present. Technical aspects of the camera, film, and lighting will be examined in some depth to enhance the understanding of the creative intricacies of the making of photographic images. The use of a camera, although not required, is strongly recommended: specific instruction in the use of a 35mm camera is offered.