PHOT-316: Editorial Photography

Credits 3
Instructional Method
Academic Level
This class will help students understand what it is like to work for a variety of publications today. Students will be asked to fulfill realistic and challenging assignments from simple portraits to elaborate conceptual stories. We will look at historical and contemporary work and engage in discussions that inspire as well as offer important practical skills. Students will be encouraged to develop a professional approach that includes knowing your potential client, building relationships with photo editors and art directors, shaping ideas and concepts with art reference, and devising a clear plan of production prior to a session. Artistic vision and style will be emphasized simultaneously with the importance of completing a job successfully and professionally. Regular assignments with real deadlines will generate work for weekly critique and portfolio editing and development. Through this range of assignments, students will learn to fulfill the demands of a client, while developing their own artistic voice. They will learn the value of a well thought out production plan, and that collaborating and being professional in all aspects of a job is what may get them hired again. They will grow more comfortable and confident talking about their own work. They will understand the importance of a good edit. They will decide what kind of magazines they want to work for, and how to steer their portfolio and promotional materials towards getting such assignments.
Requisites
Take PHOT-217, Portrait Lighting and PHOT-257, Color