Nurturance and Ambition: Motherhood in Photography - Spring 2026

"Photography has offered me, as a mother, a unique media where creative time can be measured in the fraction of a second.” - Judith Black

Throughout the history of photography, significant contributions have been made by mother photographers who have balanced the demands of raising a family and the ambition to create meaningful work. The pandemic has highlighted the challenges caregivers face and the role they play in our social fabric. Nurturing one’s own creativity while taking care of children may seem impossible, yet for some, it is essential.

Through readings, presentations, conversations with visiting artists and group critiques, we will reflect on themes central to the work of mother photographers such as self and social identity, strength, vulnerability, time, and the development of an authentic voice when so much focus is directed toward others. Weekly assignments and writing prompts will give students an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to a creative practice. Students will also create or build on an existing body of work throughout the quarter that will culminate in a final project. This course is geared toward building a community that supports artists who are caregivers but is open to anyone that is interested in the role of the mother in photography.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Intermediate and advanced courses have prerequisites which students must satisfy prior to enrollment. Prerequisites may be waived based on experience or prior courses taken through other institutions. To verify that you meet the prerequisite(s) for a course, contact Jennifer Brendicke, Registrar at jbrendicke@pcnw.org.
• Students are required to provide their own camera, unless otherwise noted in the course description. If you have questions about camera equipment or resources, contact us at pcnw@pcnw.org.
• Additional materials and supplies, not covered by a materials fee for a course, are the responsibility of the student. Detailed information about course expectations, required texts and materials will be provided at the start of the quarter.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.

Image © Anna Ream