Contemporary Color - Winter 2026

Contemporary color photography has grown to encompass traditional chromogenic printing, color transparency, digital inkjet and lightjet prints, as well as numerous alternative processes. This integrated course will cover color theory, the nuances of digital printing, and a new set of foundations in color photography while drawing on analog and digital traditions. Through lecture, hands-on practice, and in-class demonstrations, you will learn several techniques and concepts to further your artistic skills.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Introductory overview of key color theory topics
• Impact of color on how we perceive and understand photographs
• Overview of color workflows for digital output
• Evaluation and review of color prints for color correction, style and meaning through color
• Examination of how color is used in compositions from both photographic and other art forms
• Review works of significant color photographers and photographic works
• Developing necessary critique skills to describe your work and the work of others

COURSE OUTCOMES

• Ability to articulate the aesthetic impact of color on the photographic image
• Ability to perform basic exposure and paper test to understand the various effects color
• Discuss basic understanding of how various color theories can be applied to photographs
• Develop a basic, consistent and cohesive color workflow for creating archival prints from film negatives or digital RAW capture
• Creating more significant photographs through the effective use and control of color

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Students must have proficient working knowledge of basic digital image editing through Adobe Photoshop to join this class, as covered in our Photography III: Digital or Photoshop Basics courses.
• 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.
• The Materials Fee for the course includes a digital print allotment for in-class and outside of class printing, the details of which will be shared on the first day. Additional printing fees will apply once a student has used their allotment (see Facilities details below for details).
• 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 © Daniel Gregory, PCNW Faculty