Photography II: Digital - Winter 2025

Learn advanced digital photography techniques that will help you create visually sophisticated fine art photographs. Explore advanced camera operations and artistic processes used to create memorable images. Develop a vocabulary that will allow you to discuss your images both technically and aesthetically. Through an intensive hands-on approach, we will further cover exposure techniques, output and printing, an introduction to history, composition, and creative expression as it relates to each student's personal photographic practice. Class will include lectures, demonstrations, discussions and critiques to encourage students to explore the potential of the medium.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Continue using camera in full manual mode, and increase comfort with changing settings for both technical and aesthetic results
• Learn advanced in-camera controls in technical support of your images and vision
• Learn to shoot in RAW, and to utilize the power of this file format in post-processing exercises; understanding of difference between JPEG and RAW and saving files for different output
• Gain confidence in personal workflow using Adobe editing tools (Lightroom/Photoshop)
• Develop the ability to edit work in a series and successfully sequence images
• Completion and presentation of a cohesive series as part of the final project

COURSE OUTCOMES

• Further fluency in camera function and operation
• Advance your personal digital workflow from camera upload, to image organization, editing and export/print
• Begin to develop a personal style and/or set of photographic and conceptual interests that culminates in a personal photographic project

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. For Photography II, Students must have proficient working knowledge of basic workflow in Adobe Lightroom, such as is introduced in the prerequisite Photography I: Digital.
• Students are required to provide their own digital camera with full manual control (e.g. Digital SLR), including a range of shutter speeds and aperture settings. 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. Costs will vary depending on student needs and preferences.
• 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