Photography Area

The Photography area is a creative and innovative environment, inspiring students to become technically and conceptually proficient, visually literate and culturally engaged artists. The program promotes the growth and development of each student through a range of courses dealing with conceptual, historical, technical, and aesthetic approaches. Contemporary digital processes, studio lighting, traditional darkroom, and alternative process are taught, and all methods remain equally valuable components in the curriculum.

This range of coursework is designed to educate students about the history of the photographic medium while also exploring the methodologies of contemporary photographic practice. Graduates of the photography program have moved on to gainful employment with large photography firms, started their own photography studios, and pursued graduate degrees.

Photography Courses
Introductory

ART 2810 - Introduction to Photography

The course is an introduction to photography as a means of creative visual expression. Students will learn the basics of film and digital photography and learn to think and express themselves in visual terms using the photographic medium. Students will learn darkroom and digital basics and develop a portfolio. Students will also be introduced to options available for printing, scanning, workflow, photo organization, computer software, image editing and photographic manipulation.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 1020 or permission from Department Head of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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Advanced

ART 3800 - Film Photography I

An introduction to the photographic medium through outside assignments, studio applications, and theoretical studies. Students will examine a variety of skills including processing, printing, archival techniques, toning, collage, etc.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 1010 and ART 1020 with grades of C or higher or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 3810 - Digital Photography I

An introductory studio course in digital photography emphasizing conceptual approaches and contemporary practices utilizing appropriate software. Students will become familiar with using the computer as a digital darkroom. Topics covered include the use of digital cameras, scanning traditional film negatives, using the scanner as a camera, tone and color controls, image manipulation, alternative processes and image output.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 1010 and ART 1020 with grades of C or higher or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 3820 - Time-Based Photography

This 3-hour course in still photography, utilizing film and/or digital cameras, along with computer software, will examine time-lapse gear from basic to advanced. Students will explore balancing time-lapse image settings, shooting time-lapse with regards to composition, narrative and exposure. Students will be introduced to the Cinemagraph, a combination of still photography to create movement within digital file. Problem-solving will be addressed, such as astrophotography time-lapse, flicker-free day to night transitions, High Dynamic Range time-lapse and time-lapse motion control devices. Subject matter will vary from human activity, nature, to inanimate objects. The medium will also be explored from its historical significance from the 19th century to the 21st century.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 3810 or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 4800 - Medium & Large Format Photography

Advanced studio course in photography covering in-depth techniques used with medium and large format view cameras through film and digital applications. Subject matter covered will include advanced studio lighting, study of the unique characteristics of the 4x5 view camera with film and digital captures, and medium format film and digital camera. Students are involved in individual and collaborative problem solving assignments reflecting creative solutions in form and content. A Visual Arts major may accumulate a maximum of 9 credit hours in a series of directed studies in this course.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 3800 or ART 3810 or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 4805 - Alternative Photographic Processes

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of non-silver alternative photographic processes with emphasis on technical skills, aesthetic values, and critique of photographic work. Among the processes studied: Cyanotype, Salted paper printing, Van Dyke Hand coloring, and Platinum Palladium. Students will learn skills related to safe chemistry usage, scanning, Photoshop manipulation to create and print digital negatives, paper coating and contact printing techniques. In addition, students will explore the complex relationship between technical execution and communicating ideas with intent. Historical and contemporary trends in non-silver alternative photography will also be discussed.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 3800 or ART 3810, and ART 4800

Hours:
3

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ART 4810 - Digital Photography II

This is an advanced studio course in digital photography, covering in-depth techniques used in contemporary photographic applications. Students will become familiar with advanced image editing, digital printing and methods of incorporating mixed media and alternative processes into the digital realm. Students will gain an understanding of advanced studio lighting, portraiture, concept development and framing and presentation techniques. Some emphasis will be placed on 21st century photography history and the role of contemporary photographers in the art world. Students should expect the course to be composed of studio practice, lecture, group critiques and discussion. A student may accumulate a maximum of 9 credit hours in a series of directed studies in this course.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 3450 and ART 3810 with grades of C or higher or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 4830 - Night Photography

This advanced studio course in photography will cover in-depth techniques associated with shooting at night and in low-light conditions in building interiors, rural and urban landscapes. Further areas of study will consist of painting with light, capturing star trails, and full moon photography. While digital capture will be emphasized, students may also employ traditional black & white film cameras. Many cameras can be used ranging from 35mm, medium format and large format. Students will be involved in individual and collaborative problem solving assignments reflecting creative solutions in form and content.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 3800 and ART 3810 or permission of Head of the Department of Visual Arts

Hours:
3

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ART 4915 - Special Topic in Art

A detailed study of an art form, medium, style, technique, or other special topic of current interest not covered in catalog listings. May be repeated for a total of up to 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, and ART 1030 with grades of C or higher

Hours:
3

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ART 4916 - Special Topics in Art

A detailed study of an art form, medium, style, technique, or other special topic of current interest not covered in catalog listings. May be repeated for a total of up to 9 credit hours.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, and ART 1030 with grades of C or higher

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog

Recommended Option: Historical Understanding of Photograph

ART 4511 - History of Photography

An examination of the history and aesthetics of photography from the development of the art form to the present. Changes in subject matter and stylistic concerns, different roles and uses of photographs, and the development of photographic techniques and equipment will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on photographs as artistic expression and their relationship to other arts within the contexts of social and political influences upon them and their creators. Significant outside readings or research are incorporated into class discussions.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 2520

Hours:
3

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ART 3550 - Modern Art History

A focused examination of developments and changes in Western visual and material culture in the period defined as the modern era in art history, approximately 1800 to 1945. Outside readings are incorporated into class discussions.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 2520 with a grade of C or higher

Hours:
3

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ART 3560 - Contemporary Art Exhibitions

This course examines current trends in art in the last 25 years across the globe. It has been designed to help art majors develop an understanding of the current contemporary art world and introduce them to the most influential artists working today.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Prerequisite: ART 2520 with a grade of C or higher

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog

Studios & Equipment
Dahlonega Campus

Darkroom: Nix Mountain Cultural Center

Digital Photography Studio: Nix Mountain Cultural Center, room 227

Large Format Printer

5 medium-sized printers

All software necessary for editing and manipulating photographs

2 scanners capable of scanning both positive/negative sources and opaque and transparent materials

Photography Lighting Studio: Nix Mountain Cultural Center

Cork boards for critiquing photographs

Gainesville Campus

Digital Photography Studio: Arts and Technology, room 1904

Canon Pro-1 and Pro-100 Inkjet Printers

Canon Pro-4000 Large Format Inkjet Printers

Epson Perfection V850 Pro Photo Scanners

12 24" M1 iMacs and Lecture Screen

Digital Photography Studio: Arts and Technology

Hot Lights

Strobe Light Kits and Seamless with Varying Background Colors

2 24" M1 iMac stations for student use

Darkroom Space: Arts and Technology

To be used for mixed media and alternative photographic processes equipped with UV Light Boxes for alternative photographic printing

Opportunities

Photography Area Field Trips

Potential field trips include visits to the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Contemporary, the Booth Western Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art GA, Atlanta Photography Group Gallery, and the Georgia Museum of Art.

Contact Christopher Dant, christopher.dant@ung.edu to reserve your spot in the next field trip!

Photography Area

Introductory

Advanced

Recommended Option: Historical Understanding of Photograph

Dahlonega Campus

Gainesville Campus

Opportunities

Photography Area Field Trips