Beyond Picture Perfect: Personal Choice in a Digital World (ARTS-UG 1485)

This course covers the very basic techniques of photography and digital imaging. Beyond Picture Perfect explores the many choices available to today’s image makers. New technology combined with traditional photographic techniques will be addressed, enabling the students to realize their distinctive image-making vocabulary. Daily discussions include understanding hardware mechanics, choosing a personal color palette, and recognizing “your” unique composition key. We will debate the many analog and digital tools available to photographers vital to their artistic expression. These concepts will be supported by daily assignments and class critiques culminating in a final project portfolio. Students with interest in analog or digital formats will be encouraged to develop an understanding of their medium and form an original visual strategy. Readings may include selections from: Robert Adams, Why People Photograph; London and Upton, Photography.

Arts Workshops (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 2 Weeks

Sections (January 2023)


ARTS-UG 1485-000 (1154)
01/03/2023 – 01/20/2023 Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Early afternoon)
at Washington Square
Instructed by Day, Jeff

Photograph New York at the Water’s Edge (ARTS-UG 1481)

Down by the water’s edge we find the color contrast delineating wet and dry to the rhythm of nature’s tidal flux. The ebb relinquishes 12 hours of waterborne mystery; the flow’s 12 hours blanket refreshes the shore’s human impositions. New York City’s 578 coastal miles inspire this photojournalist/ documentary workshop to explore ongoing changes in commercial development, political innovation and environmental climate. The gradual cleansing of New York City waterways has encouraged neighborhood communities to revive their historical, artistic, and literary traditions along shorelines once occupied by industry. Now attracting vibrant cultural activity, New York City coastal communities are again looking at the water, seeking inspiration in its beauty. Embarking on a photographic project of their design, students will develop their own personal viewpoint on society’s relationship to New York waterlines, determine their own perception (vantage point, angle, point of view, framing) and establish a unique relationship with the audience (through scale, rhythm sequence, position, color). Classes will offer technical instruction, critiques of student work, and visual analysis. Open to highly motivated students with experience in photography; digital or film cameras welcome.

Arts Workshops (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 14 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2025)


ARTS-UG 1481-000 (9602)
09/02/2025 – 12/11/2025 Tue
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Late afternoon)
at Washington Square
Instructed by Day, Jeff