PHO 304: Special Topics
Develop a comprehensive photography focused project to advance your professional and creative goals
The focus of this class is to develop a comprehensive photography focused project or series of images to enhance your portfolio in alignment with your professional and creative goals. The creative process to be followed includes conducting research, as well as analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing ideas. During this class and as a professional photographer you are expected to effectively plan and schedule shoots, adhere to deadlines, and strive to exceed expectations by producing memorable work. In collaboration with your instructor, you will develop a creative and innovative portfolio focused project consisting of at least 8-12 images and/or video piece. Your class grade will be based not only on the quality of your work but also on your ability to meet deadlines, synthesize creative principles, and effectively present your work.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Students will complete a comprehensive photography project, a series of images and/or video piece, to enhance their portfolio in alignment with their professional and creative goals.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize professional photographic trends and styles in alignment with your career and creative goals.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills when researching, synthesizing, and applying relevant ideas to develop your Special Topics project.
- Develop an impactful portfolio focused project consisting of at least 8-12 images and/or video piece.
- Efficiently manage your project through a defined creative process, meeting a series of project milestones through the use of a realistic and consistently updated production plan.
- Actively and professionally participate in class discussions/meetings, constructively assess the work of your peers, and enhance your creative work based upon feedback.
- Conceptualize, create, finalize, and present research and creative direction at multiple stages of project development.
- Effectively convey creative ideas and concepts through visuals, writing, and oral presentation.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Access to a standalone digital camera with manual control over ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and White Balance, that allows for shooting in RAW format.
- Adobe Lightroom Classic or equivalent program.
- Basic experience in the software package needed for this course.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Dr. Meryl Epstein
Dr. Meryl P. Epstein is the Dean of Academic Affairs for Sessions College. Meryl has extensive experience in design, education, and leading academic teams and has served as Dean of Academic Affairs, Program Chair, Doctoral Development Faculty, Art Director, Graphic Design Manager, Faculty member, and Exhibiting Artist/Photographer.
Course Outline
Creative Project: Your Choice
We will explore potential directions to consider when deciding what project/and or series to produce during this course.
Creativity: Your Super Power!
Let's examine strategies for how to generate and develop comprehensive and creative project and/or series idea.
Research: Your Secret Sauce
How to give depth to your project ideas using research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, so you can build your studies around your schedule. Two live Zoom meetings in this course provide the opportunity to work 1to1 with your instructor.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is part of a Bachelor's Degree program at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $350/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1250 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
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