130 GENRE 3: PORTRAITURE

Photo by SPAO graduate Ruth Steinberg

Photo by SPAO graduate Ruth Steinberg

Portraiture has been a central aspect of photography since the invention of the medium and remains a key dimension of many visual arts practices. Portraiture extends to a wide variety of artistic sub-categories including narrative and conceptual art.

This subject introduces students to: planning and working with subjects; set design and studio organization; conceptualization and pre-visualization; camera, lens and film selection; retouching techniques; and increasingly complex lighting techniques. Central to this module will be learning how to communicate with, direct and photograph individuals, and exploring the human face and individual expression in an effective visual artistic manner.

Continued and progressive attention will be placed on seamlessly working between analogue and digital formats and on enhancing printmaking values. Students will produce and present a series of portraiture- based silver gelatin prints. The module concludes with a group critique of the studentʼs portraiture work.

Learning Component:
Classroom lecture 
Student independent research
Student seminar, instructor guided
Instructor supervised lab (studio and darkroom)
Non-instructor supervised lab (studio and darkroom)

Student Evaluation Elements: 
History and Theory of Photography Component 10%
Film Development and Printmaking Techniques Component 10%
Studio & Lighting Component 15%
Digital Post Production Component 10%
Quiz 5%
Project, Research, and Critical Assessment Component 50%
Total 100%