This course focuses on photographing in New York City, one of the most stimulating and dynamic cultural environments in the world. You will experience its complexity in art, architecture, and ethnic neighborhoods by photographing in various well-known areas of the city, visiting major museums and galleries, and attending video installations, cinema, theater, modern dance and performance art.

Assigned projects will include, but are not limited to, daily written journals of observations and experiences and a re-photographic project where students go to the vicinity of a particular place and photograph using and adapting various styles of master photographers. Stylistic methods for these photographic projects will vary as students investigate the many working methods for photographing in the city. Topics include how to use focal length, review of shutter speed, depth of field, existing light, and how to deal with various physical spaces as well as the ability to assess a fast-changing scene.

Students will also explore the advantages of the portable rangefinder with its big LCD display, to the DZSLR and the Digital SLR, as well as the advantages of using differing storage media such as Compact Flash, SD disks, and memory stick cameras. Students are encouraged to bring their Apple iPods and digital wallets.

Course objectives include:

• The emphasis for this class will be on creating a portfolio of photographs that are inspired by the City's uniquely exciting environments.
• The varied shooting assignments are aimed at developing students' technical and creative skills using digital techniques.
• Emphasis will be on creating unique visual narratives that may be thematic or literal while gaining an appreciation for the arts, architecture, and diversity of people in New York City.

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