Photography II: Digital - Winter 2027

In Photography II: Digital, students explore advanced techniques while learning the workflow process for making visually sophisticated fine art photographs. The course introduces concepts of image construction such as elements and principles that strengthen composition, organizing the frame to establish dynamic tension, and the use of symbolic, metaphoric, and narrative visual language. The class explores multiple project-development strategies used by historic and contemporary artists, which students will apply to their own photographic practice. Additionally, the course advances technical skills from image capture to output, including a hands-on off-camera flash introduction, RAW capabilities and conversion, precise and creative use of white balance, Lightroom adjustments for image optimization, and basic printing workflow.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Continue using your camera in full manual mode and increase comfort with changing settings for both technical and aesthetic results.
• Learn advanced in-camera controls in support of your images and vision.
• Understand the RAW file format, how to utilize its power in post-processing exercises, its differences from JPEG, and how to save files for different output.
• Gain confidence in personal workflow using Adobe editing tools (Lightroom).
• Develop the ability to edit work in a series and successfully sequence images.
• Complete and present a cohesive series as part of the final project.

COURSE OUTCOMES

• Further fluency in camera function and operation.
• Advance your personal digital workflow from camera upload to image organization, editing and exporting or printing.
• Begin to develop a personal style and/or set of photographic and conceptual interests that culminate in a personal photographic project.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Digital camera with full manual control (e.g. Digital SLR or mirrorless). Manual, battery, battery charger and all the cords and cables that go with your camera.
• Journal or sketchbook (dedicated to this class, brought to every session) It will be used for note-taking, in-class writing prompts, and homework reflection.
• Memory card (at least one) and a card reader.
• File storage: Hard drive or a flash drive.
• Access to a computer or a lab space with Lightroom and/or Photoshop.
• (Optional) A tripod.
• (Optional) A flash that can be used off camera.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Intermediate and advanced courses have prerequisites which students must satisfy prior to enrollment. Prerequisites may be waived based on experience or prior courses taken through other institutions. To verify that you meet the prerequisite(s) for a course, contact Jennifer Brendicke, Registrar at jbrendicke@pcnw.org. For Photography II, Students must have proficient working knowledge of basic workflow in Adobe Lightroom, such as is introduced in the prerequisite Photography I: Digital.
• Students are required to provide their own digital camera with full manual control (e.g. Digital SLR), including a range of shutter speeds and aperture settings. If you have questions about camera equipment or resources, contact us at pcnw@pcnw.org.
• The Materials Fee for the course includes a digital print allotment for in-class and outside of class printing, the details of which will be shared on the first day. Additional printing fees will apply once a student has used their allotment (see Facilities details below for details).
• Additional materials and supplies, not covered by a materials fee for a course, are the responsibility of the student. Detailed information about course expectations, required texts and materials will be provided at the start of the quarter. Costs will vary depending on student needs and preferences.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.

Image © Anna Ream