Building on the content delivered in Advertising Photography I, Advertising Photography II will introduce business aspects involved in commercial photography. Students will create self-promotion materials as well as a resume/cover letter. A cohesive portfolio is required at the end of the course. Students will also work on a group project, introducing them to the collaborative nature of the advertising business. Assignments will emphasize conceptual over technical solutions.

An advanced study of people photography, this course will focus on the development of the photographic and social skills of the commercial photographer. This course will examine the effects of light, camera choice, and subject pose on reproducing the human form as a photograph. The student will learn to develop strategies for photographing people, build upon lighting skills, and improve photographic styling techniques. Casting and directing models, as well as the role of a professional photographic team will be included in the lectures, demonstrations, and assignments.

This course will explore the role of photography and design in contemporary magazines as well as online content. Students will have the option of working with still life, people, location, documentary, and architecture or fashion photography. Current events will be discussed for picture possibilities. Emphasis will be placed on producing multiple or sequential images that relate to social and political issues. Historical and contemporary studies of layout and style will be examined. A professional quality magazine featuring work done by all students will be produced. All projects will be done in collaboration with students in the graphic design major in the School of Design.

This course will focus on the nature of the photographic fictions. Students will work on specific assignments, many of which will be generated from aspects of the history of photography. Lighting techniques are examined to create effective photographs. Digital post-production is discussed as a means to enhance the images as required by the assignments.

This course provides photography students the unique opportunity to participate in a one-week intensive workshop that travels to New York City, the center of the advertising photography industry. Through this field trip and accompanying lectures and studio visits, students will experience an introduction to the field of professional photography and related industries in New York City. The purpose of the trip is to provide a broad view of advertising and editorial photography within the city. Students meet with a variety of photographers, art directors, designers, filmmakers, photo editors, photographer agents, assistants, and RIT alumni. Photography studios, advertising agencies, graphic design studios, magazines, galleries, and museums will be visited during the one-week trip. Permission to enroll is required. The trip is a mandatory course requirement and requires an additional travel fee.

This course will provide an introduction to the field of commercial photography, as well as encourage students to develop their own artistic vision. Students will create images from assignments that relate to projects they will encounter after graduation. They will be instructed in the basic photographic skills needed in the commercial field. Practical use of exposure metering and digital workflow will be discussed. Training will be provided in the use of professional cameras and lighting equipment, as well as developing a web presence. Portraiture and still life photography will be covered both in the studio and on location. Students will learn about career choices available in the commercial photography business.

Professional photographers traditionally make imagery solely for specific projects and clients, which often constitute their entire body of work. In today’s world, those hiring professional photographers expect to see work of an individual nature that reflect personal interests and/or viewpoints. Students will identify a topic/subject to create a body of personal work. Historical and contemporary examples of extended photographic projects will be viewed and discussed. Output, display and installation options will require extensive research as students articulate their project. The work will consist of the conceptualization, execution and presentation of long-term project(s). Students will be encouraged to explore concepts and outcomes extensively through contemporary photography as well as related media will be welcomed and encouraged. Students will present a final project formatted for appropriate display, based on their research and topic.

Photography Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. Photography Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll.