Photography

The Department of Photography offers a full range of course topics including photography and its specific disciplinary interpretations, photojournalism, digital photo editing and processing, as well as special topics related to photography exhibition and aesthetic theory. Photography techniques, the study of creative processes, printing methods, and an exploration of the role of light are examples of practices encountered in photography courses.

3 semester credits. This course is strictly a technical course intended to prepare students and give them the tools to create a mature visual expression in photography for their final projects. Students will learn advanced and unique black and white printing, studio lighting, and large format printing. Visual assignments will be used to accompany the specific learning techniques. Techniques: Piezography (black and white printing), large format printing, Photoshop plug-ins, scanning, fine art paper, studio lighting. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Intermediate Digital Photography or equivalent.

3 semester credits. Film photography provides spatial and temporal context while digital photography shortens the process of contextualization thanks to technology. This does not mean that one medium is better or worse than the other, and the aim of this introductory course seeks to provide a strong film foundation in order to enhance the approach to digital photography. Students will explore the concept of photographic context by being exposed to both film and digital processes. Film is tangible, it requires a tactile relationship with negatives, paper, and chemistry. The use of physical properties of film will transition to digital darkroom techniques and vice versa. Topics include historic milestones in the history of photography, compositional aesthetics, camera mechanics, control of light sources and metering, film and digital exposure, and darkroom and digital processing. Students will come away from the course having gained an understanding of the similarities, rather than differences, and the underlying relationships between the two mediums. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.

3 semester credits. Using specific exercises and readings students will confront/tackle daily problems of “making art.” Observations are drawn from personal experiences that relate more to the need of the “artist”. Students will be engaged in the production and critique of images. There will be discussions and readings for each class. Both will help the student to describe, interpret, evaluate, and to synthesize technical information in order to correlate theory with practice. The coursework is a preparation for the Solo Exhibit and Publication of Solo Work course. Exercises and assignments will culminate into a final project. This course that requires students to thoughtfully examine their work and strive to refine an artistic vision, vocabulary, and voice This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Photography or equivalent.

6 semester credits. Using specific exercises and readings students will confront/tackle daily problems of “making art.” Observations are drawn from personal experiences that relate more to the need of the “artist”. Students will be engaged in the production and critique of images. There will be discussions and readings for each class. Both will help the student to describe, interpret, evaluate, and to synthesize technical information in order to correlate theory with practice. The coursework is a preparation for the Solo Exhibit and Publication of Solo Work course. Exercises and assignments will culminate into a final project. This course that requires students to thoughtfully examine their work and strive to refine an artistic vision, vocabulary, and voice This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Photography or equivalent.

3 semester credits. The course is based on a series of theoretical lectures on the technical, cultural, visual, and historic aspects of fashion photography. Fashion photography history will be analyzed from the beginning of the 20th century through contemporary works, following the continuously changing fashion styles and trends of today. This introductory course will concentrate on the technical and logistical aspects of fashion photography using natural light and light basic metering. This course combines introduction to photographic techniques with an emphasis on fashion photography. The first six lessons students will be guided through basic (introductory) camera usage. The later part of this course students will be challenged on basic fashion photography assignments. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period, assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. In the second half of the course, the learned techniques will be employed in the assignments. In this introductory course, students will not use the print lab to print their assignments or final portfolio. Assignments and final portfolio delivery can only be done through the universities dedicated electronic storage system. Access is only available within the media lab classroom.

3 semester credits. Through this course, students meet and collaborate with designers, art directors, hair & make-up teams, and professional models to come up with a specific fashion ad campaign and look book for up-and-coming Florentine designers in the field of fashion. Students will learn how to meet with clients, present ideas (story and mood boards), design sets, and execute a campaign according to clients’ needs. The course examines studio and location lighting, flash units, light metering, and set design according to a specific project. Photography software is utilized at an advanced level to process and produce a final campaign and portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.

3 semester credits. This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.

6 semester credits. This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 semester credits. This course is designed for students who have learned the basic skills of introductory digital photography and would like to further advance their knowledge. A focus on visual and conceptual aspects of photography will be a major topic in this course in addition to refinement of up-to-date techniques. Students are involved in more complex and challenging photography projects and begin to experiment with their personal vision identities and expressions. This course will constitute the differences of “making” vs “taking” a photograph or producing vs consuming images. Critical visual analysis of both contemporary photographic work as well as arming the students with technical and conceptual tools will help the student build an understanding of photographs. Students will work on several long term projects.

6 semester credits. This course is designed for students who have learned the basic skills of introductory digital photography and would like to further advance their knowledge. A focus on visual and conceptual aspects of photography will be a major topic in this course in addition to refinement of up-to-date techniques. Students are involved in more complex and challenging photography projects and begin to experiment with their personal vision identities and expressions. This course will constitute the differences of “making” vs “taking” a photograph or producing vs consuming images. Critical visual analysis of both contemporary photographic work as well as arming the students with technical and conceptual tools will help the student build an understanding of photographs. Students will work on several long term projects. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: This is an intermediate course. Knowledge of camera functions is required. Portfolio submission recommended.Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.

3 semester credits. This course explores the city of Florence through themed iPhoneography walks. iPhoneography is a photography concept that turns a mobile camera into a powerful, self-sustained, ready to use storytelling device. Using a visual approach, students will be immersed in the city’s open-air cultural, historical, and artistic environments. Thanks to the exceptional architectural landscapes and social environments that Florence has to offer, lesson themes are designed to enable students to learn the basics of digital photography techniques and immediately apply them in real life situations. Itineraries include the Etruscan ruins of Fiesole, the Renaissance city center, the Modernist style of Campo di Marte, the traditional artisans of the Oltrarno, and multiculturalism in Santa Maria Novella. Students will develop a mature visual experience while learning the history and culture of Florence and its surroundings, including sites that are off the beaten track. The objective of this course is to walk the students through various genres of photography such as photojournalism, portraiture, landscape, and fashion photography while discussing specific techniques and the unique challenges of planning and taking pictures on location. Coursework will be showcased in a dedicated social media account showcasing the images produced during the course. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, allowing for the overall experience to contribute to academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. iPhoneography is a photography concept that involves the professional use of the iPhone camera. Various iPhone apps and constant connection to the internet (either via wi-fi or cellular data) can turn an iPhone camera into a powerful, self-sustained, hand-held camera and darkroom ready to release information globally in the constantly changing digital market. Students will learn to use the iPhone camera to produce photojournalism essays, portraits, landscape, and fashion images using different iPhone applications and professional post-processing tools. The final images will be published in a dedicated class website. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students' academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. The city of Florence, with its backdrop of Medieval and Renaissance buildings coupled with the varied beauty of the Tuscan countryside, will offer students a stimulating range of opportunities for landscape and architectural photography. The course will be divided between outdoor field practice and the exploration of several camera format techniques, lenses as well as printing. By studying influential photographers compositional and artistic issues of parallax, distortion and perspective will be addressed and executed through assignments. A personal vision will be nurtured and guided by the instructor for the final project in a series of landscape/naturalistic/architectural visual context. Prerequisite: This is an intermediate course. Working knowledge of manual setting is required. Portfolio submission recommended.

3 semester credits. Dedicated to the awareness and application of natural light, this course introduces students to the concept of using light to beautify and enhance photographs. Through a series of practical exercises and individualized projects, students explore the quality and attributes of the natural light found exclusively in Florence and in the Tuscan region. Furthermore, students are made aware of the cultural and historical significance of Florence and Tuscany by drawing comparisons between contemporary and historic artists whose work has gained inspiration from the region's unique ambiance and environment. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.

3 semester credits. During this two-pronged course, students will focus on: 1) the history and study of photojournalism from its genesis/inception to today and 2) assignments/projects that are journalistic newsworthy (events, human interest, artistic/cultural, sports, feature, and portrait). Students will emulate what it is like to be a newspaper photographer and learn storytelling images of the everyday events that occur in life.Through lectures and discussions students will also address contemporary issues such as: the cultural, social, and political influence of images and photojournalism in society as well as ethics and legal issues in photojournalism. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda. The print lab will provide students with the tools for elaborating and printing their own images This course is recommended for Communications, Journalism, and Social Sciences students. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: This is an intermediate course. Knowledge of camera functions is required. Portfolio submission recommended.

3 semester credits. This course covers the multiple aspects of the design, preparation, and execution of a personal exhibition and brings together the advanced skills and ideas in making a coherent body of work. Students are expected to work independently on their individual project(s) and to meet with faculty for individual critiques. Students will experience the creative, administrative, and logistical processes of exhibits in order to successfully produce a solo exhibit and catalog publication. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Photography or Equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course introduces students to photography with a particular focus on reportage and travel photography perspectives of this medium, offering a chance to explore the world through a camera viewfinder. Key course topics include learning to express a sense of place, capturing mood/feeling, and shooting a variety of subjects ranging from daily life to landscapes, urban settings, cultural portraits, festivals, and rituals. The course will be divided between outdoor field practice and learning introductory digital techniques. This course is recommended for students majoring in Communications, Journalism, and Tourism. Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful but not necessary. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period, assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. In the second half of the course, the learned techniques will be employed in the assignments. In this introductory course, students will not use the print lab to print their assignments or final portfolio. Assignments and final portfolio delivery can only be done through the universities dedicated electronic storage system. Access is only available within the media lab classroom.

3 semester credits. This course is for photography majors. Students will learn techniques to execute standard professional assignments using controlled studio lighting (flash, continuous and natural sources). Lectures and demonstrations will cover still life, portraiture, product and fashion from set up to execution. Student will work and have assignments of a wide range of lighting situations demonstrating the versatility and creative potential of the photographic studio. Color and light theory, mixing light ratios (multiple sources), and movement will be emphasized but formal and conceptual situations will also be studied. The print lab will provide students with the technical tools for elaborating and printing their own images. Prerequisites: This is an intermediate course. Knowledge of camera functions is required. Portfolio submission recommended.

3 semester credits. This course delves into contemporary photographic practices and technologies. By examining the multi-layered nature of photography today, students will develop a strong foundation in both technical and conceptual aspects of the medium. Core camera skills, including manual exposure and working with available light, are emphasized alongside critical thinking and visual literacy. The course also integrates writing exercises to enhance students’ ability to articulate their visual ideas, analyze the work of others, and engage in critical discourse. The first part of the course focuses on building technical camera proficiency through hands-on practice, lectures, and readings. Students will learn camera functions and image processing techniques. In the second half, these skills will be applied to explore diverse photographic concepts and approaches, towards a culminating project, Tiny Florence, challenges students to create images of the city and fostering creative intimate expression and public engagement. Through writing, students will develop their ability to connect their technical skills with their conceptual understanding and develop a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to photography. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period, assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 semester credits. This course introduces students to photography with a particular focus on reportage and travel photography perspectives of this medium, offering a chance to explore the world through a camera viewfinder. Key course topics include learning to express a sense of place, capturing mood/feeling, and shooting a variety of subjects ranging from daily life to landscapes, urban settings, cultural portraits, festivals, and rituals. The course will be divided between outdoor field practice and learning introductory digital techniques. This course is recommended for students majoring in Communications, Journalism, and Tourism. Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful but not necessary. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period, assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. In the second half of the course, the learned techniques will be employed in the assignments. In this introductory course, students will not use the print lab to print their assignments or final portfolio. Assignments and final portfolio delivery can only be done through the universities dedicated electronic storage system. Access is only available within the media lab classroom.

3 semester credits. This course is aimed at students interested in visual and plastic arts and creative writing. Course topics will help students to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which can then be applied to other courses related to visual and creative disciplines. Students will be given writing assignments to practice personal thought processes in order to develop their own creative style and apply it to the media of their respective fields.

3 semester credits. This is a special project course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with photography. Students create digital works individually and in collaboration with photographers, which are then edited and processed. Students must be prepared for diverse types of photographic approaches depending on projects and assignments, as well as develop management skills for archiving and publishing. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques may be employed. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts or shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing photoshoot and research activities for remote placements.
 This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting.
Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life.
The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. 
 Main tasks: Photo assignments, conceptual and theme research, location scouting research, digital photo archiving management, image post-production, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course. A digital 35mm viewfinder camera (20+ megapixels minimum) is also acceptable. Remote option students will need their own access to Adobe software. 
 Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, DSLR knowledge, Adobe photo software experience.

3 semester credits. This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course is both a technical and a creative course intended for intermediate / advanced film photography students. Using medium format and large format cameras, students will choose a format size to complete a singular photography project. Students will learn advanced and unique black and white processing/printing by studying development time matrixes, studio lighting, and large format printing. Visual assignments and readings will be used to accompany the specific learning techniques. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: At least one film photography course and an understanding of film processing/printing, camera reciprocity, and darkroom chemistry.

3 semester credits. This is a special project course intended for students who wish to deepen their skills in the area of fashion photography. Students create individual and collaborative digital projects, which are then edited and processed. Fashion-themed approaches may include elements such as ad campaigns, look books, design sets and studio photography, and interaction with fashion-based clients and collaborators associated with FLY Fashion Loves You, the creative learning lab and retail store of FAST, the fashion and accessories studies and technology division of FUA-AUF. Students must be prepared for diverse types of photographic approaches depending on projects and assignments, as well as develop management skills for archiving and publishing. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based and production/editing activities for remote placements. 
This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting.
Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life.
The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. 
 Main tasks: Photo assignments, conceptual and theme research, location scouting research, digital photo archiving management, image post-production, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code, not applicable to remote option. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course. A digital 35mm viewfinder camera (20+ megapixels minimum) is also acceptable. Remote option students will need their own access to Adobe software. 
 Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, DSLR knowledge, Adobe photo software experience.

3 semester credits. Through the photography internship course, students will collaborate with professional photographers and photo labs. Students will learn to develop research and preparation for photo shoots, become familiarized with diverse shooting locations, and fulfill photo projects as assigned. Additional topics may include image processing and printing, assisting with photo shoot logistics, handling photographic equipment, and archiving.
 This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours or ongoing photoshoot and research activities for remote placements. The internship enhances student knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor who regularly monitors the internship progress and development, and guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills.
 Main tasks: Photo assignments, conceptual and theme research, location scouting research, digital photo archiving management, image post-production, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code, not applicable to remote option. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course. A digital 35mm viewfinder camera (20+ megapixels minimum) is also acceptable. Remote option students will need their own access to Adobe software.
 Prerequisites: Italian A1 (Breakthrough or beginner) recommended but may vary depending on the placement. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, DSLR knowledge, Adobe photo software experience.

3 semester credits. This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse, and criticism in the wider context of contemporary society. Reading and analyzing various texts from antiquity to the present, students will explore the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of Western thought, behavior, and society. The aim of this course is to utilize art theory foundations in order to develop an informed critical analysis. Texts covered in class will include writings by philosophers, critics, and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard, and Trin T. Minha. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art History.