American University, Washington, DC (2011 – present)
Principles of Photography – Introduction to basic technical and aesthetic principles of photography, from loading film into a 35mm camera to developing and printing final images. Students practice basic black and white laboratory work as well as digital skills.
Visual Literacy – Visual Literacy introduces students to ways of understanding visual images in art, photography, film, and digital media. Students learn about the aesthetics and production of visual images, immerse yourself in dimensions of seeing, and come to appreciate the influences on visual symbols and communication.
Artist’s Perspective: Digital Photography – This is an introductory course that explores new technologies in contemporary photographic practice. Students become familiar with both historic and contemporary photographic work as well as ideas around light, composition, visualization, editing, and sequencing of images.
Advanced Photography (independent study advisor) – A refinement of darkroom photographic skills emphasizing a synthesis of craft and expression. Students study both the history and the theory of fine art photography as well as learning how to use alternative processes as a mode of expression.
Other – Faculty Advisor for the American University Photo Collective.
Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, MD (2014 – 2016, 2018)
Photographic Expressions I – Designed to achieve the basics of black-and-white still photographic techniques with additional emphasis on the development of ability to express and understand ideas and feelings communicated in photographs.
Photographic Expressions II – Problems designed to achieve mastery of basic still photographic techniques with an emphasis on individual creative expression. This course will allow for experimental projects in black-and-white photography.
University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC (2010 – present)
Documentary Photography – This course explores the meaning of photojournalism/documentary photography and the importance of the visual image as a tool for communicating ideas and information. Students develop an appreciation for, and an understanding of, photography as a craft using light, (or the lack of) form, composition, and motion. Students will also explore the field of Social Documentary studying both the history of Documentary Photography as well as the ethical challenges present in the field.
History of Photography – In this course students will survey the development of photography from the inception of daguerreotypes through the development of digital image-making. Students will examine the impact of photography on culture by learning of the medium’s influence on society and the arts.
Basic Photography – Using conceptual thinking and basic compositional elements, students will learn how to create and analyze photography as visual communication tools. Students will be exposed to the principles and techniques of using the basic 35-mm camera, film processing, darkroom printing as well as the ability to critically analyze creative works from the viewpoints of form, style, and meaning. Students will also be introduced to both historical and contemporary examples of photography and related media.
Visual Thinking – An introduction to conceptual visual thinking and the development of visual literacy as it applies to communication design and the fine arts. This is an idea-oriented course designed to help students solve visual and artistic problems through invention and interpretation. Emphasis is placed on imagination and experimentation with concepts and ideas, as well as exploring approaches to art and design. Value is placed both on individual problem solving as well as working in groups to produce creative work.
Fundamentals of Art Appreciation – This course presents basic tools for the understanding and discussion of visual expression from a variety of perspectives. Explores art and design theory, history, and media with reference to social context.
Other (2010 – present)
Street Photography Intensive (Maine College of Art Continuing Studies, Portland, ME) – Street photography captures and depicts the character of a city, and photographers are constantly creating portraits of the city at a particular point in time. This photography course introduces students to the concepts, history, and techniques of street photography. Students will use the camera to discover public places in the greater Portland area and will collectively make a portrait of the area in the form of both a class website and an exhibition at MECA. Designed for beginning as well as experienced photographers, the class balances individual and group activities and allows for hands-on assistance for all participants. The schedule includes presentations, group and individual shooting trips, and review/feedback sessions. Optional evening activities will be scheduled to broaden the range of subject matter.
Photography + Place – What does it mean to know a place? How can we use the camera to document place? Through a series of weekly readings, discussions, and photography projects, participants will use the camera as a means to discover and explore notions of space and place. Designed for beginning as well as experienced photographers, this eight week class balances historical and conceptual discussions with group critique sessions.