Certificate Program in Photography
| Certificate Programs | |
|---|---|
| Accessory Design and Technology | Photography |
| Eco-Sustainable Design | Publishing |
| Fashion Design and Technology | Visual Communication |
| Certificate Program Schedules | |
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APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Fall Semester (up to 18 credits): | June 15 |
| Spring Semester (up to 18 credits): | November 1 |
Program Overview
This program in Photography represents a unique and exciting opportunity for students from all over the world who want to be challenged in photography. This professional certificate program is for motivated students seeking to develop new skills and knowledge while building a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. Exploring the possibilities of the photographic medium, students will learn contemporary, traditional and digital image-making skills while examining the creative and critical aspects of the medium, developing their image-making practice and acquiring the practical and conceptual tools to evolve a more effective and individual visual language. To achieve these goals, students receive the full support of competent and qualified faculty of DIVA’s dynamic group of photographers, artists, writers, filmmakers and curators with an exceptional diversity of approaches, who share their perspectives and experiences with the students within the context of a wide-ranging and stimulating course of study. The professional certificate provides the opportunity to learn in an environment equipped with dark rooms and digital labs, including resources from multimedia and digital video in a professional shooting studio. An important part of the second year is the teaching assistant internship and the possibility of working with professional photographers, artists, agency, magazine and galleries. Internships allow students to gain valuable practical work experience. Each year is comprised of two semesters that include core classes and intensive weekend seminars. Each semester, studies include six core courses that provide a solid foundation and which are integrated by five intensive seminars that focus on related specialized areas of study.
Program Objectives
The program provides students with the professional training necessary to enter into the professional world of photography. It develops students’ abilities and prepares them for professional careers in a constantly developing industry, which encompasses a wide range of exciting fields. To reach for higher levels of creative achievement, to deepen their understanding of the medium as a whole, and to further their technical proficiency. Throughout the program, students will receive individualized attention and support from professional faculty and visiting artists. At the end of the program, the students will be equipped with the skills necessary to excel in professional environments and fully developed portfolios of work.
Duration and Certification
Certificate programs may be taken for one semester, one year or two years. All programs devote a portion of each term to the development of a professional portfolio. Students who select the two-year program have the opportunity to complete and/or serve as a teaching assistant in introductory level courses. Students may attend one single semester and obtain a transcript for credit, or complete the full two-year program and receive a certificate in photography.
Prerequisites
For beginning levels, the only prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstration of fluency in English. Students who wish to enroll in a different level of the program (either enter at the second semester or in the second year) must qualify by demonstrating ability and knowledge in an entry exam and submit a detailed curriculum vitae and portfolio. A qualified submission of the above mentioned documents will be evaluated by a committee of academic advisors who will determine approval and enrollment in the requested level.
Internship
The two-year certificate program gives students the opportunity to deepen their experience first by working as a teaching assistant and then through an internship in a professional studio in Florence, where they will practice their acquired skills in a real world environment. The internship is a carefully organized and closely supervised “hands-on” learning experience that provides the students with a wide range of real-world work opportunities as they shadow, observe and contribute while working in a professional environment.
The objective of the internship is to give the students the space to actively apply the skills developed through their studies in a professional work environment. Students will meet with their academic advisors to discuss future goals and professional aspirations as they plan for the internship. Students will also be introduced to the Italian working environment that will enable them to use the technical vocabulary acquired through their three-week language study thereby strengthening their language skills. Example of past Internship locations: Marco Lanza Photographer , Alessandro Bencini Photographer– www.alessandrobencini.com, Terra Project Photographers – www.terraproject.net
Year 1 – Semester 1 (Fall)
Mission
The aim of the beginning level is to provide students with a basic comprehension of photography, with reference to Italian culture and style. Students will be moreover introduced to basic classic and digital photographic techniques, visual communication concepts and web designing. Students will be taught to be aware of the concept of photography and to test their abilities, in order to develop their interest towards the professional photographic arts. The Italian language class is fundamental to understand the original terms that will be used during lessons and to acquire the minimum conversation skills required for attending the internship.
Core Courses
Italian Language
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge. All students enrolled in Certificate Programs are required to take a three week course of Italian Language before the start of the Certificate Program.
DI PH ID 180 Introduction to Digital Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course will introduce students to the digital photography world with particular focus on updated techniques and how they can be incorporated into classic fine art photography. The course will explore the use of state-of-the-art computer software and techniques. The instructor will guide the student in learning to master photo computer software and how to control the scanning of a picture, transparency and negative to make a good quality digital print. Elements of photo composition and graphic design, photo history, and relationships with other art mediums will also be addressed during the course. Basic photography experience will be helpful. A digital camera of at least 5.0 mega pixels with an optical zoom lens 3X or more is required.
FA CL IC 140 Introduction to Classic Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course involves theoretical and practical work both outdoors in the city of Florence and its environs and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose the 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. During the semester students will work on two projects and a final portfolio. Students must have a 35mm reflex camera.
DI VC WD 200 Introduction to Web Design
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This lab-based course trains students to develop effective graphic design interfaces for the Web. Students will be introduced to new software and technical information for maps, hot spots, links and site management. Additional topics include: search engines, on-line services and Web development.
DI VC DF 190 Visual Communication Design Fundamentals Studio I
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course introduces the student to the principles and basic elements of graphic design. Through a series of assignments and exercises, students will learn and practice hand, eye and problem-solving skills. Topics include: shape, basic color theory, framing, shape and color layout, formats, creative typography, logo creation, symbols and trademarks. The course focuses mainly on manual (non-computer) techniques.
DI PH PS 220 Introduction to Photoshop
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Adobe Photoshop is the leading software for photographers, graphic designers, and bookmakers. Photoshop is powerful software that requires a dedicated focus in learning how best to use the program to its full potential. This course, with the guidance of experienced teachers, will introduce the student to the creative and professional issues of Photoshop. The course is designed for students who have had experience in photography, graphic design, architecture, illustration or bookmaking. The Photoshop Laboratory is equipped with the most up-to-date computers and peripherals. Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful.
Seminars
FT FC CP 200 Art Media: Introduction to the Creative Process
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Aimed at students interested in visual, plastic arts and creative writing. This course will help each student to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which they can then apply to their other art classes. Students will be assigned writing assignments to develop personal thought processes in order to realize their own creative nature and apply it to the media of their own concentration.
DI PH FA 290 Fine Art Digital Printing
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Making exhibition-quality digital prints takes time and expertise. In this practical, hands-on workshop, students learn ways to bring out detail and fine-tune color and contrast in specific areas of an image to improve its overall quality. Topics include masking techniques, blending mode options, advanced sharpening techniques, noise reduction methods, and various means of retouching. A variety of inkjet papers are supplied for use with different Epson inkjet printers.
Prerequisites: Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful. A digital camera of 5.0 mega pixels minimum with an optical zoom lens of at least 3X is required.
DI PH OC 260 On Camera and Studio Flash Photography
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces the use of artificial lighting to create photographic illustrations in a controlled environment. Lighting techniques are demonstrated and applied in a series of photographic. Both hot lights and electronic flash are used to achieve total control of composition, color, contrast and reflection. Emphasis is placed on the technical mastery of complex equipment, coupled with an aesthetic understanding of the physical principles of light. Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful. A digital camera of 5.0-mega pixels minimum with an optical zoom lens of at least 3X is required.
FA CL PP 270 Pinhole Photography
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Pinhole photography relates to the use of time and being creative with the light from the sun. Today in the age of digital cameras, pinhole photography is still used as a method of making traditional images but with an old fashioned twist. Using traditional photographic techniques, this hands-on course allows students to design and build their own pinhole camera as well as use precision-made pinhole cameras (provided by the instructor) to make fine art alternative black and white prints. This class addresses basics in black and white film development and darkroom work. In addition to technique, this course presents the historical context of this process. Critique of students’ work examines the aesthetic qualities of images rendered through this time-honored process.
DI PH VD 280 Visual Diary
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
A diary is a personal written record of our own interaction with society and the self. Every artist has kept a personal diary within reach to jot down and idea, a thought, something heard or said, a sketch or maquette. It is through the “jotting” down of ideas that great works of masterpiece came from for many artists. A daily record is also used to get to know ones self in a private and quiet environment. In this class students will use the digital photographic methods as a tool to create a visual diary. The goal is to develop meaningful journals that function at both public and private levels. Students will develop their own visual diary and participate in group discussions and critiques. A digital camera of 5.0 mega pixels minimum with an optical zoom lens of at least 3X is required.
Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring)
Mission
The aim of the Intermediate level is to deepen student’s knowledge in photography with special reference to the history. Students study digital and classical photography and will receive detailed information on the web and podcast techniques. Continuing students work on special projects and develop their skills in specific photographic topics.
Core Courses
DI PH ID 300 Intermediate Digital Photography
(3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course is for those students who have experience in the digital photography world and who would like to broaden their knowledge to a more advanced level. A deep focus on up-to-date techniques and technologies will be a major topic in the course, in addition to the refinement of visual and conceptual aspects of digital photography. The instructor will guide students in gaining advanced skills in photo computer software. The objective of the course is to create a mature visual expression in the digital photographic world.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Digital Photography or equivalent.
FA CL IC 240 Intermediate Classic Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
The course will allow the students to develop a personal approach to the photographic medium. Exploring the classical photographic techniques, the student will achieve a full creative and technical control that will lead to a high quality final portfolio. During the course attention will be focused on the cultural, social, ethical, conceptual, artistic, economical and professional aspects of Photography. The most influential modern and contemporary artists in photography will be studied through slide shows, videos, books reviews, visits to photo and others art shows. Relationships of Photography and others art media will also be analyzed. The students will operate in a new and spacious darkroom and lab, were they will have the opportunity to refine their printing and technical skills at the highest levels. The instructor will also stimulate students to broaden their knowledge of the psychological aspects of visual perception. A 35 mm SLR camera is necessary for this course.
DI VC AW 300 Advanced Web Design
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course assumes students have a solid background in XHTML and CSS. The course builds on that foundation a basic level of knowledge of client-side programming, server-side programming, and data access required for E-Commerce web sites. Students are introduced to JavaScript to to make websites dynamic on the client-side. After a brief introduction of XML, a review of basic database concepts, and SQL, server-side scripting is discussed in general terms so students understand what is required to collect information from html forms. A basic ASP application is built in order to demonstrate. Students gain a basic understanding of what is involved in building and maintaining a database-driven, E-Commerce website. The course finishes with a brief look at SVG (Structured Vector Graphics) and Flash.
LA AH HP 310 History of Photography
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course proposes a history and appreciation of photography from the first photograph (1826) to present day. The following topics will be covered: the work of pioneer photographers Neipre, Daguerre, Talbot and Wedgewood; the rise and acceptance of photography as an independent art medium; the aesthetic and humanistic ideas and beliefs of photographers within their cultural and social contexts; the contribution of photography to the visual arts of painting, sculpture, drama, film, music, dance and literature.
DI DM RM 260 Introduction to Rich Media: Podcast Production
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
Today’s visual delivery systems are getting smaller and smaller and don’t require the standard size production teams. In the demanding market of broadcast immediacy and low budget news productions, traveling journalists today prepare their own visual material “on the fly” single handedly while on location to send to their client. Each student will be given a range of assignments while here in Florence that will recreate the on-the-go traveling news journalist. Students will learn how to create and deliver news, short documentaries and editorial pieces utilizing ‘rich media’ technology to output as podcasts. Podcasts have become a popular delivery tool for news, universities, corporations and much more. This course will cover the basics in final cut express, Photoshop and logic pro to incorporate video, still images and sound as well as preparing media for the web in podcast form.
PS SP DP 340 Special Project in Digital Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours – 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This is an advanced course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with Photography. Students create their own digital works in order to be edited. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques will also be employed and addressed in order to complete the desired final “look”.
or Italian Language
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge.
Seminars
FT FC PE 235 Introduction to Picture Editing
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
The picture editor has emerged as an influential figure in the world of media. The picture editor is a professional with the photographic knowledge and background for finding the best possible image for the requested context, and who is capable of selecting the best picture(s) for communicating what ever message is desired. Publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, photo agencies, stock photography agencies, advertising companies, etc., are in need of such trained and skilled picture editors. This course will focus on learning the skills and techniques necessary to become a picture editor. Students will learn about the history of photography, composition issues, a survey in fashion, product, sports, nature, and photojournalism and reporter photography. The course will include review of photo magazines, books, and slide shows, in order to create a wide storage of visual information for every student, together with the capability of selecting the most effective images for a specific communication target.
DI PH FP 210 Introduction to Fashion Photography
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
The course is based on a series of theoretical lectures about the technical, cultural, visual and historical aspects of fashion photography. Fashion photography history will be analyzed from the beginning of the 20th century through contemporary work, following the continuously changing fashion styles and trends. The course will concentrate on technical aspects of fashion photography from location, and portable and studio units, to all aspects of lighting, including natural, artificial, existing light, flash units, and light metering. Students will be guided through up-to-date digital software and technologies into the advertising world. Attention to the offset printing technical aspects like color separation, offset film transferring and offset printing will be also given.
DI PH PJ 240 Introduction to Photojournalism
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces students to the world of photography with specific focus on the photojournalistic aspects of this art medium. The course will be divided between field study and learning introductory digital techniques, working with both black and white and color digital printing and finishing. The lab practice will give students the capability of elaborating and correctly printing his/her own pictures. The course concentrates on the journalistic area of photography using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, compositional issues and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of influential photographers like Cartier-Bresson, Smith, Capa, Salgado, Nachtwey, and others. The class will also be conceiving, shooting, printing and laying out a series of documentary projects..
FA CL HP 350 Non Silver Halide Photography
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This advanced course explores the technical and aesthetic implications of the platinum/palladium process, one of the most beautiful and subtle of all photographic printing processes. Topics include compounding emulsions, hand coating, paper selection, development variables and techniques for making enlarged negatives.
CP FC FP 320 Food Photography I
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course will be the gateway to the world of food photography. Students will learn the technical and compositional basis of this specific field of photography, which is becoming one of the most commercially successful for the photo professional. The course will explore the most updated techniques in digital photography, as well as traditional ones, the study of basic food lighting in the studio and outdoors, special effects techniques, picture scanning and introductory graphic manipulation on computer. The course will be mainly geared toward digital camera shooting with elements of color transparency/peripherals within a kitchen set-up; prepared dishes/recipes to be photographed will be provided.
Year 2 – Semester 3 (Fall)
Mission
The aim of this semester is to deepen student’s photography skills, their knowledge and evolution through the study of the most important contemporary artists and photographers. The study of digital techniques will be continued, and more challenging and creative techniques are practiced. Students are introduced to the video making techniques and learn how to manage the light and different type of print format.
Core Courses
LA AH TC 370 Art Theory and Criticism
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse and contemporary criticism. Reading and analyzing various texts from Antiquity to the present, we will be looking at the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of western thought. The aim of this course is to equip the student with a foundation in art theory in order to develop an informed critical approach. Texts cover in class will include writings by philosophers, critics and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard and Trin T. Minha. The course will be in seminar format with no more than 10 students.
DI PH AD 400 Advanced Digital Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course is for those students who already have experience in the digital photography world and who would like to broaden their knowledge to an advanced level. A deep focus on up-to-date techniques and technologies will be a major topic in the course, in addition to the refinement of visual and conceptual aspects of digital photography. The instructor will guide students in gaining advanced skills in photo computer software. The objective of the course is to create a mature visual expression in the digital photographic world.
DI PH LF 310 Light in Florence and Tuscany
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Dedicated to the awareness and application of natural light, this course introduces students to the concept of using light to beautify and enhance their photographs. Through a series of practical exercises and individualized projects students explore the quality and attributes of the natural light found exclusively in Florence & the Tuscan region. Furthermore, students are made aware of the cultural and historical significance of Florence and Tuscany by drawing comparisons between contemporary and historical artists whose work has gained inspiration from the region’s unique ambiance.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Digital Photography or equivalent.
A digital camera of 5.0-mega pixels minimum with an optical zoom lens of at least 3X is required. A 35 mm traditional reflex camera can also be helpful.
DI VP CV 200 Introduction to Creative Video-making
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course provides students with the knowledge of the technical terms of creative video production and the skills to understand basic video shooting and editing techniques. Students will team up and follow a single project starting from the script all the way through editing and final output.
PS IN TA 420 Teaching Assistant Internship
3 semester credits (90 contact hours)
The course is suggested to students who have already successfully completed a semester. Students can meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the teaching assistant program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof or having successfully completed at their home institution the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request.
Seminars
DI PH SP 300 Stock Photography Illustration and Video
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
How to create visual art for the visual media stock market, from market research to finding out what to produce to staying on top of future trends, to selling your images to a stock agency. Students will produce stock images in their designated field of study – photography, video, and illustration.
FA CL ML 360 Medium and Large Format
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course provides a thorough introduction to 4×5 and 8×10 view camera technology and aesthetics by covering a number of image-making techniques and applications in the studio and on location. Landscape, architecture, portraiture, still life and specialized areas are covered. View cameras are provided.
DI PH LA 300 Landscape and Architectural Photography
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
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 digital techniques, printing and finishing. The lab practice will give the student the capability of elaborating and printing her/his own pictures correctly. Digital equipment will be used throughout the course. Students learn about the history, compositional issues and techniques of landscape and architectural photography by studying the work of influential photographers (e.g. Weston, Adams, Giacomelli, Strand, etc.) and by conceiving, shooting, printing and laying out a series of landscape/naturalistic/ architectural projects.
Year 2 – Semester 4 (Spring)
Mission
The aim of the fourth semester level is to develop student’s ability and acquaintance. An overview of worldwide photography will be provided, in order to allow students to compare different cultures and to develop their own style, special focus will be given to the internship and the development of the promotional portfolio.
Core Courses
DI VP AV 350 Advanced Videomaking and Post-production
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this advanced course students apply previously acquired skills to the final editing of a video. The video effects, the audio, and digital effects together with aesthetic and technical considerations are put into practice throughout the completion of the video project. The course objective is to connect the different productive stages in order to give students a comprehensive experience of the expressive power of this medium and to complete the process of professional videomaking. Students will use Final Cut Pro and After Effects.
DI PH SE 550 Solo Exhibit and Publication of Solo Work
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course covers the multiple aspects of the design, preparation and execution of a personal exhibition or “launch”. This includes the creation of a printed event catalog. Students will be put through the creative, administrative and logistical processes in order to successfully carry off their own solo show and event publication.
DI PH SP 420 Special Project in Exploratory Digital Photography
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This is an advanced digital photography course intended for students who wish to explore and experiment with Photoshop in order to recreate “classic” photography techniques. Students will create their own digital work-flow with images produced from other classes in order to imitate typical photographic “looks” such as Agfa Rodinal, Kodak Kodachrome film, Fuji Velvia, solarization and other specific types. Composite printing and experimentation with different papers will also be employed and addressed in order to complete the desired final “look”.
PS PD PO 400 Portfolio Development IV
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.
PS IN IN 450 Internship
3 semester credits (150 contact hours)
An nonsalaried, 14-week internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Integrates students’ design knowledge with field experience at a specific manufacturer with a company supervisor. The internship is open to students who have already successfully completed a semester (minimum 12 credits). Candidates must meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the internship program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof of having successfully completed, at their home schools, the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request. The program combines an internship in a professional workplace. Students serve as interns part time, generally Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours, depending on the area chosen. Students will have regular meetings with their internship supervisors who will monitor their progress and the drafting of an extensive analytical internship report. At end of the course, students will be well trained and ready to enter the professional world.