Non-Representational Photography

Class Description:

Photography is often considered primarily a representational medium, one which accurately reflects some observable object or event that the viewer would have shared had she been at the site of the shot. As Ansel Adams famously said, “not everybody trusts paintings, but people believe photographs.” However, even Adams’ idyllic landscapes reflected an “interest[] in expressing something which is built up from within, rather than just extracted from without.” For some, this subjective expression coincides nicely with the objective one; for others, the feel of an event sparks a subjective experience that is only superficially captured by a representational picture. To satisfy those in the latter group, a photographer must be able to unbind the photograph from the confines of the physical scene. This class will explore some unbinding techniques, during both the capture and post-processing stages, to create non-representational but sincere photographs.

The first three classes will begin with a short introduction, and 2 hours of photography at locations around DC. We will explore and experiment with camera movement, object movement, (removal of) context, and painting with light. The last two classes will be in the computer lab, working with Photoshop to accent non-representational elements or de-objectify a scene. We will consider the use of color, luminosity, sharpness, and the use of artistic filters. Care is given to avoid artificiality.

Meeting Times: Tuesdays, May 25-June 29, 6:45-9:00.

Meeting Locations: First three classes - photography; field trip locations TBD (metro and car accessible)

Last two classes - post processing with Photoshop at ArtSpace

Instructor: Alex Pergament

Alexander.pergament@gmail.com

www.alexpergament.com

Cost: $50 — All tuition goes to supporting ArtSpace