Course Detail: PER796 - Advanced Photography: Creativity and Storytelling
Use photography to tell your story!
Prerequisite: Students should have a basic understanding of photography fundamentals before taking this course.
Explore the art of storytelling using photography. Through a blend of theoretical concepts, practical exercises, and hands-on projects, participants will delve into the various techniques and strategies employed by photographers to convey narratives, evoke emotions, and captivate audiences. Learn techniques and ideas that will enable you to grow as a creative photographer and visual storyteller.
The course will begin with an overview of the fundamentals of storytelling. Students will then learn how to apply these principles to photography, considering composition, lighting, perspective, and visual elements to effectively communicate their narratives. In addition to technical skills, emphasis will be placed on cultivating creative vision and personal expression. Through a series of assignments and critiques, you will have the opportunity to experiment with different storytelling styles and genres, from documentary and photojournalism to conceptual and fine art photography.
In class examples and demonstrations will enhance and challenge you to use photography as a tool for communicating your message. By the end of the course, you will have developed a deeper understanding of how photography can be used as a powerful tool for storytelling.
About the Instructor
Jim Gabbard has a BA in English from Indiana University and works full time for Purdue University Fort Wayne as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Art and Design. In addition to his teaching, he also serves part time as the Director of the Garrett Museum of Art. He has over 15 years of experience in the wedding and portrait photography industry, having owned and operated his own studio prior to teaching. Currently, his work has been centered on theme-based ideas and concepts as he explores the area of fine art photography. He regularly exhibits in various galleries and museums in the United States and internationally. His work has been accepted into juried exhibitions, which included themes such as black and white, landscape, portraiture, and the human figure. He has self published six books of his photography and has been published nationally in Black and White Magazine.