Faculty Advisor: Adjunct Professor, New York University; Photographer

Research Practicum Introduction

How can we use images to communicate and to tell stories? How can we use images to document one’s self, one’s home, one’s family, or one’s community? How can we use images to shed light on social, cultural, or political issues, or even to effect change? 

In this program, students will learn how to develop and execute personal and documentary photography projects. Students will explore themes that interest them, producing images and written work, and consider how images and text can work in tandem to persuasively communicate with viewers. We will also address technical issues of photography and image-making according to students’ interest level and experience.

Throughout the program we will discuss students’ projects, examine photo essays and projects by prominent photographers, discuss the elements of an effective photograph, and, if relevant to students’ projects, we will discuss the ethical aspects of pursuing documentary work. 

Students will also learn general and subject-specific research and academic writing methods used in universities and scholarly publications. Students will focus on individual topics and generate their own work products upon completion of the program.

Final Deliverables

To successfully complete this program, students will produce a photo essay or project. They will also write an academic paper to explicate their work.

Possible Topics for Final Projects

• Self-portraiture or other examinations of personal identity

• Historic events (for example, Covid and its effects)

• Political or social issues

• Culture, religion, or ritual stories

• Family and/or family history

• Documenting one’s city, neighborhood or community

• Or any other research topic in this subject area that you are interested in, and that your professor approves after discussing it with you!

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Workload: Around 4 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students interested in English writing, photography or cinematography. Visual artists who work in mediums other than photography and who want to produce a personal project are also welcome to join.

  Required Equipment: Each student needs to prepare a phone with a decent camera.