Photography in Florence

Learn how the camera can be used in a foreign environment as an exciting tool of documentary record, cross-cultural understanding, artistic expression and self-discovery. After an introduction to the fundamentals of photography, both traditional and digital, your camera will be constantly trained on the city of Florence itself, its architecture, history, people, and rich culture. As you develop your technical, compositional and critical skills as a photographer you will create a portfolio of images that will both showcase and celebrate your whole unforgettable study abroad experience. Throughout the course you will be able to post your best work on the GlobalCampus website to record and display your experiences.

Your in-class workshops will develop your practical and theoretical skills, and your photographic trips throughout the streets, squares and gardens of the city center will be complemented with a guided in-depth visit to the Florentine museum of the famous Alinari Brothers, the world's oldest photographic firm, with a spectacular archive of 3,500,000 photographs.

Throughout the course your instructor will frequently deliver critical reviews of your work, but you will also be actively involved in analyzing and evaluating your own work and the work of others in a collaborative atmosphere of constructive reflection and criticism. You'll have the opportunity to post your work on the GlobalCampus blog in order to record and display your experiences, and your most successful shots will be exhibited at the school during a special digital end-of-semester show (the 'GlobalCampus Award for Artistic Insights into Florence will be presented to the best works). If you are enrolled in any other electives there may be the possibility of executing a photographic project as part of your work requirements for those courses.

Photography in Florence Q&A
PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY WORK IN A DARKOOM.
Q: What kind of camera is suitable for this course?
A: An ordinary digital camera without manual mode will NOT suffice! Your camera MUST be either a digital single lens reflex camera (full manual functions, minimum of 4 megapixels), or a 35mm single lens reflex camera (full manual functions) and/with 50mm or equivalent lens (or a zoom lens including the 50 mm). If you do not understand these terms or descriptions you can contact your CEA Advisor at (800) 266-4441.
Q: Do I need to bring my camera's instruction manual?
A: Yes!
Q: Can I share a camera during this course?
A: No. It will be impossible to get your work done properly if you don't have constant access to your own camera.
Q: What kind of film is recommended if I do not have a digital camera?
A: I recommend color slides / transparencies. It is better that you do not buy them in the US since they can be fogged and damaged by the x-ray machines at the airport. Instead, you should wait to buy them here in Florence (we will go to the photo store together during the first lesson.)
Q: How much will I need to spend on film and developing?
A: You will be required to spend between $200 and $250 on film and developing during this course, if you have a non-digital SLR camera. If you have a digital SLR, you will be required to buy only CDs for your assignments.
Q: Is there a darkroom?
A: No. This course focuses on shooting and interpretation, and does not include the use of a darkroom or hands-on developing.
Q: What happens if I arrive without the right camera but I am enrolled on the course?
A: If you don't have the right kind of camera you will have a chance to purchase one after you arrive, as your professor will guide you in your purchase.