This practicum lab explores writing and visual storytelling. With advancements of smartphones and digital cameras, picture making is more accessible than ever: from simple selfies to foodtography . Yet, there is something reflective about photography. Writers and artists take more time to capture people, scenes, and surroundings. This class will take you through the fundamentals of camera operation, introduce the principals of studio lighting, in order to combine your writing with visual storytelling. We start with interviews, environmental portraiture and studio portraiture to familiarize you with the camera and lighting equipment (these are your brush and pen) producing a magazine article in digital and physical printed form. The second half of the semester further develops your visual storytelling on your chosen subject and medium, aligning with your writing practice. This seminar is intended for graduate students at all levels of photographic background. Previous lighting equipment experience is not required.