Core Studio 4 is structured to prepare you for the thesis year by emphasizing research, iterative creation, and the honing of technical skills. Throughout each inflected section, you will craft a project statement, deliver a panel presentation, and undertake a self-directed, long-term project, gaining valuable insights through self-evaluation and peer-to-peer assessment. In combination with the curriculum in Core Seminar 4: Contemporary Topics, you will build a strong research-based creative practice. In this section, you will work both individually and collaboratively to create still and time-based imagery with a focus on commercial contexts: fashion, portrait, editorial, among others. Field trips, guest lectures, and visiting artists will help situate your practice within the history of commercial photography and its contemporary landscape. Class discussions will examine the roles of image-makers in the industry and the collaborative structures that support their work. Through the analysis of key critical texts on theory, visual culture, and design, you will explore the social responsibilities tied to commercial image-making. This foundation will support the development of your own creative voice and professional practice.

Core Studio 4 is structured to prepare you for the thesis year by emphasizing research, iterative creation, and the honing of technical skills. Throughout each inflected section, you will craft a project statement, deliver a panel presentation, and undertake a self-directed, long-term project, gaining valuable insights through self-evaluation and peer-to-peer assessment. In combination with the curriculum in Core Seminar 4: Contemporary Topics, you will build a strong research-based creative practice. In this section, we will explore historical and contemporary practices in documentary photography, emphasizing research methodologies, ethics, and conceptual execution in the field. We will examine the planning, collaboration, and awareness required to engage in documentary work and consider the broader contexts in which it operates. Through readings, field trips, discussions, and projects, you will gain insight into the complexities of documenting culture and the everyday. The course also investigates the critical role the photographer plays in balancing the objectivity of the lens with the subjective nature of documentation.

Core Studio 4 is structured to prepare you for the thesis year by emphasizing research, iterative creation, and the honing of technical skills. Throughout each inflected section, you will craft a project statement, deliver a panel presentation, and undertake a self-directed, long-term project, gaining valuable insights through self-evaluation and peer-to-peer assessment. In combination with the curriculum in Core Seminar 4: Contemporary Topics, you will build a strong research-based creative practice. In this section, we will explore both historical and contemporary ideas, theories, and philosophies related to lens-based media. You will be introduced to a variety of image-making strategies which will provide you with a broad conceptual foundation for your creative work. Through readings, field trips, discussions, and hands-on projects, you will gain a deep understanding of how conceptual approaches have influenced contemporary art, and will develop idea-driven strategies that align with your individual creative practices.