Journalism Through a Camera

Course Catalog Description

Course designed for students to learn and practice fundamentals of journalism, from finding and pitching story ideas, to gaining access, to story formation and editing, through publication and reflection. Oh, and all is done with and through a camera.

Course Overview

This course is designed to give student in-depth classroom instruction followed by significant assignments to put classroom learning to work through application of fundamental principles of “good” journalism. Students will build a wide ranging and meaningful portfolio to show their growing skills in planning, adjusting, and execution of journalism through a camera. Digital camera or no, students must remain within the budget of allowed frames for each assignment then return to class prepared to show and speak to all frames made, then edit to show a refined visual story. The course places heavy emphasis on captioning — a distinguishing mark between photographers and photojournalists.

Course Learning Outcomes

Through the semester students will plan and follow through on several original journalism stories that express 1) their current talents and subject preferences and strengths, 2) an identified additional area needed to build a strong portfolio to obtain a job, 3) a personal challenge to explore unknown or non-preferred territory or subject.

  • Public speaking — no, photographs don’t always speak for themselves

    Social permission to do weird things, like talk to strangers

    This is a camera, or, f/ 2.8 and be there

    Publication study, or, prepare to fit in at your desired journalism organization

    Captions, or, the difference between photographers and photojournalists

    Building a portfolio to get a job, or, why to not add pet portraiture and wedding photographs to your ESPN application portfolio

    Working as a valued-added member of a journalism team, or, how to avoid becoming an ostracized diva at work

    Finding stories, or, how to talk to strangers

    Respectful interactions and presenting your subject with dignity

    Friendly competition, or, getting ready for College Photographer of the Year