Fall 2026 ART 105: Foundation Photography and Video Art (Units: 1.5)

Course Overview

When does an image need to move and when does it stay still? In this course we will work with our cameras and move between photo and video. We'll consider, at a time when the camera is always in the palm of our hand, why press record? We'll explore what makes an image or a moving image an artwork. We'll discuss introductory contemporary photography and video theory, review an array of artists, and explore techniques and ways of working with technology. Students will share their production of images and video over the semester to refine and expand their camera abilities and creative voice. The format of this open-ended guided foundation course will be a combination of lectures, discussions and experiential learning. 

Topics

Topics covered in the course:

The camera

• What can be a camera?
• Pinholes, camera obscuras and light
• Camera basics

Composition and themes

• What makes a striking image? 
• What do you choose to include in the frame? 

Alterations, narrative and truth 

• When do we intercept an image? 
• Image enhancement and manipulation

Sequences & series & image printing 

• How do you photograph an idea?
• Working with themes and continuities 
• Printing demo 

Video art intro and basics 

• Genres, non-narrative, performance and durational ways of making video art
• Formats and shooting video fundamentals 
• Importing, timing, exporting files

Video projects 

• Developing a theme
• Workflows and storyboarding ideas

Video production 

• Decision making around editing, time and sound
• Video installations

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Objective: Considered image making 

Outcome

• Find a frequency with your camera, keeping it nearby so taking photos and videos becomes a welcome practice and an outlet
• Develop series, sequences and ideas within your imagemaking. Learn how artists document ideas, observations, experiences, feelings, and anything they want to process further through a lense
• Become familiar with the technical resources and insights available to book on campus and how they may be a valuable asset for the duration of your studies 

Objective: Technical comfort

Outcome

• Build a relationship and connection with your gear and sample the technical parts of making that you enjoy 
• Access camera manuals and complete tutorials outside of class time

 Objective: Assess and interpret art 

Outcome

• Develop familiarity with contemporary photo and video artists with exhibition records 
• Define areas of interest and context for your creative practice, considering and exploring what you are reacting to and what work stays with you
• Encourage and sit with the work of your peers
• Grow methods of contributing to art discussions that happen in the classroom and online

Assignments

Assignments Breakdown

• Assignment 1: Ways of Seeing
  • Deadline October 13
• Assignment 2: A Printed Series
  • Deadline October 27
• Assignment 3: Final Video Project
  • Deadline December 1
• Outtakes: Discussion Forum contributions 
  • Deadline biweekly

Critiques

Critiques are a way to uplift one another’s work. What are the conditions that you and your art can flourish in? We will work as a group to think deeply about one another’s work in progress and to celebrate completed projects. Critiques are equivalent to exams and require attendance plus  engagement. Multiple methods of how to engage in crits will be discussed and facilitated. If illness occurs on crit days, written feedback for your peers’ projects will be required. There will be a middle of the term critique, a final class critique and ongoing dialogue on brightspace throughout the semester.

Grading

Grading Breakdown

/10 Assignment 1: Ways of Seeing

/30 Assignment 2: A Printed Series

/30 Assignment 3: Final Video Project

/10 Outtakes: Discussion Forum contributions 

/20 Participation and engagement*: attendance, punctuality, professionalism and critique contributions

Total 100

Grading Policies

• Punctuality and presence are important to the flow of the class. A late arrival once or twice over the term is understandable. Please catch up with a peer if missing the start of class. Presence in class means laptops closed and devices set aside for focused participation and engagement in discussion and activities. 
• Late assignments are deducted 5%/day
• Extensions may be possible if discussed before the assignment due date
• If you are unable to contribute to the class discussions for any reason, please discuss this with me and I may be able to offer assistance or other models for participation

Department of Visual Arts Attendance Standard

Experiential learning and engagement are directly tied to class attendance. In the Department of Visual Arts students are expected to attend all classes. To succeed in the course, students should not have more than 2 unexcused absences in a 12-week semester, which equates to 6 hours of instruction.

Any student, regardless of illness or accommodation will not be able to succeed in the course with absences over 30%, which equates to 12 hours in a twelve-week semester. If a student finds that they are not able to meet this requirement, the instructor will work with the student to apply for academic concession or exceptional circumstances accommodation.

This standard is in place to ensure that students in the program acquire artistic experience in conjunction with the skill and safety requirements needed to complete the coursework and continue in the program. We find that active communication between students and instructors is the best method for ensuring attendance requirements are met. (Instructors are free to add information on how they will manage communication around attendance and can specify ways that they will work with a student who is experiencing extenuating circumstances). If the attendance standard has not been met and there is no communication with the instructor, an incomplete or failing grade will be assigned.

Academic Concession Link:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-academic-concession/#ipn-request-a-withdrawal-or-aegrotat

Materials

• Adobe ID for use in libraries and labs on campus for demos. Please sign up by the second week of the course 
• Access to photo and video editing programs. Please note that Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere are available in the Studios for Integrated Media SIM labs or in some Clearihue labs
• Access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera (it’s possible to borrow these from the Equipment cage or the McPherson library) 
• Method of storing files 

Additional Information

Additional Information as needed.

Support

CAL Accommodations

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Access, review and acknowledge receipt of the accommodation letter https://al.uvic.ca/ClockWork/user/instructor/default.aspx
• Take the time to privately discuss the accommodation with your student; if you would like to understand the requested accommodation better, reach out to the CAL Advisor mentioned in the accommodation letter or communicate with both the student and their CAL Advisor. The goal is to learn if the accommodation pertains to studio-based classes, and if so, discuss best practices for moving forward with the accommodation request and achieving the learning outcomes of the course.
• Work with your student to meet their requirements for your specific class.
• Inform the student of their role in the accommodation process.
• Be mindful of the need to ensure confidentiality and protect the student’s privacy at all times.

Student Responsibilities:

• Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning by the posted deadlines https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php
• Take the time to discuss your accommodation with your instructor. Consider how your accommodation relates to a studio-based learning environment, and which, if any, aspects will pertain.
• A CAL accommodation does NOT exempt students from completing assignments or attending class.
• If you require additional time on an assignment or deadline, this must be discussed with your instructor in advance.
• If you require alternate methods for engagement (class discussion, working in the studio classroom, working in the shops), discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• If you require alternate methods for lectures, film or image presentations, discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• Keep your instructor up to date on accommodation needs throughout the term, especially if there are improvements or setbacks.

Health and Safety Policies for the Department of Visual Arts

 In order to protect the integrity of the Visual Arts building and guarantee the safety of students, staff and faculty, the following guidelines must be followed:

• There will be no alteration of the physical building (temporary or otherwise), without the written approval of the chair. All proposals for special projects should be first submitted to The Visual Arts Facilities and Production Manager for consideration.

• All temporary installations of art that may occur outside the regularly sanctioned locations (i.e., the gallery and classrooms) must be authorized.

• At no time will the use of hazardous materials either inside or outside the vicinity of the Visual Arts Building, be permitted without the department’s prior approval.

• There shall be no disposal of toxic materials down sinks: all solvents, acids and other substances used in the routine course of art making must be handled in a safe and acceptable manner. 

• Artworks that include an element of self-harm must be authorized in writing by the Chair and will include strict pre-determined conditions depending on the proposal. In most cases the artist/ student will be responsible for ensuring all safety precautions are taken regarding their safety and the safety of others. This includes having first aid equipment at the performance or during the creation of the work where the action takes place, and consider any health risks your actions may pose to others. At the discretion of the Department Chair, a first responder may be required to be present

• Art that includes elements of violence, self-harm, and or other subject matter that may be traumatic or pose a trigger risk should be clearly identified to students, faculty and staff, allowing them to choose if they want to witness your work, these types of warnings are typical if one were to do such a performance in a gallery or other public space.

• Art that includes excessive volume is dangerous to the hearing of students, faculty and staff. These artworks can also be disruptive to other classes and activities within the Visual Arts Building. Artworks and or actions that contain sound at or above 98dB need to be pre-approved by the Department and clearly labeled. During critique situations hearing protection should be made available anyone required to experience the piece. Free decibel metering apps are available for most smart phones determine the level or risk.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN ACADEMIC PENALTIES, FINANCIAL CHARGES, AND/ OR, THE LOSS OF SHOP, LAB, STUDIO, AND EQUIPMENT USE PRIVILEGES.