Documentary Photography

Matt O’Brien
Wednesdays 7:00–9:00 PM
5 weeks starting June 12
$120 / $105 UCB students
Photographs in the documentary tradition are some of the most memorable and powerful images ever created. In this class, we will focus on understanding and creating documentary photography while touching on its history, traditions and role in contemporary society. What makes images effective? What techniques can we employ to make our photographs more compelling? We will examine the work of notable photographers, of the instructor, and of other students to further develop our sense of what distinguishes a good photograph. We will also discuss the practical aspects of carrying out a photography project—exhibiting, funding, promoting, publishing, legal considerations, etc. Students of all experience levels and motivations are welcome—whether you’re exploring photography as a career or you just want to make more compelling photographs. Bring some of your work to the first class. The class will be a friendly environment in which to share your work with others and receive constructive feedback.

From the Royal Colombia Project, Matt O'Brien

Matt O’Brien’s Royal Colombia, a documentary project about Colombian beauty pageants, is currently on exhibit at the Centro Colombo Americano in Medellin, Colombia and at the Museum of Modern Art in Cartagena, Colombia. Images from the project were published last year in Jane magazine. Other documentary projects, as well as his Polaroid emulsion transfers, have also been exhibited and published extensively. See: Matt O'Brien Photography