Photography: Nature and Spirit

Quarters
Spring Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Carrie Chema

In this course, we will investigate ways in which connection with nature through immersion and observation may be deployed in the service of creative innovation through photography and journaling. Students taking this course will consider their own relationships with nature and spirituality, allowing these relationships to inform their photographic practices. This is a course that is suited for any level of photography experience. We will go over the fundamentals of camera control, image editing, and lighting.
Throughout the quarter, students will keep an observation journal containing their photographs, writings, drawings, collages and more that will be crafted in response to weekly “creative invitations”. These invitations will act as prompts for students to consider their relationship with nature -- landscapes, plants, animals, the elements, etc. -- and then to make art that is informed by these ideas.
In addition to maintaining a consistent art-making practice throughout the quarter, students will respond to readings that consider a variety of perspectives on ways of thinking about nature and ourselves including topics related to the ethical, social, and historical functions of the relationship between nature and photography. This class will also consider the history of landscape photography and discuss both historical and contemporary artwork related to the themes of the course.

Fall Anticipated Credit Equivalencies

4 - Photography

Registration

Previous college-level photography coursework and a portfolio

Academic Details

Photography, photojournalism, visual art, media

4
25
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

$50 fee covers inkjet printing materials

Schedule

Spring
2026
Open
In Person (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Evening
Schedule Details
Olympia