Photography & New Media
Code: P0922-25
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III
Level III
Photography students have some formal training and significant experience making, capturing and digitally processing images using Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe Photoshop. New Media students have some formal training in conceptual and technological aspects of video, multimedia, coding or animation and are versed in the appropriate software applications. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Photography students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography and digital image processing. New Media students have advanced skills and knowledge of video, multimedia, coding or animation. Students are self-motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Master Class: From Concept to Completion: Project Development and Professional Practices
Jul 28 - Aug 1, 2025
9AM-5PM
Concept
Advance your documentary or narrative-based photography projects with the expert guidance of renowned artists Kris Graves and Aline Smithson. This Masterclass is tailored for photographers seeking to refine and complete a body of work, preparing it for exhibition, publication, or other distribution platforms. Over the course of an intensive week-long workshop participants receive in-depth support in researching and producing their projects, honing their aesthetic approach, and mastering the art of editing and sequencing. Real-life case studies from guest artists offer valuable insights into the professional world, while peer engagement fosters a dynamic creative community. This is a unique opportunity for dedicated photographers to elevate their work to the next level.
TO APPLY: Applications for enrollment are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, please fill out the 2025 Advanced Mentored Studies Online Application Form.
Media & Techniques
Digital photography, workflow, digital printing, presentations, writing, individual and group discussions, feedback
Faculty
Kris Graves
Kris Graves is an artist and publisher based in New York and California. Graves creates artwork that deals with societal problems and aims to use art as a means to inform people about cultural issues. His publishing group, +KGP, collaborates with artists to create limited edition publications and archival prints, focusing on contemporary photography and works on paper that address issues of race, identity, equity, gender, sexuality, and class.
Aline Smithson
Aline Smithson is an interdisciplinary artist, filmmaker, educator, and editor based in Los Angeles, California. Her practice examines the archetypal foundations of the creative impulse and she uses humor and pathos to explore the performative potential of photography. She received a BA in art from the University of California at Santa Barbara and was accepted into the College of Creative Studies, studying under significant California artists. After a decade-long career as a New York Fashion Editor, Smithson returned to Los Angeles and to her own artistic practice.
Kris Graves,
Tuition: $1,380.00
Studio Fee: $125.00
Registration Fee: $45.00
NEW: Tuition includes the welcome dinner and daily lunch
Registration Information
Photography & New Media
Photography has always been a vital part of Anderson Ranch, one in which students explore visual storytelling through a variety of contexts and concepts. The program has uniquely evolved to focus on both traditional photography and new media— making it one of the only workshop settings of its kind. Three floors of the Fischer Photography Center house state-of-the-art equipment, including three photography studios, two Mac labs, a traditional darkroom, and a lighting studio with strobe and continuous lighting for photography and video.
All Photography workshops are rooted in the same idea—powerful art requires rigorous inquiry of techniques and ideas. We focus on technical skills, content and critical dialog. Students have access to color-managed media labs equipped with 24-inch iMacs, flatbed and film scanners, Epson printers, and cutting-edge software including Adobe Creative Cloud. When appropriate, students utilize strobe and tungsten lighting equipment, seamless backdrops, green screen, audio and video recording equipment and Epson large-format printers.
The Ranch Photography and New Media team creates an inspiring environment, allowing artists of all levels to explore lens-based media and the journey of artistic discovery in the unparalleled setting of the Colorado Rockies.
Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a tuition discount* in one- and two-week adult photography and new media summer workshops** for members of SPE and the Center for Fine Art Photography. Please email reg@
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
Provided by Anderson Ranch
Equipment
- 24" iMac
- Adobe Suite
- Epson P800 SureColor Printer
Supplies
- Allotted paper and ink (for inkjet printing)
What you need to bring
Required Tools and Supplies
- Digital Camera and accessories
- External hard drive or access to cloud storage to save digital works made
- Presentation of personal work for first day of class, 15-20 images
Optional Tools and Supplies
- Sketchbook/Journal**
- White (or light colored) T-shirt for screen printing**
* Available for purchase in the studio.
** Available to purchase at the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store for 10% off.
Learn more about shipping supplies and artwork to and from the Ranch in the Student Handbook.
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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Jan 20 - 24, 2025
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
January Studio Session: Photography & New Media
Esther Macy Nooner
Tuition $1,110
Code ZSP0101-25
Anderson Ranch’s January Studio Sessions provide artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation, and access to equipment, as well as some morning group demonstrations and / or critiques. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Private dorm rooms are available at Anderson Ranch for an additional fee; click here to view January 2025 lodging options. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Esther Nooner with questions and to apply: [email protected]
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O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Jun 2 - 6, 2025
9AM-5PM
Photographic Collage: An Exploration of Photography and Painting
Kate Leonard
Tuition $1,430
Code P0103-25
Join an engaging exploration of the synthesis between two distinct art forms: photography and painting. Students discover transfer techniques that integrate photographic images and text directly onto painted surfaces, resulting in intriguingly layered works. Participants explore traditional collage and photomontage, and master new methods that allow for opaque and translucent layers. Reductive methods, such as sanding and scraping, reveal the history of earlier photographic layers and suggest an archaeological approach to image development. The workshop emphasizes experimentation and exploratory approaches. Students produce a portfolio of physical examples of all techniques.
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I
Level I
Students are new to photography and new media and have no formal training in photography, video, multimedia or animation. Students have basic computer literacy.
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II
Level II
Photography students have a basic understanding of photography principles and technology and are comfortable using an SLR camera in manual mode. New Media students have a basic understanding of video, multimedia or animation software. Students have basic computer skills and are comfortable using a Macintosh computer.
Jun 9 - 13, 2025
9AM-5PM
The Eloquent Image
Keith Carter
Tuition $1,380
Code P0205-25
Ignite or rekindle the creative spirit while deepening understanding of what makes work truly meaningful. Tailored for serious amateur and professional photographers, this workshop aims to help students find harmony between practical and creative pursuits. Through re-examining personal creative processes, we explore the narrative, aesthetic, and emotional dimensions of image-making, uncovering fresh paths for creative growth. Our shared goal is to guide each participant in developing or refining their unique style, making fine art, commercial, or amateur work more passionate, purposeful, and fulfilling.