Photography & New Media
Code: P0515-25
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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.
Publishing Your Photography Book: The Why, When, and How
Jun 30 - Jul 4, 2025
9AM-5PM
Concept
Creating a compelling photobook requires thoughtful consideration. In this course, Students are guided through the essential creative and strategic decisions involved in bringing their photographic projects to publication. Swanson rigorously guides students in assessing when their work and accompanying research are fully developed and ready for publication, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing avenues. With a strong emphasis on both creative and strategic decision-making, participants focus on the critical aspects of the production process, including the integration of supplementary texts and graphic elements, as well as the careful selection of paper, printing techniques, and binding options to elevate the project and deepen the reader’s engagement. We also delve into the planning of special editions and the formulation of effective marketing strategies. Students receive comprehensive support at every stage, ensuring that their photobooks are thoughtfully crafted and positioned for success. Whether they are finalizing a body of work with the goal of publishing a photobook, seeking new strategies for their next book, or simply wanting to stay current on photobook publishing trends, contemporary fairs, and photography book competitions, this workshop supports participants throughout their publishing journey.
Media & Techniques
Presentations, lectures, editing and sequencing discussions on paper, printing and binding options, individual and group discussions and feedback
Faculty
Mary Virginia Swanson
Mary Virginia Swanson’s in-depth knowledge and professional relationships throughout the photography industry encompass a broad range of perspectives on the making and marketing of lens-based work. A respected educator and advisor, she frequently serves as a portfolio reviewer, judges at contemporary photography and photo book competitions, conducts public presentations and lectures at festivals and institutions. Through in-person mentoring, group workshops, and lecture-based online courses, Swanson’s teachings have proven to aid photographers in advancing their careers.
Tuition: $1,325.00
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 20% tuition discount* in one- and two-week adult photography and digital media summer workshops for members of SPE members 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
- Download, print and complete Mary Virgina Swansons workbook
- Images from current or ongoing project for review, 20 (min.) - 40 (max.)
- Project statement: 1 line, 1 paragraph, and 1 page formats
Optional Tools and Supplies
- Digital Camera and accessories
- Sketchbook/Journal**
- White (or light colored) T-shirt for screen printing**
- 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.