This six-week online course offers an immersive introduction to the art and practice of documentary photography. Led by acclaimed photographer Marissa Roth, the class guides students through the essential techniques, styles, and ethical considerations involved in capturing real-life stories with honesty and impact.
Documentary photography requires adaptability, technical mastery, and sensitivity. Students will learn to work with natural and artificial light in diverse environments—from candid portraits to landscapes and everyday objects—often under unpredictable conditions. The course balances artistic vision with practical skills, focusing on how to shoot thoughtfully, choose compelling subjects, and navigate the social and psychological dynamics of photographing in the field.
Weekly lessons include lectures on iconic photographers like Walker Evans, Vivian Maier, and Martin Parr, along with in-depth discussions on personal project development. Students will present their own documentary project ideas in the first class and receive constructive critiques each week to refine their storytelling and sequencing.
This class offers a supportive environment to develop a personal voice, technical confidence, and a deeper understanding of documentary photography’s power to illuminate the human experience.
