Topics in Photography: Sense of Place- Section II – 10 session course with Emily Belz

Sense of Place

“Sense of place is the sixth sense, an internal compass and map made by memory and spatial perception together.” – Rebecca Solnit

What characteristics make up a place? What makes a place notable, special, mysterious, nostalgic—in short, a place a photographer feels compelled to photograph? In this course we will explore the topic of sense of place in photography in depth. Beginning with assignments that blend photographic techniques (composition; light; the frame) and genres (landscape; portraiture; interiors/exteriors), students will have the opportunity to explore the concept of sense of place. As the class progresses, each student will choose a place they would like to photograph with greater attention and detail, to build a series of images. Class sessions will blend presentations of contemporary and historical figures in photography with technical topics as needed. Student images will be critiqued weekly.

Class Dates:
10 Classes, Thursdays from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. 10 weeks

March 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Levels: Intermediate to Advanced. Previous photography experienced required. Please contact the instructor with specific questions.

Bio:

Emily Belz is a photographer and educator based in Cambridge, MA. Her work focuses on domestic still lifes, and reveals a strong affinity for light, space, and color. Belz has exhibited her photographs both regionally and nationally at venues including the Center for Fine Art Photography; the Griffin Museum of Photography; and the Danforth Museum. She was the recipient of a 2014 artist grant from the Cambridge Arts Council, a 2015 Critical Mass Finalist, and was awarded the Manoog Family artist residency in 2018. In 2019 Belz will have solo exhibits at Gallery Kayafas and the Danforth Museum.

Belz holds a BA in photography and art history from Hampshire College (1997), an MA in art and design education from the Rhode Island School of Design (2009), and an MFA from the New Hampshire Institute of Art (2017). She teaches classes and workshops at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA and Lasell College in Newton, MA.

When not making photographs she can be found sailing with her husband and young son, and chasing the light.