Dates: March 23 - June 1, 2026 (No class on 5/25)
Meetings: Mondays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (10 sessions)
Location: Online Zoom Classroom
Cost: $690 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Cristina Velásquez
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rooted in the intersection of creation and critique, this course invites photographers to explore their unique locus of enunciation—the specific position from which they perceive and speak—to cultivate an original photographic imprint. This class is designed to help participants recognize that position and develop a visual language that is entirely their own and sharpen their conceptual clarity in a space of experimentation and trust.
Participants will work toward a cohesive and original body of work by integrating critical theory, art history, and technical refinement. Functioning as a creative laboratory, the course combines weekly group critiques with guided exercises and critical readings. Students are encouraged to engage in a rigorous process of making, thinking, and remaking—leveraging their strengths while navigating doubt to push the boundaries of subjective photography.
Objectives:
Identify your unique perspective and understand how it shapes the way you see and photograph
Cultivate your creative process: Develop a cycle of making, thinking, and remaking
Navigate creative doubt and sharpen your subjective vision
Increase your ability to “read” photographs and discuss them using the language of contemporary art and critical theory
Refine the relationship between your artistic intent and your technical execution
Build a safe space to be authentic, honest and vulnerable with your work, allowing profound growth through experimentation
Prerequisites:
This course welcomes photographers regardless of their preferred camera, style, or aesthetic. Students should have a body of work in progress to share or a solid idea of a project they wish to work on and a commitment to producing new photographs each week. Most importantly, this space requires a willingness to embrace creative doubt as a vital part of the artistic process.
Course Prep:
For our first meeting, please bring two photographs from your own archive: one that you consider to be your "best" work, and another that you consider "bad" or feel needs improvement. We will use these as a starting point to discuss your subjective vision and the specific areas where you wish to grow.
Dates: March 23 - June 1, 2026 (No class on 5/25)
Meetings: Mondays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (10 sessions)
Location: Online Zoom Classroom
Cost: $690 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Cristina Velásquez
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rooted in the intersection of creation and critique, this course invites photographers to explore their unique locus of enunciation—the specific position from which they perceive and speak—to cultivate an original photographic imprint. This class is designed to help participants recognize that position and develop a visual language that is entirely their own and sharpen their conceptual clarity in a space of experimentation and trust.
Participants will work toward a cohesive and original body of work by integrating critical theory, art history, and technical refinement. Functioning as a creative laboratory, the course combines weekly group critiques with guided exercises and critical readings. Students are encouraged to engage in a rigorous process of making, thinking, and remaking—leveraging their strengths while navigating doubt to push the boundaries of subjective photography.
Objectives:
Identify your unique perspective and understand how it shapes the way you see and photograph
Cultivate your creative process: Develop a cycle of making, thinking, and remaking
Navigate creative doubt and sharpen your subjective vision
Increase your ability to “read” photographs and discuss them using the language of contemporary art and critical theory
Refine the relationship between your artistic intent and your technical execution
Build a safe space to be authentic, honest and vulnerable with your work, allowing profound growth through experimentation
Prerequisites:
This course welcomes photographers regardless of their preferred camera, style, or aesthetic. Students should have a body of work in progress to share or a solid idea of a project they wish to work on and a commitment to producing new photographs each week. Most importantly, this space requires a willingness to embrace creative doubt as a vital part of the artistic process.
Course Prep:
For our first meeting, please bring two photographs from your own archive: one that you consider to be your "best" work, and another that you consider "bad" or feel needs improvement. We will use these as a starting point to discuss your subjective vision and the specific areas where you wish to grow.
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