Dates: January 7 - February 4, 2026
Meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (5 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $490 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Stephan Hillerbrand
Skill Level: Intermediate
Uncover the unique themes that drive your photographic practice and learn how to develop these into cohesive concepts. This 5-week course is designed for photographers of all levels who wish to deepen their understanding of their personal interests and refine their artistic voice. Through critiques, discussions, practical exercises, and contemporary topics such as AI in photography, digital manipulation, alternative processes, and community outreach, participants will create a comprehensive project plan ready for execution. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and complete weekly assignments in the process of developing their project plan.
Objectives:
Identify and articulate personal interests and themes in your photography
Analyze photographic work for recurring themes and styles
Develop a photographic-artistic concept from a chosen theme
Use mind maps to visually connect interests, influences, and potential concepts
Familiarize yourself with contemporary photographic strategies and concepts such as AI, digital manipulation, alternative processes, and community outreach.
Plan and prepare for creating a photographic project, considering logistics, resources, and challenges
Respond to feedback by producing new work or refining existing work
Prerequisites: None
Course Prep:
For the first class, students should bring a selection of their photographic work for critique. Be prepared to discuss your interests, influences, and goals as a photographer.
Dates: January 7 - February 4, 2026
Meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (5 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $490 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Stephan Hillerbrand
Skill Level: Intermediate
Uncover the unique themes that drive your photographic practice and learn how to develop these into cohesive concepts. This 5-week course is designed for photographers of all levels who wish to deepen their understanding of their personal interests and refine their artistic voice. Through critiques, discussions, practical exercises, and contemporary topics such as AI in photography, digital manipulation, alternative processes, and community outreach, participants will create a comprehensive project plan ready for execution. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and complete weekly assignments in the process of developing their project plan.
Objectives:
Identify and articulate personal interests and themes in your photography
Analyze photographic work for recurring themes and styles
Develop a photographic-artistic concept from a chosen theme
Use mind maps to visually connect interests, influences, and potential concepts
Familiarize yourself with contemporary photographic strategies and concepts such as AI, digital manipulation, alternative processes, and community outreach.
Plan and prepare for creating a photographic project, considering logistics, resources, and challenges
Respond to feedback by producing new work or refining existing work
Prerequisites: None
Course Prep:
For the first class, students should bring a selection of their photographic work for critique. Be prepared to discuss your interests, influences, and goals as a photographer.
Images: Stephan Hillerbrand and Mary Magsamen
