Skip to Content
Course

Experimental Photography

ART-40742

Experimental Photography: Transform Your Photography into Extraordinary Art
10 Weeks | Prerequisite: ART-40629 Photo 1:Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO or Equivalent Experience

Unleash your creativity in this immersive journey into the avant-garde world of experimental photography. Perfect for those ready to break free from conventional methods, this course empowers you to push the boundaries of visual storytelling through bold, hands-on techniques. Dive into a fusion of in-camera manipulations and inventive, budget friendly enhancements that transform ordinary images into extraordinary works of art. From lens distortions and macro photography to mixed media and DIY textures, you'll experiment with a wide range of tools to craft visually striking, one of-a-kind masterpieces. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned photographer, this course invites you to reimagine what photography can be—creative, unconventional, and uniquely yours. 

What you'll learn

  • Apply Experimental Techniques: Utilize a variety of experimental photography techniques, including in-camera manipulations (e.g., intentional camera movement, double exposure) and out-of-camera enhancements (e.g., DIY filters, textures), to create innovative and visually engaging images.
  • Execute Advanced In-Camera Manipulations: Employ different lenses (fisheye, tilt-shift, macro) and in-camera effects (e.g., freelensing, light painting) to achieve creative photographic results.
  • Utilize Light and Shadow for Artistic Effect: Incorporate light and shadow creatively in compositions, using techniques such as light painting and shadow play to enhance depth and visual interest.
  • Create and Analyze Double and Multiple Exposures: Produce images using double and multiple exposure techniques, demonstrating an understanding of layering and composition.
  • Develop and Implement DIY Enhancements: Construct and apply DIY filters and textures to alter and enhance photographic images with household materials.
  • Integrate Photography with Mixed Media: Combine photographic elements with other art forms (e.g., painting, drawing, collage) to produce mixed media artworks that blend different artistic techniques.
  • Experiment with Alternative Processes: Implement alternative photographic processes (e.g., cyanotypes, photograms) and physical manipulations (e.g., film soup) to explore texture and form in unique ways.
  • Plan and Execute a Thematically Cohesive Project: Develop and present a personal photographic project that reflects a clear theme and incorporates various experimental techniques learned throughout the course.
  • Critique and Reflect on Creative Work: Evaluate your own and your peers’ work critically, offering constructive feedback and reflecting on the creative process and conceptual development through critiques and artist statements.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$495.00
Notes:

Quarters Offered: Winter
Equipment/Software: Fully adjustable DSLR camera, mirrorless camera with manual exposure mode, or prosumer camera. Creative Cloud Photography Plan (or full Adobe Creative Cloud plan). Lightroom Classic (not Lightroom Creative Cloud). Tripod recommended.
Flexible Enrollment:This course is an Elective for the Photography: Images and Techniques Certificate but is open to all students, even if you’re not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term. 

Get more information

This course applies to these programs

Photography: Images and Techniques

Course sessions

Add To Cart

Section ID:

195070

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/16/2026
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted
  • Prerequisite required

Note:

This is a asynchronous, web-based course. Synchronous attendance is NOT required but there is a start and end date and weekly assignment due dates, beginning week 1. You will have access to your course on the published start date OR 1 day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll after the published start date. SCBWI/MOPA/SDMA members can receive a $25 discount for one course prior to course start date. Discount is applied upon enrollment over the phone or in person with proof of membership.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Kendra Jekel

Kendra Jekel
Kendra Jekel is a freelance photographer who specializes in food and product photography. In her free time, she creates fine art imagery of forgotten landscapes situated predominately in the Southwest.

Kendra received her BFA and MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. While there she immersed herself in the study of various photographic techniques, concepts, and historical influences. This foundational education provided her with a strong technical background and a solid understanding of the artistic principles that underpin the medium.

Kendra began her freelance business over 10 years ago and has acquired clients both locally and nationally.  She now focuses her work mainly on shooting seasonal menus for local restaurants and helping chefs and food bloggers grow their visual presence. Beyond her personal photography practice, Kendra is also an educator, sharing her expertise and passion for the craft with aspiring photographers.

With her unwavering dedication and a genuine passion for storytelling through the lens, Kendra continues to push the boundaries of photography, creating captivating imagery that leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter her work.
Full Bio