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From Silver Prints to Snapchat–The History of Photography: A Six-Part Course with Marta López Beriso

From Silver Prints to Snapchat–The History of Photography: A Six-Part Course with Marta López Beriso


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after each event.

This course will delve into the fascinating history of photography, an invention that took the world by storm. Combining technology, science, and art we’ll learn how the process that once seemed magic became an integral part of our lives, supporting our memories and a lens through which we can interpret and understand the world around us, as well as ourselves. We’ll start with the early daguerreotypes and analog prints and trace the history and development of technique and equipment through the instant gratification of the digital camera which we can’t live without today. We’ll explore how this medium is related to the birth of modernity and the Avant-Garde, and how, today, it may provide the ultimate facade of an alternate reality.

Led by an expert in the history of art and photography, Marta López Beriso, this course offers a deep insight into the history of the concepts and processes that made photography a vehicle to bring past and present before our eyes. Designed to inform curiosity, participants will come away with increased knowledge on how to read and interpret the images that built universal bridges around the world and our lives.

Photo credit: Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program.

Lecture 1: The Magic of Images on Paper - 1830-1860

Our first lecture will focus on early process and material— daguerreotypes, salted papers, and the negative-positive process.

Lecture 2: The Magic Spreads - 1850-1880

Our second lecture will focus on the spread of photography as a mechanical, multipurpose tool.

Lecture 3: 1860-1900

Our third lecture will focus on the challenge of capturing movement and the advent of color photography.

Lecture 4: 1880-1920

Our fourth lecture will focus on the emergence of professional photographers and the birth of photojournalism.

Lecture 5: Just Press the Button - 1920-1970

Our fifth lecture will focus on the modern convenience of photography in the mid-twentieth century and its role from daily life to fine art.

Lecture 6: 1970 Until today

Our sixth and final lecture will focus on the camera as a tool in the digital era.

Professor Marta López Beriso is an active scholar and educator in the field of Art History. She teaches at various American universities in Madrid. She holds degrees in Art History and Archaeology (B.A. Université de La Sorbonne-Paris IV), Arts and Culture Administration (M.A. Universidad de Barcelona), and a PhD in Art History, expertise in History of Photography (Universidad Complutense de Madrid). She is also the founder and director of “Aulas de Arte”, a private non-profit organization, dedicated to educational services in museums, nationwide and internationally. Born and raised in Madrid, she has studied in Paris and also worked in New York at the beginning of her professional career, at MOMA. Back in Madrid she feels the city as a cosmopolitan insider. She knows both the historical and traditional Madrid she discovered with her mother and grandmother as well as the most contemporary and alternative side of the city.

How does it work?

This is a six-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.

Is there a reading list in advance?

Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. You will receive this soon after course registration.

How long are the lectures?

Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.

How much is the course?

The course is $210 for six lectures.

Is a recording available?

Yes. If you need to miss a lecture, you will be sent a recording after the event.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
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Anonymous (Phoenix, US)
Excellent Seminar

Marta did a fabulous job of reviewing the history of photography. As an avid travel photographer at a time when there is little travel, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about my passion for seeing the world through photography. Marta's presentation was fantastic and I learned so much!

M
Martha Sorensen (Santa Fe, US)
History of Photography

While I have taken a photography curation course, Marta provided us with information on technical aspects of the development of photography which I knew little about. In addition, her selection of photographs was excellent. She shared her opinions about different ways of seeing, as well. Highly recommended.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

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Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

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Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
100%
(8)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous (Phoenix, US)
Excellent Seminar

Marta did a fabulous job of reviewing the history of photography. As an avid travel photographer at a time when there is little travel, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about my passion for seeing the world through photography. Marta's presentation was fantastic and I learned so much!

M
Martha Sorensen (Santa Fe, US)
History of Photography

While I have taken a photography curation course, Marta provided us with information on technical aspects of the development of photography which I knew little about. In addition, her selection of photographs was excellent. She shared her opinions about different ways of seeing, as well. Highly recommended.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment