Saul Leiter
—
Haircut
(1956)

Alice Li
—
Jukebox Reflections
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Snow
(1960)

Alice Li
—
Shopper
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Walking
(1956)

Alice Li
—
Reflection
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Shopper
(1953)

Alice Li
—
Blinds
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Straw Hat
(1955)

Alice Li
—
Motion
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Tanager Stairs
(1954)

Alice Li
—
Shoes
(2014)

Saul Leiter
—
Kutztown
(1948)

Alice Li
—
Chalk
(2014)

Instructions & Examples

Below are the assignments for this year’s course. Select each link for full assignment instructions and to view examples for
each activity.

Nominate a Photo Icon

Select a photograph to nominate as a photo
icon. How did your photograph influence the
direction of photography? Why do you believe
the photograph is “iconic?” What are the
historical, cultural or technical effects of this
image and why has it remained an important
image over time?

» Assignment Instructions

» Example #1

» Example #2

Compare Photo Icons

Select two iconic photographs by Jewish
photographers. Compare and contrast
them, discussing why each is a strong visual
representation of modern Jewish society and
how each photographer’s personal background
influences his/her work.

» Assignment Instructions

» Example #1

» Example #2

Create a Photo/Caption
Combo

Submit your own photo to The Liberating Lens multimedia exhibition: one that you like, but isn’t immediately easy to decipher. Look at the picture for longer than usual, and write a brief caption inspired by Steiglitz’ reflections on his photos of clouds. What do you notice about your photo that you didn’t notice before? What do you feel?

» Assignment Instructions

» Examples

Build a Final Portfolio

Immerse yourself in a Jewish photographer’s
body of work. Analyze how the artist’s family
background, personal history and historical
context may have influenced his or her choices.
Then, study his or her techniques, subject
matter and creative process to develop a set of
guidelines for taking photos of your own.

» Assignment Instructions

» Example #1

» Example #2

Make a One-Take Video

Start by viewing a photographer’s work and reading what s/he said about it.
Select a statement that interests you and record yourself reading it. Then, using a digital video camera or smartphone, shoot an image inspired by the statement (alternatively, you can find a shot online on sites such as www.archive.org). Marry the image and the words using a video editing program, such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro.

» Assignment Instructions

» Examples

Make a Documentary

Collaborate with a peer to create an interview-based documentary video. After immersing yourselves in a body of photographic work, decide together what primary and secondary source information you will read. Then, interview one another about the photographs you have chosen to study. Combine these photographs, music and your own narration into a “visual essay” that you can upload to Vimeo or YouTube, and embed into your Liberating Lens portfolio.

» Assignment Instructions

» Example

PARTNERS

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