blog posts.
Field Trip: A Blast of Color in the Tulip Fields
For nearly twenty years, Western’s photography classes have been visiting the tulip fields. From notions of “recontextualizing the tulip” to the fundamentals of color photography, this adventure to the Skagit Valley is always rewarding. Enjoy!
Upcoming Summer Course: Super 8 Filmmaking and the Neo-Retro
Art 397M Super 8 Filmmaking and the Neo-Retro This course will be a three-week intensive that covers the principles of manual motion picture filmmaking, against the backdrop of understanding the contemporary socio-political and capital fascination with nostalgia,...
Big Heads Exhibition, Winter 2022
Megan DaviesMira FogelsongerNathan Wilkinson February 9 – March 24, 2022 Fine Arts Second Floor Hallway Exhibition Space (Rm 202) Contact: Garth.Amundson@wwu.edu The WWU Photography Department is very excited to introduce another BIG HEADS exhibition on display...
Redeye Photography Events
If students are searching for unique opportunities to learn from professional photographers, the Redeye Photography Network's website hosts some free events for anyone interested - whether they are a seasoned pro or someone just getting into photography. Recently,...
The Charming Kitsch of the 3D Camera
It's sometimes hard to tell whether an especially trendy item is going to stick in the public consciousness or fade into quiet obscurity, doomed to live in our nostalgic thoughts along with the likes of Tamagotchi or DVR. Such is the case with the 3D camera, which...
Fall 2021 Holga Showcase
This project invites students to explore any theme using the Holga toy camera and allows the opportunity to utilize the larger format 2¼ negative. As noted in the Holga instruction manual, every Holga is different, and each image created with the Holga is unique....
Skipping Stone Photography Scholarship Exhibition by Jackson Sweeny
The Department of Art and Art History-Photography Concentration is delighted to present new work by Jackson Sweeny, the 2021 Skipping Stone photography scholarship recipient. He’s working on exciting new diptychs in color and black and white exploring...
“Murmurs”, An Exhibition by Yan Wang
Yan Wang is a current student double majoring in the Art Studio and Design program at Western Washington University. Studying and exploring different fields help shape her visual language. Her focus is to document what we are experiencing at present as a photographer...
Point and Shoot Film Cameras
Do you want to take film photos, but can't afford a manual film camera? Do you dislike having to go into the store to buy a new disposable film camera every time you use up your last one? Want something that's like a mini film camera but you don't need to throw it...
Travel Photography and Videography: The Basics
Travel Videos & PhotographyTravel photos and videos that document an areas landscape, culture, food, and people is one of the most beautiful and popular forms of photography to view. Not only does the photographer get to keep the memory of their travels alive...
Alumni Interview w/ Brandon Sawaya
Brandon’s Sawaya is a Western Alumni who was touched by photography in his youth and pursued it through school and life. At a glance his work is colorful and thought provoking, but also shows deeper roots of authenticity and storytelling. In our interview, he...
Flower Photography
Now that spring is in full bloom, nature is providing a plethora of new photo subjects. One of the most popular being flowers. Flowers are just about everywhere this time of year so grab a camera and go on a walk and you’ll find dozens of subjects to photograph. Here...
The 2021 Lenscratch Student Prize
The 2021 Lenscratch Student Prize is approaching its deadline of May 30th. Photography students are strongly encouraged to submit an entry to this long-running, yearly competition. Entry is free and this competition is exclusive to active students only. You...
PNW Photo Entry 2021
The Photographic Center Northwest in Seattle has extended the deadline for the PCNW’s 24th annual juried exhibition: Time Capsule until April 25th. The theme for this exhibition looks to capture how photography has helped you personally navigate the circumstances of...
Landscape Photography Tips
There’s a lot about landscapes that entice us to take a picture. The color, the beauty, the serenity, even the uniqueness of the land around us. Some photographers go through great lengths to capture the perfect photo, going on hikes that take hours. And some notice...
Thematic Project: Lumens
THEMATIC PROJECT: BIGGER LUMENS PRINTS This project utilizes light-sensitive RC paper sent to students as part of the materials for the class. Using the 8x10 sheets of paper, students are asked to make photogram Lumens prints. Collecting objects that are lacy,...
Interview with Chloe Dichter
Chloe Dichter (she/they) is a 22-year-old photographic artist born in Wailuku, Hawaii and spent much of their upbringing in the blistering heat of both Las Vegas, Nevada and the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. They are currently receiving a Bachelor...
Photoshop Tutorial ~ Making Objects Glow
For a while, I’ve always wondered how to make objects in my photos glow and float as if my photo took place in a magical Disney movie. Thankfully, I found this video that goes through the process very easily and does not require too much time to do. The hardest thing...
Valentines Day/Couples Photography
Valentine's Day/Couples Photography By Rebecca Mercado Valentine's day is this Sunday, which largely represents spending time with those you love. This might be a family member, best friend, or significant other. A fun idea, that just might be perfect for...
The Object Inventory Project
The Object Inventory Project was designed to challenge students to reconsider what surrounds them. Asking them to document 20 of their favorite objects, this assignment asks the maker: “What is the significance of things?” As a culture we are surrounded by things that...
Interview with Dana Ollestad
To bring in new voices to the PHLOG and share the words of a talented individual, I interviewed Dana Ollestad who is a contemporary artist based in Richmond Virginia. In addition to being a co-curator and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Grant winner, he teaches an online...
An Interview With Elizabeth Ransom
Elizabeth Ransom is a WWU graduate, she has been pursuing a successful and fulfilling career in Photography. Currently, Elizabeth is working on a Gallery Project called Immigration Day, which she talks about throughout the interview below. Elizabeth draws a lot of...
An Interview With Garth Amundson
Celebrating 20 years at Western, Garth Amundson teaches all levels of photography in the Department of Art and Art History. His research is based on investigations of low-tech, high-tech, and the use of vernacular photography. Working primarily as part of a...
Resource: Quicksilver Photo Lab
Resource: Quicksilver Photo LabImage link: https://images.gofundme.com/987ux_YVzFARxEQvkp0NhvvCgmE=/1200x900/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48185888_1589930136509166_r.jpeg Located in downtown Bellingham, Quicksilver has been the go-to for printing of all...