UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

Bits & Bytes

Campus Resources for Your Photo Needs

Published in The Aggie on February 1, 2006

"Photographs are perhaps the most mysterious of all the objects that make up, and thicken, the environment we recognize as modern," explains author Susan Sontag in her book, On Photography. This statement is truer than ever in these modern times, as digital cameras are becoming an everyday accessory. These digital cameras often sport features that make it easier than ever to take great pics, but the learning curve can seem a little steep. Good news: whether you're a photography guru or a budding amateur, UC Davis provides a wide variety of resources to feed your appetite for digital images.

Photography Classes
"Introduction to Contemporary Visual Culture","Photography I & II", and "Theory & Criticism of Photography" are all offered by the Art Studio Program and provide a great grounding in the theories of photography. See course descriptions at http://artstudio.ucdavis.edu.

If you have some extra time to take classes that'll focus your creative appetite, stop by the Craft Center and inquire about their photography classes. A two-class special, "Digital Photography," covers digital camera settings, lighting and composition, white balance, image compression, and downloading images to your computer. Read more course details and register online at http://campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu/craftcenter/.

Free Scanners, Software at the Media Labs
Want to convert your 35-mm photos into digital image files you can edit on the computer? Then bring your negatives to the Hart or Meyer Media Labs, ask for a slide holder, and scan your negatives to the computer. You'll get stunning, high-resolution digital image files.

If you're into tweaking photographs or designing layouts, you can then import your digital images into Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or many of the other specialized software programs. For a list of available software and hardware, visit http://clm.ucdavis.edu/rooms/rooms.html#medialabs.

Photography Club
Join the Davis photography club to share images and techniques with other aficionados. You can learn the ins-and-outs of both digital and chemical photography, as well as join in on social events and photo competitions. To view meeting times and contact other members, visit http://daviswiki.org/Photography_Club.

Acquire Supplies at the UC Davis Bookstore
You don't have to go far to grab your photo supplies. Whether for class or fun, the School and Office department of the UC Davis bookstore has camera and slide film, light boxes, developing chemicals, slide holders, and various other goodies. If you're going the digital route, try the Bookstore Computer Shop; they've got cameras, photo paper, tripods, cases, and more. Professors usually ask the Bookstore to stock up on required class supplies, so you'll probably find just what you're looking for.

Whether you're planning a life in the professional world of apertures and shutter speeds, or simply like pressing the picture button at a party, the campus has the supplies and resources to help you enjoy your photographic endeavours.

Bits & Bytes Archives

2006-2007

2005-2006

2004-2005

2003-2004