Photography & New Media

Code: P0821-25

    • III

      Level III

      Photography students have some formal training and significant experience making, capturing and digitally processing images using Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe Photoshop. New Media students have some formal training in conceptual and technological aspects of video, multimedia, coding or animation and are versed in the appropriate software applications. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.

    • IV

      Level IV

      Photography students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography and digital image processing. New Media students have advanced skills and knowledge of video, multimedia, coding or animation. Students are self­-motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.

Seeing Machines

Jul 21 - 25, 2025

9AM-5PM

Concept

This intensive workshop delves into the profound impact of new imaging technologies such as computer vision and AI on photography and contemporary visual culture. Emphasizing theoretical inquiry, the course examines how machines perceive, process, and interpret the world, interrogating the broader social, political, and philosophical implications of algorithmic vision. Students critically engage with the historical evolution of photography while grappling with contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, automation, and creative practices. Students are provided with an extensive reading list to fuel in-depth discussions, critiques, and both individual and collaborative experimentation with emerging technologies. This course is designed for those seeking a deep, critical understanding of the intersection between technology and visual media in the 21st century.

Media & Techniques

Digital photography, digital printing, presentations, lectures, readings, group discussions and feedback

Faculty

Trevor Paglen

Trevor Paglen is an artist whose work spans image-making, sculpture, investigative journalism, writing, engineering, and numerous other disciplines. Paglen holds a BA from University of California Berkeley, an MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Geography from U.C. Berkeley.

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Trevor Paglen, The Shape of Clouds

Join Waitlist for Seeing Machines

Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.

Photography & New Media

Photography has always been a vital part of Anderson Ranch, one in which students explore visual storytelling through a variety of contexts and concepts. The program has uniquely evolved to focus on both traditional photography and new media— making it one of the only workshop settings of its kind. Three floors of the Fischer Photography Center house state-of-the-art equipment, including three photography studios, two Mac labs, a traditional darkroom, and a lighting studio with strobe and continuous lighting for photography and video.

All Photography workshops are rooted in the same idea—powerful art requires rigorous inquiry of techniques and ideas. We focus on technical skills, content and critical dialog. Students have access to color-managed media labs equipped with 24-inch iMacs, flatbed and film scanners, Epson printers, and cutting-edge software including Adobe Creative Cloud. When appropriate, students utilize strobe and tungsten lighting equipment, seamless backdrops, green screen, audio and video recording equipment and Epson large-format printers.

The Ranch Photography and New Media team creates an inspiring environment, allowing artists of all levels to explore lens-based media and the journey of artistic discovery in the unparalleled setting of the Colorado Rockies.

  Center for Fine Art Photography logo

Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a tuition discount* in one- and two-week adult photography and new media summer workshops** for members of SPE and the Center for Fine Art Photography at the student membership level or above. Please email reg@andersonranch.org upon registering with your SPE or CFAP membership information and we will apply the discount to your tuition. You are also welcome to call 970-924-5089 to register. *Since the welcome dinner and lunches are included in workshop tuition (at a cost of $130 per week), a 20% discount is applied after subtracting the cost of these meals.**Please note, this discount must be approved upon registering and cannot be applied retroactively. SPE and Center for Fine Art Photography discount does not apply to Advanced Mentored Studies programs or Destination Workshops, nor can it be combined with any other discount, scholarship or special offer.

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Workshop Details

Workshop Supplies

For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.

If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Esther Macy Nooner, [email protected].

Provided by Anderson Ranch

Equipment
Supplies

What you need to bring

Required Tools and Supplies
Optional Tools and Supplies

* Available for purchase in the studio.
** Available to purchase at the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store for 10% off. The store aims to stock comparable items, though specific products from the supply list may vary based on inventory.
Learn more about shipping supplies and artwork to and from the Ranch in the Student Handbook.

Lodging & Meals

Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations. 

NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.

We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.

 

Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts

Making Art Accessible

Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.

Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.

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