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.

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.
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@
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
- 24" iMac
- Adobe Suite
- Epson P800 SureColor Printer
Supplies
- Allotted paper and ink (for inkjet printing)
What you need to bring
Required Tools and Supplies
- Digital Camera and accessories
- External hard drive or access to cloud storage to save digital works made
- Presentation of personal work for first day of class, 15-20 images
- Reading list, coming soon!
Optional Tools and Supplies
- Digital Camera and accessories
- Sketchbook/Journal**
- White (or light colored) T-shirt for screen printing**
* 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.
You Might Also Be Interested In>

-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Sep 8 - 12, 2025
9AM-5PM
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Experimental Collage
Holly Roberts
Tuition $1,480
Code P1531-25
The excitement of creating often stems from the unexpected—those moments that arise when applying new techniques or materials in innovative ways. In this workshop, artists eager to elevate their practice are invited to explore the art of collage by experimenting with various materials on flat surfaces. Participants go beyond simply gluing paper onto substrates; they engage in building dynamic surfaces that reflect a spirit of experimentation and risk-taking. Utilizing a diverse range of materials including photographs, paint, text, contact paper, parchment paper, and joint compound, participants discover new methods of transferring elements from one surface to another. The resulting collages not only culminate in finished images but also serve as gateways to unlocking the unconscious creative process. Artists emerge with works that are distinctly unique, pushing the boundaries of their artistic expression and propelling their practice to the next level. SPECIAL OFFER: Consider also attending Holly's Paint and Photography: the Perfect Marriage workshop the week prior to this one and save 20% off that second tuition. (This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or scholarships.)

-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Sep 8 - 12, 2025
9AM-5PM
Expanding Image to Form with Digital Fabrication
Letha Wilson
Tuition $1,415
Code D1532-25
In this workshop, students experiment with methods of representation and abstraction using an interdisciplinary approach that embraces painted and/or photographic images, physical layers, repurposed materials, and sculptural forms. Analog methods of image manipulation such as cutting, folding, and photo transfer are taught in combination with digital techniques. Primarily working in the painting studios, students also learn to use the laser cutter and UV printer in the digital fabrication lab. Participants explore the role of texture and layers in their work through shadow, color, and surface. This course encourages playful and innovative ways to integrate two- and three-dimensional elements.

-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
-
Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
Oct 6 - 8, 2025
Monday AND Wednesday, 3-5PM (Mountain Time)
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
The iPhone as Your Creative Camera
Rob Comeau
Tuition $275
Code VFP4101-25
The iPhone has revolutionized photography—offering an incredibly powerful camera that fits in your pocket. While most of us carry one daily, few tap into its full photographic potential. This two-part online workshop is designed to help you unlock the creative power of your iPhone, combining technical skills with artistic insight. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your device and a sharper eye for image-making—ready to capture the world around you with clarity, intention, and style. Mastering the Camera in Your Pocket In our first session, we’ll take a deep dive into the iPhone’s native camera functions. You’ll learn what the device excels at, where it has limits, and how to work creatively within those bounds. We’ll cover everything from lens selection and image file types (HEIC, JPEG, and RAW) to capturing RAW images using third-party apps when your phone doesn’t support it directly. We’ll also explore specialized shooting modes like Portrait, Time Lapse, Live, Panorama, and Night Mode. Finally, we’ll look at how to customize camera settings to fit your personal shooting workflow. Mobile Editing for Maximum Impact The second session focuses on transforming your shots through powerful mobile editing tools. We’ll walk through Apple’s built-in editing features and introduce you to versatile apps like Snapseed and ProCamera that provide professional-level control. Whether you’re refining exposure, enhancing color, or applying creative filters, you’ll learn how to bring out the best in your images—all from your phone. By the end of this course, you’ll have a stronger grasp of both the technical and creative tools your iPhone offers—and your photographs will reflect that growth. PLEASE NOTE: This virtual workshop will be held live via Zoom on Monday and Wednesday, October 6th and 8th, from 3-5PM MST. This workshop meets via Zoom Video Conferencing software (download free from Zoom.com). An Anderson Ranch staff member co-teaches the class and coordinates the online platform. Further details will be emailed to registrants.