Overview

Edge of the Outback: A Photographic Journey Through Rural Australia is a three-week course exploring a regional Australian outback landscape through photography. Both traditional and digital photography mediums are utilized. The course is designed to develop the students' visual thinking related to the media investigated within a regional Australian context.

Workshops and a major 5-day field trip will provide the platform for exploration of imagery based on the region's ancient landscape and sociological layering created by pre and past colonial influences. A local Aboriginal guide will accompany the field trip to assist in the transition into the cultural specifics of space and place. The participants will exhibit their work in a major regional art gallery at the conclusion of the program.

Location and Equipment

LOCATION
Mildura is located on the Murray River in Victoria's northwest. It is at the center of an extensive agricultural and irrigated horticultural region encompassing Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Students will fly into Melbourne and then travel by train and bus to Mildura - it is approximately an 8 hour trip.

EQUIPMENT
Students do NOT need to bring their own camera and camera equipment, however if personal equipment is preferred individuals are welcome to bring their own

Course Content and Assessment

COURSE CONTENT

Program introduction includes concepts in photography, black and white printing with
alternative photographic practices, and keeping a journal.

There will also be a welcome from several important community leaders.

Discussion of SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field,
shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed and tripods.

Artist talk with professional photographers.

Darkroom and computer lab work time.

5-day field trip to Broken Hill - includes walks through Mungo National Park and other local environments as well as time within Indigenous communities.

Gallery exhibition.


COURSE ASSESSMENT

Assessment for this unit of study is based on the submission of three assignments at the conclusion of the program:

1. A Travel Journal
This day-to-day journal should burst to life with writings, drawings, visual scraps, collage, brochures, mementos, quotes, anecdotes, photographic proof sheets, in fact anything that relates to the journey. Students will also complete a page to become part of a website documenting their experience of the program.

2. Black and White Print Portfolio
A suite or series of four prints (8 x 10 inch) based on geographic, environment, rural sociology, and cultural themes.

3. Color Print Portfolio
A suite or series of two prints based on the above themes.

Students will receive a transcript from La Trobe University for the equivalent of 3-4 U.S. semester credits upon successful completion of this course.

Program Highlights

•All equipment provided, and no experience needed.

•See a beautiful part of Australia most students and tourists never see

•Field trips to pristine national parks and significant areas of Aboriginal culture

•Final exhibition of your work in a major regional art gallery

•Practice your photo skills with experts

•Available as a stand-alone course or as an add on to a semester or year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji


Who’s It For

Open to anyone with an interest in photography of at least sophomore standing — avid amateurs or those wanting to develop their photography skills.

Fees

Program Fees

$2,750.00

Fee Includes

All domestic travel within Australia, accommodation, most meals, all lectures, field trips, and excursions. International airfare and the first night in Melbourne is an additional cost.

Fee Semester

The above fee is the estimated fee for Summer 2008. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Mildura, Victoria
Overseas Students: 0
Staff: 0
Total Enrolment: 0

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Open to all majors, but of particular interest to photography majors and enthusiasts.

Required GPA: 2.50