Kristen McNicholas Headshot

Kristen McNicholas

Visiting Lecturer

School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
College of Art and Design

Kristen McNicholas

Visiting Lecturer

School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
College of Art and Design

Currently Teaching

IDEA-301
3 Credits
This course is designed to help students develop and refine project ideas and write a successful project proposal. Students will develop ideation techniques and research skills necessary to create a written proposal that describes, in detail, their intention and process. Students will learn how to develop the infrastructure necessary to successfully see their idea through to completion.
PHAR-101
4 Credits
This course will provide an immersive introduction to the field of the photographic arts. It will emphasize both craft and visual problem solving. The course will explore: seeing and appreciating the quality of light, image capture, photographic vision, historical and contemporary genres of photography, best practices and workflow as well as an introduction to the critique forum and its practices.
PHAR-161
3 Credits
This is the first required course for students enrolled in the photography minor. This course will reinforce and build upon the skills learned in Introduction to Digital Photography. It will emphasize aesthetics, craft, visual problem solving, skill development, and critical thinking skills. In this course, students will work in the studio and be introduced to the skills needed to use, create, and control artificial lighting as well as develop skills for modifying found light on location. Students will also make photographic prints. The curriculum will emphasize both craft and visual problem-solving skills necessary to achieve industry standards and prepare students for other courses available in the minor. Fee required for non-majors.
PHAR-204
3 Credits
This course will provide an introduction to the professional opportunities where the fields of photography, graphic design and print media overlap. Students will develop an understanding of the working relationships between professionals involved in each of the three career areas. Successful visual media experts require a contemporary understanding of the business practices necessary to manage the workflow, financial operations and personnel necessary for success. Students in this class will experience the breadth of interactions between these three career paths, and appreciate the management necessary in their dynamic relationships. Students pursing the Visual Media option are required to take this course.
PHPJ-466
3 Credits
This course provides photography students the unique opportunity to participate in a one-week intensive workshop that travels to Washington, D.C., the center of the photojournalism business outside of New York City. The purpose of the trip is to provide a broad view of documentary and editorial photography in the industry and give students an idea of the wide variety of potential job markets that exist for documentary/editorial work. Students will meet with a variety of photographers, photo editors, and designers, including RIT alumni, while visiting print and online publications (magazines and newspapers), governmental agencies, photo agencies, photography studios, galleries, and museums. **Fee: A special course fee will be assessed**
PHVM-401
3 Credits
This course is the second required for all 4th year students in visual media and is the last required course in the curriculum. Students will finalize their career preparation in anticipation of entry into the industry of choice. This course will require a major media project, allowing students to create a package/portfolio that represents their photographic, design, motion, printing or management skills.