We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Seeing Through Photographs

Taking, sharing, and viewing photographs has become second nature for many of us. This course aims to address the gap between seeing and truly understanding photographs by introducing a diversity of ideas, approaches, and technologies that inform their making. You’ll explore the meaning of pictures and reconsider photography’s role in our visual culture.

Look closely at 100 photographs from MoMA’s collection, going behind the scenes of the Museum and into artists’ studios through videos and audio interviews. Gain new perspectives on the ways photography has been used throughout the medium’s history: as a means of artistic expression, a tool for science and exploration, an instrument of documentation, a way to tell stories and record histories, and a mode of communication and critique.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Seeing Through Photographs

One Subject, Many Perspectives

Documents and the Documentary

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops critical analysis and technical understanding of a wide range of photographic images

Suitable for learners new to visual arts and photography or those wishing to explore this topic in more depth

Enhances understanding and interest in photography as an art form and cultural phenomenon

Instructors are both experts in their fields and are known for their contributions to photography

Offers a comprehensive look at the evolution and impact of photography, from its early days to the present

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Seeing photography through a new lens

According to learners, "Seeing Through Photographs" offers a highly enriching and eye-opening experience, significantly changing how they view and understand images. Many found the selection of photographs from MoMA's collection to be a particular highlight, serving as excellent examples for discussion. Reviewers frequently praised the insightful lectures and clear explanations of complex ideas, making the material accessible and thought-provoking. While some appreciated the course's focus on theory and analysis, a few noted it is not suitable for those seeking technical or practical photography skills. Overall, students describe it as a beautifully curated and highly recommended course for anyone interested in the art and cultural impact of photography.

Explores history and theory, not practice.

"Be aware this course is about understanding photography as an art form and cultural force, not practical photo-taking skills."

"If you're looking to improve your technical photography, this isn't the course for you. It's purely theoretical."

"I appreciated the focus on the history and theory; it's exactly what I was looking for."

"This course is great for art appreciation, less so for aspiring photographers focused on technique."

Prompts deep thinking about images.

"Each week's topic was incredibly thought-provoking, leading to great discussions."

"The assignments pushed me to think critically about the images I see every day."

"This course made me pause and think about the intention and impact behind photographs."

"Engaged my mind and sparked curiosity about the visual world around us."

Instructors provide insightful commentary.

"The lectures were engaging and the instructors were excellent at explaining complex ideas in an accessible way."

"Found the commentary on each photograph and topic deeply insightful and well-presented."

"Instructors shared perspectives that really enhanced my understanding."

"The explanations were clear and easy to follow, even for someone new to art theory."

Challenges how you see photographs.

"This course fundamentally changed how I look at photographs. I now see so much more than before."

"It truly opened my eyes to the layers of meaning embedded in every image..."

"Gave me a new way of thinking about photography, moving beyond just 'liking' a picture."

"I learned to analyze photographs critically, considering historical, cultural, and artistic contexts."

Explores photography through key works.

"The selection of photographs from the MoMA collection was absolutely stunning and really brought the concepts to life."

"Loved studying the iconic images from MoMA, seeing them in context was incredibly valuable."

"The examples used throughout the course were well-chosen and helped illustrate the different ways of seeing photographs..."

"Exploring photography through MoMA's collection offered a deep dive into its history and impact."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Seeing Through Photographs with these activities:

Review your knowledge of photography basics

Show steps

Refresh your memory on the fundamental principles of photography to strengthen your foundation before diving into the more nuanced aspects of the course.

Browse courses on Exposure

Show steps

Revisit exposure settings and the exposure triangle.
Practice adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

Read Susan Sontag's 'On Photography'

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and impact of photography through Sontag's influential work, which explores photography's relationship to truth, memory, and the power of images.

View Sontag on Film on Amazon

Show steps

Read Chapter 1: 'In Plato's Cave.'
Read Chapter 3: 'The Image-World'.

Join a study group with other students

Show steps

Engage with fellow students to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and gain diverse perspectives on the course material, fostering collaboration and comprehension.

Show steps

Find a group of students with similar interests and schedules.
Establish a regular meeting time and location.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore the MoMA online collection

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the Museum of Modern Art's vast photography collection to enhance your understanding of the course material and discover new perspectives on photography.

Show steps

Browse the online collection by artist or theme.
Read the descriptions and interpretations provided for each image.

Write a photo essay about a personal experience

Show steps

Apply your understanding of photography by creating a narrative through a series of images and captions, deepening your connection to the medium and its expressive potential.

Show steps

Choose a personal experience or event that resonates with you.
Take a series of photographs that capture the essence of your experience.
Write captions that provide context and insights into each image.

Participate in a photography contest or exhibition

Show steps

Showcase your photography skills and gain external feedback by submitting your work to a contest or exhibition, challenging yourself and potentially earning recognition for your creativity.

Show steps

Research photography contests or exhibitions that align with your interests.
Prepare and submit your strongest images for consideration.

Volunteer as a photography mentor

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge and develop leadership skills by mentoring aspiring photographers, sharing your expertise and fostering their growth within the field.

Show steps

Reach out to local photography organizations or community centers.
Offer your services as a volunteer mentor.

Career center

Learners who complete Seeing Through Photographs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Photo Archivist

A Photo Archivist is responsible for organizing, preserving, and cataloging photographs. They may also provide access to photographs for researchers and the public. This course may help a Photo Archivist develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their decisions about how to care for and manage photographic collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Archivist

Photographer

A Photographer takes photographs for a variety of purposes, such as art, journalism, and commercial advertising. They may also work as photojournalists, documenting news events and stories. This course may help a Photographer develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their own work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Curator

A Curator is responsible for planning and managing exhibitions at museums, galleries, or other institutions. They may also conduct research, write articles, and give lectures. This course may help a Curator develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their decisions about which works to acquire and display.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Visual Artist

A Visual Artist creates works of art using a variety of media, such as painting, sculpture, and photography. They may also work as art directors, designers, or illustrators. This course may help a Visual Artist develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their own work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Artist

Museum Educator

A Museum Educator develops and delivers educational programs for visitors of all ages. They may also lead tours, give lectures, and write articles. This course may help a Museum Educator gain a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to teach about history, culture, and art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Archivist

An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and materials. They may work in archives, libraries, or museums. This course may help an Archivist develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their decisions about which materials to acquire and preserve.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Photo Editor

A Photo Editor selects and edits photographs for publication in magazines, newspapers, and websites. They may also work with photographers to develop and execute photo shoots. This course may help a Photo Editor develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their decisions about which photographs to publish.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor

Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past. They may specialize in a particular period, region, or topic. This course may help a Historian develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to document and interpret the past.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Anthropologist

An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. They may specialize in a particular region, culture, or topic. This course may help an Anthropologist develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to document and interpret different cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Teacher

A Teacher develops and delivers lesson plans for students of all ages. They may also assess student learning and provide feedback. This course may help a Teacher develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to teach about history, culture, and art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Editor

An Editor reviews, edits, and revises written works, such as books, articles, and scripts. They may also work as copy editors, developmental editors, or fact-checkers. This course may help an Editor develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to tell stories and convey information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Art historian

An Art Historian researches, analyzes, and interprets art. They may specialize in a particular period, style, or medium. This course may help an Art Historian build a foundation in understanding how photographs have been used throughout history to express ideas and tell stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Writer

A Writer creates written works, such as novels, short stories, and articles. They may also work as journalists, copywriters, or editors. This course may help a Writer develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to tell stories and convey information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. This course may help a Journalist develop a deeper understanding of the ways that photographs can be used to tell stories and convey information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Librarian

A Librarian helps people find and access information. They may work in libraries, schools, or other institutions. This course may help a Librarian develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of photography, which can inform their decisions about which materials to acquire and make available to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected 32 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Seeing Through Photographs.

Maimonides the Universalist

Save

A long-standing reference used in both academic and gallery settings that provides a detailed overview of how to evaluate a photograph's elements.

Maimonides the Universalist: The Ethical Horizons...

Hardcover

$$$

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Save

An overview of foundational concepts in the study of photography that may be useful both as a reference for unfamiliar concepts and to broaden the student's theoretical understanding.

Seeing Through Photographs

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Seeing photography through a new lens

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

14-Day Refund Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner