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.
Seeing Through Photographs
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Seeing Through Photographs
This course is part of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization
Instructors: Sarah Meister
404,577 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(4,391 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 17 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Understand artists’ processes and the choices that inform a photograph’s making, including experimentation and responses to technological innovation.
Learn how context influences the production, circulation, and reception of photographic images.
Understand the relationship between a photograph’s subject and meaning, and the differences between photographs as objects and photographic images.
Gain confidence in looking at and talking about photography, and find inspiration from photographs all around you.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
7 quizzes
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 7 modules in this course
What's included
3 videos5 readings
What's included
8 videos8 readings1 quiz
What's included
7 videos8 readings1 quiz
What's included
6 videos8 readings1 quiz
What's included
8 videos7 readings1 quiz
What's included
7 videos8 readings1 quiz
What's included
10 videos7 readings2 quizzes
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.8 (741 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Michigan State University
Columbia University
Michigan State University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 4391
4.8
4,391 reviews
- 5 stars
81.52%
- 4 stars
15.28%
- 3 stars
2.20%
- 2 stars
0.47%
- 1 star
0.50%
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.