Computational Photography

This class explores how computation impacts the entire workflow of photography, which is traditionally aimed at capturing light from a 3D scene to form a 2D image. A detailed study of the perceptual, technical and computational aspects of forming pictures, and more precisely the capture and depiction of reality on a (mostly 2D) medium of images is undertaken over the entire term. The scientific, perceptual, and artistic principles behind image-making will be emphasized, especially as impacted and changed by computation.Topics include the relationship between pictorial techniques and the human visual system; intrinsic limitations of 2D representations and their possible compensations; and technical issues involving capturing light to form images. Technical aspects of image capture and rendering, and exploration of how such a medium can be used to its maximum potential, will be examined. New forms of cameras and imaging paradigms will be introduced.Why Take This Course?You will undertake a hands-on approach over the entire term using computational techniques, merged with digital imaging processes to produce photographic artifacts. In addition to understanding how various elements of the computational photography pipeline function together to produce novel - and sometimes stunning - results, you will be given ample opportunity to appreciate and critique artifacts produced/curated by your peers.