Published May 29, 2025

Photo Students Visit Professor Opera's Studio

During the final week of the spring semester, Associate Professor and Photography Area Head John Opera welcomed students from ART 340: Historical and Experimental Processes to his studio. He shared insights into his art-making process, including his workflow and unique approaches to gum bichromate and cyanotype printing. Students also observed a live demonstration of his technique for capturing controlled light diffraction onto film—an element central to his recent work.

The following photos were captured by Instructional Support Technician, Cassandra Cook, during the May 12th, 2025 studio visit.

Zoom image: Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a large studio work desk in a high-ceilinged room with fluroescent drop lights. Five people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a large studio work desk in a high-ceilinged room with fluroescent drop lights. Five people (college students) stand around the table and observe.
Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a large studio work desk in a high-ceilinged room with fluroescent drop lights. Five people (college students) stand around the table and observe.
Zoom image: Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a small light-box work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Three people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a small light-box work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Three people (college students) stand around the table and observe.
Nine people standing in two rows for a group portrait photo. Trees are in the background with blue skies peaking through, and black pavement underfoot.
Zoom image: Photographic film negatives are illuminated on a small light-box work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Five people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Photographic film negatives are illuminated on a small light-box work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Five people (college students) stand around the table and observe.
Zoom image: Artist John Opera points to photo films on a small light box, on top of a large studio work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Four people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Windows in the background are covered with black plastic tarps. Artist John Opera points to photo films on a small light box, on top of a large studio work table. Overhead lights are turned off. Four people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Windows in the background are covered with black plastic tarps.
Zoom image: Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a large studio work desk in a high-ceilinged room with fluroescent drop lights. Three people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Windows in the background are covered with black plastic tarps. Artist John Opera points to photographic prints he is working on, on a large studio work desk in a high-ceilinged room with fluroescent drop lights. Three people (college students) stand around the table and observe. Windows in the background are covered with black plastic tarps.