Photography Month- Embrace the Journey
May is National Photography Month-a time to celebrate the art technique and creativity behind every great photo. Whether you're just picking up a camera for the first time or have years of experience behind the lens, the library has a wealth of resources to support your passion for photography.
Explore our digital and physical collection to find both books and eBooks on topics like Creative Photography, Black and White Photography, and editing techniques. If your looking to improve your post-processing skills check out our Photoshop tutorials on Niche Academy, including Photoshop Basics- a great starting point for editing like a pro.
For in-depth learning, dive into scholarly journals and articles available through Gale OneFile: Fine Arts. You'll find expert advice on everything from using reflectors effectively to mastering lighting techniques. Gale also features video tutorials such as how to capture stunning sunset photos. ideal for photographers of all levels. ERIC can also show you articles on taking pictures as a form of therapy called Phototherapy.
Prefer to learn through film? Kanopy offers a wide selection of streaming video content, including Fundamentals of Photography, which covers essential skills, and Photography for Birders, perfect for nature and wildlife, enthusiasts.
Whether you're interested in digital photography, nature shots, portraiture or simply learning how to take better photos with your phone, the library is here to help you develop your skills and explore your creativity.
Celebrate this month by picking up your camera and discovering something new- start your photographic journey with the library today.
Step into the Past: Celebrate Renaissance Faires
Umpqua Community College is hosting a Renaissance Faire on July 19, 2025. This coincides with the College's production of Spamalot, a lovely musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library invites you to celebrate the enchantment and educational value of Renaissance Faires, joyful gatherings that blend entertainment, history, and embrace the Riverhawk community spirit.
Renaissance faires, often held throughout the summer and fall, celebrate the art, culture, and daily life of the Renaissance period (roughly the 14th to 17th centuries). These events invite attendees to engage with a world of historical reenactments, artisan crafts, period music, live theater, and educational demonstrations that illuminate one of the most dynamic periods in human history.
Don't forget beautiful paintings created in the Renaissance, such as the Mona Lisa (pictured above).
Whether you're donning a doublet or simply curious about life in the 1500s, the UCC Library offers a variety of resources to explore the rich tapestry of Renaissance life and learning:
Books and eBooks – Explore Fashions from that time period with Costume and Fashion Source books Elizabethan England, and The Medieval World, both by Kathy Elgin. Check out books about the Renaissance with: A Short History of the Renaissance in Northern Europe by Malcolm Vale, these works offer insight into politics, art, science, and society during the Renaissance.
Gale OneFile: Fine Arts – Access articles on Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Titan and how their art helped to shape the cultural rebirth of Europe by blending science, beauty, and human emotion in groundbreaking ways.
Gale OneFile: World History- Check out the thinkers of the time such as Galileo, and Machiavelli and explore how their ideas shaped the modern world.
Films on Demand – Watch engaging documentaries such as Renaissance, or Leonardo da Vinci: a two-part film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon which highlights Leonardo da Vinci's Life.
Kanopy – Stream historical dramas and educational films like The Middle Ages around the World or The Private Life of Henry VIII, perfect for a deeper understanding of the theatrical and political world brought to life at fairs.
JSTOR – Delve into scholarly research about Renaissance festivals themselves—how they originated, what cultural purposes they serve today, and their educational potential as living history.
Renaissance faires are more than entertainment—they’re an opportunity to reflect on innovation, humanism, and the power of creativity in shaping societies. They encourage curiosity and community through playful yet profound connections to the past.
The UCC Library is here to support your journey into this fascinating historical period with curated resources and helpful guidance. We encourage you to visit a fair, explore our collections, and let history come alive.
Huzzah and happy exploring!
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