Thinking Photography module (DJ31039)

You will explore different aspects of photography as an element of art and design practise. You will learn to use the camera as one of the many creative tools at your disposal. This will allow you to enhance your skills and your creative options.

Topics covered will include:

• the ethics of photography
• studio practice
• landscape
• street photography

A range of online resources and some technical workshops will support your development of skills.

You will attend lectures, group critiques, tutorials and seminars. These will explore aspects of the history, practice and philosophies of photography.

The most important aspect of the module will be the independent creation of lens-based images. These will utilise the skills and ideas discussed in the taught sessions.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore techniques and philosophies involved in photography as a medium
• expand and challenge your sense of what can be considered ‘a completed piece of work’
• edit and contextualise your work into a coherent set of images
• carry out independent practical research into types of practices, individual artists and relevant concepts. This will inform your development and realisation of a body of work employing the photographic medium
• develop and realise a body of work as a result of engagement in module materials and teaching
• develop appropriate disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills in relation to the subject. This will lead to the production of finished works.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• assess and implement appropriate creative processes relative to the subject. This will allow for the creation of a contemporary photograph or photographic series
• understand and be able to articulate your ideas verbally. This will be in regard to the journey involved in the development of the finished artwork
• show knowledge of various practices and philosophies employed by photographers. You will look at these practices both historically and in current use
• show an application of a range of technical skills appropriate to the realization of your photographic work
• show the ability to make informed editing decisions regarding the context and presentation of your work

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)

This will consist of:

• production of a substantial body of practical work. This will show the skills developed during the module
• appropriate editing and selection of images
• quality of written work
• evidence of imagination, ideas and originality
• critical reflection and ability and willingness to debate the ideas and aspirations inherent to your own work and that of others
• self-motivation and ability to investigate independently and creatively

You will be asked to submit two PDF's. One will contain your research and one will contain between 6 and 12 final images along with a 500 word narrative about your work.

Teaching methods / timetable

The module is delivered through weekly sessions.

These will consist of lectures. These will introduce you to a range of historical, contextual and visual information about photographers and their work. These lectures will also be supported by small group critiques and individual tutorials.

You will also be offered technical introductions to the use of the photographic studio and lighting. This will also include an optional introduction to the use of the darkroom.

You will also be provided with a range of online resources to facilitate the technical aspects of camera use.