Photography – Personal Investigation and Expression
The course aims to help you examine and develop your photographic skills, regardless of level of previous knowledge. It is intended to be exploratory and flexible, taking into account your areas of interest and any past experience. Practical photographic technique and digital image manipulation will be supported by analysis of particular artists’ working methods, exploration of a personal area of interest and development of a personal portfolio. By the end of the course you will have experienced using a variety of styles and methods of working as well as expanding your understanding of how these have been used by artists both past and present.
Learning Activities
- Hands on practice (please bring your own camera)
- Demonstration
- Examples from books
- Individual tuition and feedback from tutor
- Discussion
Course Aims
- To develop and enhance individual photographic skills and methods, and to gain an appreciation of particular artists, techniques and their different forms and
Objectives
- To explore a range of different photographic styles and genres
- To develop digital image processing skills in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- To understand the use of composition, exposure, light, lenses, and seeing as part of the artistic
- To develop individual skills through hands on
Outcomes
- To demonstrate an understanding of the range and methods available to the photographic artist.
- To have applied those skills practically through individual projects, portfolio development and an extended Personal Investigation essay (1000-2000 words).
Assessment Process
Assessment will be continuous in the form of discussions and feedback from the tutor. However, students will also be encouraged to keep a detailed ‘journal of progress’ throughout the course. Students will work with their tutor to select a topic for their Personal Investigation essay in an area of interest, (i.e. a style, movement, artist,
technique, etc…). They will also be expected to build up and complete a detailed portfolio, featuring several examples of styles and techniques explored throughout the course.
Grade Breakdown
- 50% Portfolio
- 30% Personal Investigation Essay
- 20% Response to feedback and discussions
Assessment Criteria
| DISTINCTION
Grade A |
Student understands the full range of artistic styles and concepts, and has a highly sophisticated ability to demonstrate that knowledge through practical application |
| CREDIT
Grade B |
Student understands a wide range of artistic styles and concepts, and has a relatively sophisticated ability to demonstrate that knowledge through practical application. |
| MERIT
Grade C |
Student understands a range of artistic styles and concepts, and has a clear ability to demonstrate that knowledge through practical application. |
| PASS
Grade D |
Student understands basic artistic styles and concepts, and some ability to demonstrate that knowledge through practical application. |
| FAIL | None of the criteria listed below followed |
Credit
This class is normally delivered over one term, with 90 teaching contact hours or equivalent in the Michaelmas term, and 60 teaching contact hours for Hilary and Trinity terms. For students requesting credit, we recommend the transfer of three college credits for Michaelmas and two college credits for Hilary and Trinity, on successful completion of the class.
Texts
Higgins, Jackie, Why it doesn’t have to be in focus, ISBN 978-0-500-29095-8
Carroll, Henry, Read this if you want to take great photographs, ISBN 978-1-78067-355-6
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All texts should ideally be read before the course begins. If you are unable to obtain books locally, they may be ordered from http://www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk or www.Amazon.co.uk