88305 Photography 1: Documentation
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Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
This subject introduces the basic principles of camera and darkroom work in black and white photography. It involves an exploration of photography as a medium of observation and documentation. This is done through an examination of the genres of photo reportage and social documentary photography. Students are introduced to the basic principles of composition, 35 mm manual SLR camera functions, film exposure and development, and print enlargement.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | observe and document, thoughtfully and critically, the world that surrounds you and the people that inhabit it |
|---|---|
| 2. | investigate photography as means to communicate observations and ideas |
| 3. | develop a personalised way of seeing |
| 4. | develop an awareness of the aesthetics of black and white photography and the impact this has on the reading of these images |
| 5. | become proficient in basic black and white photography. |
Teaching and learning strategies
Weekly 3 hours tutorial/workshop. A PBL (problem based learning strategy) is adopted. Lectures concentrate on briefing and elaborating on relevant issues and presenting information and ideas concerning photography, methodology and production. In the class situation, students are encourage to become independent learners by working both individually and/or in groups to develop their ability to operate effectively as a team member and to improve their interpersonal communication skills. Learning activities in the form of projects involve research, visual investigation, idea generation, creative problem solving, critical reflection, analysis, progressive refinement and the visual, oral and written presentation of completed work. The formation of peer learning groups is encouraged.
Content (topics)
• observation and documentation of social situations;
• the aesthetics of black and white photography;
• camera functions, film types, film exposure, composition and available light;
• introduction to black & white film processing and printing.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Exposure, Processing and Printing: Making portrait, landscape, and still life photographs
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 3 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): .0 and .0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on the following criteria: • Quality and range of exposure examples demonstrated on proof sheet |
Assessment task 2: 'Shutter Speed, Aperture and Environmental Portraiture' Understanding the impact of both shutter speed and aperture on the photographic image.
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): .0 and .0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Please refer to information in "Task" field for assessment criteria. |
Assessment task 3: 'Where I Live' research presentation of secondary research: -A. preliminary photos (20%); and, -B. final images (40%).
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): .0, .0, .0 and .0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% |
| Criteria: | Please refer to information in "Task" field for assessment criteria. |
References
Cartier-Bresson, Henri, The Decisive Moment: Photographs and Words (DVD). New York: International Center of Photography, 2007.
Dyer, Geoff, The Ongoing Moment, New York: Vintage Books, 2007.
Goldberg, Vicki (ed), Photography in Print, Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 1994.
Hill, Paul & Cooper, Thomas, Dialogue With Photography, Manchester: Cornerhouse Publications, 1994.
Horenstein, Henry, Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual, Canada: Little Brown, 1983.
Howarth, Sophie, Street Photography Now, London: Thames & Hudson, 2010.
Jeffrey, Ian, How to Read a Photograph: Lessons from Master Photographers, New York: Abrams, 2008.
Sontag, Susan, On Photography, England: Penguin, 1979.