Curriculum Information

The definition of ‘documentary photography’ used on the course is broad and is grounded in a long history of tradition and innovative practice. For anyone new to the subject, this can be both exciting and discomforting.

This module is a practical introduction to the world of documentary photography designed to help students begin their journey as practitioners with growing confidence. They will be exposed to culturally significant representative practices and to the key technical approaches necessary to realise their ideas.

This will begin the process of acquiring technical proficiency and awareness of industry context needed to progress on the course and in subsequent professional life.

Emphasis is given to the key ‘production’ and ‘post production’ skills (e.g. basic ‘camera craft’: digital capture, camera settings, exposure, depth of field; and digital workflow: file management and colour correction). These skills are developed contextually by responding to themes of documentary practice (e.g. ‘Place’ ‘Object’ and ‘The Face’).

Students are supported in approaching real-life documentary situations, helped to experiment with equipment with confidence, and encouraged to work in collaboration with their peers to support learning.

Teaching will be in the form of lectures, seminars, and workshops, during which students will develop the ability to express their ideas, to collaborate, and to build their confidence in a supportive environment.

This module contains a six-week immersive learning element.