ES1S208 - Wildlife Photography 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES1S208
Module Title: Wildlife Photography
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environment
Module Leader: Malcolm Thomas
Module Team: Chris Hughes
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100444 - media and communication studies 100469 - environmental management
HECOS Code Weighting: 80 20

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

Introduce theory and key practical skills associated with wildlife still photography production and presentation.

This module is designed to introduce students to the basics in photography in Natural History including some specialist techniques specific to wildlife and nature filmmaking.

It will also introduce students to sound and audio techniques in filmmaking and investigate the basics of ecological surveying techniques such as bat detection and bird song identification.

Students will also be provided with an extensive grounding in professional media and editing software which will be used throughout the course.

Content Summary

Introduction to photographic equipment and techniques to gain a thorough understanding of camera equipment (primarily DSLR) in both manual and automatic operation, used in conjunction with relevant accessories to achieve professional results.

The use of photography as a scientific record in the natural world.

Introduction to ‘on and off’ camera techniques to communicate, inform and educate through mediums of digital imagery.

There will be lectures on photography and, technical instruction on the use of equipment, artistic composition and media production.

There will also be preparatory lectures for the field excursions, which will allow you to use the theoretical information gained in the classroom in a real-life setting.

There will be computer-based practical sessions on manipulation of images using industry standard software.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Practical classes and workshops 40
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 20
Formative Assessment - Independent 12
Problem / challenge based learning 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop specific proficiencies in using a range of current and emergent still media technologies and software
LO2 Develop introductory skills in journalism.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Practical Assessment Production (Online) 2 Audio Blog 10 N/A 20 No 40
Synchronous Online Practical Assessment Production (Online) 1 Portfolio of 10 photographs 0 3000 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Production (Online) 2
Production (Online) 1

Reading List

Kelly. S. (2006), Digital Photography Book. Peachpit Press

Tipling. D. (2011), RSPB Guide to Digital Wildlife Photography. A&C Black Publishing

Toon, S&A., (2009), Success with Wildlife Photography. Photographers Institute Press

Hoddinott R., 2013, Digital Macro & Close-up Photography, Ammonite Books

Sisson, M., 2014, Photographing Birds, Crowood Press

Hoddinott, R & Hall B., 2013, Wildlife Photography Workshop, Ammonite Books

Hobson, P., 2015, Wildlife Photography Field Skills and Techniques, Nature Images Publishing