2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LISS1020 Introduction to Digital Photography

10 Credits Class Size: 25

Module manager: Mr Mike Anderson
Email: m.anderson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a University

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will give students a basic understanding of how a digital camera works. They will learn how to compose a photographic image and how to expose a photograph correctly. They will also gain critical insight through the study of existing photographic images. Students will produce a portfolio of their own images which will be supported by a reflective log. They will be expected to use their own digital camera for this module.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
 demonstrate a familiarity with the basic concepts, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features of digital photography;
 interpret and evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of an existing photographic image;
 demonstrate an ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches in creating a photographic image for a specific application;
 communicate the results of their work; demonstrate an awareness of the professional practice of photography.

Learning outcomes

 familiarity with the basic concepts, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features of digital photography;
 ability to interpret and evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of an existing photographic image;
 ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches in creating a photographic image for a specific application and communicate results;
 awareness of the professional practice of photography.

Syllabus

This module is offered at the Leeds International Summer School as a series of 8 half day workshops which run Monday to Thursday for two weeks.

An indicative syllabus is outlined below

Pre-work
Produce a self-portrait (which doesn’t have to be a picture of your face)

Week 1, Session 1
Review pre-work. Introduce the camera. Discuss composition with reference to the work of Cindy Sherman. Self-directed work based on the theme “a significant event”

Week 1, Session 2
Review self-directed work. Introduce colour. Discuss landscape photography with reference to the work of Joe Cornish. Self-directed work, 2 photographs of places.

Week 1, Session 3
Review photographs of places. Discuss exposure and atmospheric shots. Self-directed work- evocation of atmosphere.

Week 1, Session 4
Review self-directed work. Discuss the juxtaposition of people and objects in the work of Martin Clark.

Week 2, Session 1
Review self-directed work. Recap exposure. Introduce artificial lighting and depth of field. Research brief: promotional shot.

Week 2, Session 2
Studio workshop, produce promotional shots

Week2, Session 3
Review promotional shots. Discuss time and experimental photography.

Week 2, Session 4
Review learning to date discuss contemporary issues.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
On-line Learning 1 15 15
Workshop 8 3 24
Fieldwork 1 8 8
Fieldwork 1 10 10
Private study hours 43
Total Contact hours 57
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Private study

• Taking photographs
• Basic reading for class preparation
• Supporting journal for portfolio

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Each session starts with a review of work that the student has recently produced.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Reflective log 550 - 650 words plus images 20
Portfolio 6 images (submitted electronically) plus supporting journal 80
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team