Module: CME4104-20 Creative Photography

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sara Penrhyn Jones

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.jones3@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will develop the student’s digital photography skills, as they devise a creative photography concept and deliver an individual creative portfolio. Using accessible technology, including mobile phones, students will gain an awareness of the principles of creative photography, such as focus, colour, composition, angle, exposure and shutter. This essential foundation will enable storytelling through photography, and help students to develop creative vision as a content creator. Critical self-reflection is an inherent part of this module, and the creative practice will engage with the practice of case-study photographers, as well as critical perspectives on photography. Developing awareness of the work of a range of photographers, working in different modes, will serve as inspiration, and enable the student to shape and contextualise their own work within a broader field.

2. Outline syllabus: 

• Introduction to the module

• Risk and responsibilities

• Principles of photography

• Modes of photography

• Case study photographers

• Photography: critical perspectives

• Developing your creative concept

• Photography workshops

• Introduction to assessments

• Creative surgeries (peer and tutor feedback)

• Industry speaker

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Interactive presentations will introduce the principles of photography, case study photographers and critical perspectives on photography. The weekly presentations will also explain all aspects of the assessments. The workshops will be a more hands-on opportunity to learn more about the technical and practical elements of photography. The creative surgeries are opportunities to receive and give feedback on creative work in progress. This will include peer and tutor feedback.

The independent study time is intended to be used in three ways. First, students should engage with the suggested tasks which are embedded in the weekly presentations. These tasks may involve essential or further reading, engaging with suggested videos, independent research, or creative tasks. Second, students should engage with formative creative assignments, designed to develop technical competence and creative confidence. Third, time should be spent on the consistent development of the summative assessment: the creative portfolio. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Creative Portfolio (100%) (4000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 100%