Module: PHO5004-20 Fashion Stories

Level: 5

Credit Value: 40

Module Tutor:

Module Tutor Contact Details:

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides an opportunity to explore approaches to the photographic fashion narrative. From the earliest days of fashion photography’s evolution, photographers have created visual stories in which the model is the protagonist. The visual worlds and spaces through which the model moves in the narrative are either a recognisable form of reality, a heightened version or something altogether surreal or dream-like. Throughout the sequence of the fashion narrative, the fashion product or garment is the central focus, arresting the viewer's gaze with an articulation of form, colour, pattern and movement. Fashion images are intended to amuse, seduce, provoke or disturb. The power of the fashion image is its ability to create an instantaneous response in the viewer.

The fashion narrative can also carry coded messages about notions of beauty and other issues beyond the realms of fashion, such as identity, gender, race, politics and sexuality. Fashion has always absorbed cultural

references from popular culture, youth culture, music, art and design, so in turn fashion narratives also reflect the visual references of this eclectic cultural mix.

The Module aims to demonstrate:

● your critical and analytical skills in relation to your own work and others

● your ability to examine the role of the constructed narrative in fashion photography and broader visual culture

● your own understanding of the coded visual language of fashion throughout history

● that you can strengthen and refine your practical, technical and conceptual skills

● that you can self-manage a program of work

● an effective use of research to inform creative practice

● and improve your ability to present work and communicate ideas effectively.

2.Outline syllabus:

With tutorial guidance and support you will develop an extended sequence of fashion imagery, using the camera as a tool to record to express visual ideas.

Following a project briefing and introductory lecture on aspects of constructed fashion visual narratives, you are required to prepare a detailed proposal that outlines the nature and scope of your visual enquiry and takes into account the planning and logistics required for multiple fashion shoots. This will form the basis of your visual exploration and critical dialogue throughout the module. The development of your project will be supported and guided in tutorials and group discussions.

You will reflect on your practice in seminars and tutorials and contribute to group discussion on debates around current professional practice within contemporary fashion narratives.

Historical and critical contexts of fashion storytelling will be discussed in a series of seminars and tutorials.

Technical workshops will assist you to explore a variety of potential forms for the output of your work - including fashion editorial, fashion installation, look book and fashion film. You will benefit from working collaboratively with stylists, hair and make-up artists as well as fashion designers.

Applying analytical and evaluative skills you will learn how to present and critique your own and other’s work, and develop the ability to undertake independent study.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The project will include a range of teaching and learning opportunities. As the module progresses you will engage in the following:

● Tutorials - providing discussions and critical feedback

● Technical workshops: layout design / studio lighting / styling / editing /

● Industry led guest lectures and workshops

● Research seminars

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Reflective Journal

• % Weighting: 30%