Module: PHO5100-20 Photographic Practice 6 Narrative: Fiction

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Martin Thomas

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.thomas@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides an opportunity to explore approaches to constructed photographic narrative. From its earliest beginnings, photography was used as a means to describe constructed realities and fictional worlds. Storytelling, fantasy and illusion has always inhabited a medium that seems to claim the territory of ‘the real’. In contemporary photographic practice, the unstable foundations of photography’s connection to reality are being tested and challenged in a wide variety of playful, inventive and subversive ways and in almost all contexts – from the pages of fashion magazines to the experimental photographic book, and from commercial advertising to the museum or gallery wall.

In this project, you are encouraged to use photography as a vehicle for constructed narrative and experimental exploration – for the depiction of artificial realities, imagined scenarios or invented picture worlds. This may include photographs that mimic reality or reconstruct it; photographs that depict a cinematic or literary narrative; photo-montage, collage or sculptural photographic forms; editorial fashion narratives; performative portraiture or self-portraiture; reconstructing or representing the found photograph or archive; the possibilities are limitless…

Narrative should be a central aspect of your project – storytelling through individual images, juxtapositions and sequential series.

The Module aims to demonstrate:

• your critical and analytical skills in relation to your own work and others.

• examine the role of constructed photography in historical and contemporary visual culture.

• strengthen and refine your practical, technical and conceptual skills.

• improve your ability to self-manage a program of work.

• encourage effective use of research to inform creative practice.

• explore your understanding and experience of modes of dissemination (editorial, book, screen and gallery contexts)

• improve your ability to present work and communicate ideas

2.Outline syllabus:

With tutorial guidance and support, you will develop an extended sequence of photographic work, using the camera as an instrument of fabrication and invention.

Following a project briefing and introductory lecture on aspects of constructed photographic narrative, you are required to prepare a detailed proposal that outlines the nature and scope of your intended visual enquiry. This will form the basis of your practical exploration and critical dialogue throughout the module. The development of your projects will be supported and guided in tutorials and group discussions.

You will be expected to reflect on the development of your project in relation to the work of others, through a process of critical research and debate. Historical and contemporary critical contexts will be discussed in a series of seminars and tutorials.

Through a series of practical and technical workshops, you will also explore a variety of potential forms for the output of your work – including gallery, editorial, book and multimedia contexts. 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:

• Group & Individual tutorials – discussions and feedback based on practical work-in-progress

• Digital workflow workshops – to improve image editing and print output

• Studio production workshops

• Seminars and lectures – discussions and presentations on related themes

• Photographic practice and research – creative investigations and experiments, all documented in a working sketchbook

• Group Critiques – to present final work to tutors and your peers

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 100%