Module: PHO6005-20 Professional Portfolio 1

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: TBC

Module Tutor Contact Details: 

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The professional portfolio 1 module is the first in a series of modules which enable you to define your visual language in fashion imaging and develop your identity as a fashion photographer. This module encourages you to explore your personal concerns and interests in fashion image making while developing a socially engaged photo practice. Your project will address specific issues of representation in culture and society examining how images are marketed to fashion audiences while navigating issues of race, body image and gender. This is an outward, real world facing project which enables you to direct your energy towards contemporary issues within fashion communication and the persuasive language of the photographic image within contemporary fashion media.

The module aims to demonstrate:

● Experimentation and complex visual solutions in fashion image making

● Critical awareness of debates and contemporary issues of representation in fashion photography

● Socially engaged professional practice within fashion photography

● Synthesis of technical skill and creative concepts within outputs

● Distinctive practice within fashion photography

2. Outline syllabus:

You will explore contemporary fashion media platforms and experimental modes of dissemination for fashion imagery. You will examine specialist and non specialist audiences within global contexts and identify relevant fashion media sites and innovative platforms for socially engaged practice. These studies will highlight the opportunities for photographers to engage in creative expression and experimentation, challenging dominant forms of representation in fashion. You will raise your awareness of theories and practice relating to the communication of fashion identities and marketing campaigns, evaluating and reflecting on the challenges that photographers face within the fashion industries.

Lectures and tutorials led by staff and industry guests support this area of study and provide opportunities for critical discussion.

Professional workshops enable you to acquire technical skills and evaluate your practice.

Industry guests and staff provide seminar sessions exploring a range of fashion platforms; fashion blogs, influencers, film, picture editing, publishing, fashion installations and events.

This module project is self directed. You will be required to supply a proposal at the beginning of your module and work in consultation with your tutors to develop your proposal.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Your module will include a detailed briefing.

● Lectures - provide research methodologies and initiate discussion around the key themes of the module and avenues for self directed research activities. Research investigations and primary experimentation are documented in your reflective journal.

● Practical workshops - advance your technical skill in fashion lighting direction and art direction techniques. Digital workflow sessions cover advanced photo imaging software skills. These sessions will inform your practical outcomes and should be evidenced in your reflective journal.

● Tutorials provide opportunities for formative feedback and peer critique

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio of Images

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Reflective Journal

• % Weighting: 30%