Photographing people for beginners: a short course
Learn about photo-composition, lighting, and indoor/outdoor work in relation to people as the subject, including formal and informal portraiture, as well as shutter speeds, apertures, lenses and other visual controls. Please read the full course outline below before enrolling.
Key course information
Dates
27/11/11 - 04/12/11
Day(s)
Sun
Duration
2 weeks
Time
10:30 - 16:30
Fees
Full fee: £138NC
Venue
PS - Photography Studio
Course code
VY641
Availability
This course has finished
NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.
This course has finished
Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700
Course outline
What is the course about?
The course covers practical aspects of portraiture in photography. You will be introduced to differing approaches to photographing people - from the studio-lit portrait, to street and documentary photography, to capturing a moment and the family album. You will gain confidence in photographing people while learning about lighting, composition and the pose in various contexts, through practical work indoor and outdoors. You will learn to analyse professional photographs as well as your own work, and translate your ideas into visual compositions.
What topics will we cover?
Using camera manual settings to achieve more effective results; lighting in the studio and on location; natural lighting in the photo reportage and documentary; how to relax your subject and deal with strangers in the street; informal portraiture; social photography; considering how meaning is achieved and what a portrait can say in different contexts; how composition and editing affect what you are saying; a mini-project to realise in your own time during the week.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Present a varied selection of photographs of people, applying a variety of camera settings and lighting conditions
- Photograph people with confidence and communicate with them appropriately in formal and informal situations
- Produce portraits in a creative and expressive manner
- Apply camera settings and lighting choices that are fit to purpose.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For any level and most camera types. Students with an S.L.R. camera (film or digital) or equivalent with control of shutter and aperture will benefit from the more technical aspects of the course. It is an advantage if you have completed a beginner’s course, but this is not a requirement.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions in English, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to undertake simple measurements and calculations.
Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Emphasis will be on practical work during and outside the class. We will look at and discuss photographs, and give and receive feedback on your own work and others’. There will be discussions, group work and individual mini-projects. While demonstrations and illustrated lectures will guide, advise and teach you, you will benefit from a positive group dynamic where you can share your images and ideas in a supportive environment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will be expected to cover the costs of the materials you use. If using film, you will need to buy up to three rolls and pay for processing. Please bring a notebook – plain-paged A4 to collect images and write ideas as a visual diary – and your own SLR camera or equivalent to the class.
Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?
No.
What feedback will I get?
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
How will I be able to give my views on the course?
Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses. The tutor actively wants you views, and there will be plenty of group discussions and Question & Answer and feedback sessions throughout the course.
How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?
You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
More City Lit photography courses - there is a wide range to choose from.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.
Who can I contact for further information?
Tel: 020 7492 2700
visualarts@citylit.ac.ukPlease email us for advice or call us during these times:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00
Thursdays - 9.00-12.00
Saturdays - 14.00-17.00
To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.
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Visual arts
Tel: 020 7492 2700
Please email us for advice or call us during these times:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00
Thursdays - 9.00-12.00
Saturdays - 14.00-17.00
To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.
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