Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Documentary photography

This is a practical course, based within a broad contemporary tradition. Backed by discussions and theory, it will cover traditional to more creative forms of storytelling, and explore questions related to truth and objectivity.

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Key course information

Dates
09/01/12 - 12/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
10:30 - 13:30

Fees
Full fee: £258
Senior fee: £171

Venue
PS - Photography Studio

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Course code
VY602

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This course helps you achieve practical work, backed by theory and history, image analysis and discussions. You will learn about different visual languages in documentary photography and their relationship to delivering a message, while considering information and truth. You will learn to understand the impact and potential of documenting the world around us, and delivering this as a story to a public. You will work on short-term and long-term projects, leading to an exciting and varied portfolio of work, developing subject matter in a sustained manner.

What topics will we cover?

– Documentary and communicating through images: the tradition of the photo-essay; contemporary creative storytelling and new media.
– Objective and subjective dimension of documentary.
– Technical choices, expressive impact and truth: the language of natural light; compositional choices.
– Achieving historical perspectives in documentary photography.
– Analysis of contemporary documentary practice.
– The social function of documentary, from social reform to campaigning.
– Distinguishing in-depth story and the news image.
– Practical, ethical and legal issues.
– Editing and digital workflows.
– Platforms for publishing, exhibiting and showcasing your photographic documentary work.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Achieve better photographs with great expressive value through control of camera settings, composition and lighting
- Produce several thoughtful, themed projects that can work as a portfolio
- Apply effective storytelling techniques inspired by traditional and contemporary documentary genres in a creative and critical manner
- Use traditional formats or new technology for presentation and distribution.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for any level as it is not highly technical - it focuses on the development of content and ideas. Some knowledge of the manual settings of an SLR camera (digital or film-based) is welcome although not a requirement.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do 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?

You will be taught via illustrated lectures, workshops and group and individual projects. Regular individual practical projects will also be realised outside the class. While demonstrations and illustrated lectures will guide, advice 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.

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.

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?

Other City Lit photography courses.

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.uk

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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Visual arts