Professional documentary photography and visual journalism

Through practical instruction, lectures, and projects, we will discuss the history of documentary photography, and explore theoretical and ethical issues. Improve your visual storytelling skills and learn about using new technology and how to present and distribute your work professionally.

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Key course information

Dates
12/09/11 - 14/11/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £258
Senior fee: £171
Concession: £122

Venue
PS - Photography Studio

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Course code
VY600

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

Throughout the course you will learn about different ways of photographing the world. You will work on short assignments in your own time to develop your own vision and ideas. The strong practical basis will be backed by an examination of the nature and practice of visual journalism and documentary photography. You will be encouraged to participate in group work and group discussions and develop critical awareness as well as an understanding of photography as a means of communication.

What topics will we cover?

- Photographs as a means of communication.
- Narrative and storytelling.
- Composition.
- Editing and digital workflows.
- History of documentary photography and analysis of the work of individual photographers
- Practical, ethical and legal issues and professional associations.
- Introduction to presenting and distributing work professionally using available digital technology.

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

- Communicate effectively via the medium of photography
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of picture editing
- Take visually engaging images
- Feel more confident about your own photographic technique
- Demonstrate an ability to think more critically about visual journalism and documentary photography
- Have a grasp of the practicalities of doing visual journalism using digital technology.

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

The course is for any level as this is not a highly technical course; it is more about ideas, composition, approach and
storytelling. You should know the basic functions of your digital SLR camera as there will be some technical tips and assignments requiring this. The course usually has students of mixed ability.

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?

The tutor will bring lots of ideas and exercises to get you thinking about what you are doing. You will learn from each other and how to be good critics of yourself and others. There will be a strong practical bias, with exercises and projects, followed by group analysis and discussion using laptop and a computer projector to get feedback on your
work. This course is fun and inspiring but also aimed at getting the most out of students, so is challenging. There might be a visit to a newspaper, photo library or agency and photographic exhibition. You will be encouraged to work on short assignments in your own time.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Costs are film and processing, and a scrap/work book. You may want to buy some magazines and books. A tripod is very handy, even if a mini one.You will be expected to bring your own digital camera.

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. You will be bringing in your work to show most weeks for group and self-assessment. You will keep a book of our work so that you can see your progress. The final project will be self and group assessed.

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.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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