Contemporary art photography

What is the course about?

You will be supported in developing an independent, creative photographic project. You may already be working on ideas that would benefit from being developed further, or you may want to begin from scratch. We'll look at the theory behind different photographic styles and approaches, and experiment with a range of planning, editing, printing and presentation methods. The emphasis will be on content, creative ideas, experimentation and achievement using appropriate formats of presentation.

This is an online course. Our live online sessions will take place using Zoom.
This course will also use Google Classroom. This is an online learning platform where tutors can put course resources and communicate with their students.
After you sign up to an online course, we will send you two reminder emails with more details about your online course. We will email you three days and one day before your course starts.

You will need the following:
- A laptop, PC or desktop computer.
- A stable internet connection
- An up-to-date web browser. This is a software on your computer that helps you go on the Internet. We recommend that you use Google Chrome.
- A webcam - this is normally part of your laptop or tablet. If you are using a desktop PC, you may need to have an external webcam.
- A microphone - this is normally part of your laptop or tablet. If you are using a desktop PC, you may need to have an external microphone.
- Speakers or headphones.

What will we cover?

- Understanding photography: a broad set of visual and experimental practices with specific goals
- Discussing traditional and more experimental photographic practices from fine art photography to documentary styles
- Testing and developing creative ideas through a sequence or series of photographs
- Exploring the relationship of photography to other visual fields from painting, to installation art, and cinema
- An overview of creative approaches in portraiture, landscape and still life photography
- Practical and creative aspects of presenting and sequencing your work
- Planning for specific outcomes, from an exhibition to a self-published book
- Professional printing labs and showcasing platforms.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- plan and develop creative ideas informed by knowledge of various strands of photography
- produce a series of photographs on a topic of your choice
- think of photography through a range of visual languages and genres
- experiment with printing, types of inkjet papers and scale
- explore a variety of editing and sequencing or storytelling methods
- print and present your work for exhibition purposes
- prepare your digital photographs for print or web output
- apply the basics of colour management.

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

This is an intermediate course, so it's recommended that students will already have undertaken a beginners’ photography (stage 2) course or equivalent, or have some experience in photography with a thorough grounding in the technical functions of your camera.

You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to undertake simple measurements and calculations.

We will be ysing Apple Mac computers on this course. If you have little experience in using Macs we offer short courses on Apple Macs for beginners and Apple Macs for experienced PC users.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including demonstrations, practical exercises, individual supervision, group critiques and hand-outs given out through Google classroom.

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

Please bring your camera to the classes, and a small notebook and pen if you wish.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a whole range of specialised photographic courses and others with a fine art orientation. Browse the photography section of the City Lit prospectus or check the website for inspiration.