This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photo...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course has a strong practical base and an emphasis on sharing and discussion, while building skills. You will learn about the key elements of documentary photography and photojournalism, explore different visual languages and consider how they convey messages. Assignments and practical exercises will enable you to improve your technical skills, develop your photographic style and build up your confidence. Each week we will tackle an aspect of documentary photography and explore it in practice. You will be encouraged to participate in regular discussion and feedback on your own and fellow learners’ work, while working towards your own practical documentary project.
What will we cover?
Guided practical tasks on location and on London’s streets
Documentary photography as a means of communication
News images, reportage and photo-essays
History and tradition, contemporary storytelling and new media
Questions of truth, objectivity and impact in photojournalism
Technical choices and their effect on visual language
Key useful camera settings and compositional approaches
Photographing people, particularly in public places
Practical, ethical and legal issues in documentary photography
Using editing, captioning and text to create a storyline
Platforms for showcasing documentary photography
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Make work in different genres of documentary photography and share these with the class
Demonstrate experience in photographing people and in public places
Recognise and name different visual approaches within documentary photography
Analyse natural and available light and apply camera settings accordingly
Sequence your work to create a storyline from a series of photographs
Write informative and engaging captions for documentary photography
Demonstrate an ability to think critically about objectivity and truth in photojournalism
Recognise and state key ethical considerations in photojournalism
Demonstrate an ability to give and receive constructive feedback on photographic work, reflect on your own work and move it forward
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of the subject of documentary photography or photojournalism is needed, but this is not a course for complete beginners to photography. It's ideal for those who have completed our 'Photography for beginners', or for anyone with an understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR, mirrorless, bridge or film camera (i.e. not a point-and-shoot camera). You will need manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).
You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.
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. You will be require to complete tasks between the sessions and share them when back in the classroom. 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. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion.
Most lessons will involve photography sessions outside the classroom in the local area. Occasionally this will be further afield, eg. by public transport.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to have a digital camera which has manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. Please note: fully automatic cameras are not suitable for this course. The City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless cameras (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony) lenses, tripods and flash that you are welcome to borrow during the taught hours of the class. We are unfortunately unable to lend equipment between classes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might want to try and People and portrait photography, or lighting using speedlight or in the studio. Alternatively, you might want to further your image editing skills with a course on Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, or their competitor: Affinity. City Lit has a wide range of courses, don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.
Holly Falconer is a London-based photographer, whose work focuses on capturing groups and subcultures in the UK with a particular interest in the queer community. Her photography has been widely exhibited in galleries such as the Hayward Gallery and the People’s History Museum, and she has shot for Channel 4, Tate Etc, the BBC and Shelter, amongst others. Originally starting out as a writer for LGBTQIA+ publications, her work tells the stories of people via a vivid, intimate aesthetic.
Catriona Gray is a photographic artist and teacher from London. She has worked in photography for 26 years and has a breadth of experience from documentary and portrait photography, to fine art darkroom printing, analogue photography and alternative photographic processes. She has taught photography for over 10 years for various institutions including Westminster University, NHS hopsitals, healthcare and addiction recovery facilities, Darkroom London and Zoom In. She believes in learning through doing, and making lots of mistakes. Push yourself, try something different, flip things around, get uncomfortable.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/documentary-photography-and-photojournalism279945Documentary photography and photojournalismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_john_hartley_sq.jpg389389GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Creative, commercial & documentary photography22851132170217041228511321702<p>This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.</p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_savraj_chopra_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_deri_cronin_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_tom_thurlow_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_rebecca_passeri_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_joseph_scott_3_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_joseph_scott_4_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_judy_plant_sq.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_michael_laver_sq.jpg2454724Documentary photography and photojournalism389389https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/o/documentary_photography_-_john_hartley_sq_6.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-05-13T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceMay 2026Art & designVY600389389Documentary photography and photojournalism311253389Holly Falconer, Catriona Graydocumentary-photography-and-photojournalism/vy600-2526<p>This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-13 00:00:00<p>This course has a strong practical base and an emphasis on sharing and discussion, while building skills. You will learn about the key elements of documentary photography and photojournalism, explore different visual languages and consider how they convey messages. Assignments and practical exercises will enable you to improve your technical skills, develop your photographic style and build up your confidence. Each week we will tackle an aspect of documentary photography and explore it in practice. You will be encouraged to participate in regular discussion and feedback on your own and fellow learners’ work, while working towards your own practical documentary project.</p><p>This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.</p><ul><li>Guided practical tasks on location and on London’s streets</li><li>Documentary photography as a means of communication</li><li>News images, reportage and photo-essays</li><li>History and tradition, contemporary storytelling and new media</li><li>Questions of truth, objectivity and impact in photojournalism</li><li>Technical choices and their effect on visual language</li><li>Key useful camera settings and compositional approaches</li><li>Photographing people, particularly in public places</li><li>Practical, ethical and legal issues in documentary photography</li><li>Using editing, captioning and text to create a storyline</li><li>Platforms for showcasing documentary photography</li></ul><ul><li>Make work in different genres of documentary photography and share these with the class</li><li>Demonstrate experience in photographing people and in public places</li><li>Recognise and name different visual approaches within documentary photography</li><li>Analyse natural and available light and apply camera settings accordingly</li><li>Sequence your work to create a storyline from a series of photographs</li><li>Write informative and engaging captions for documentary photography</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to think critically about objectivity and truth in photojournalism</li><li>Recognise and state key ethical considerations in photojournalism</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to give and receive constructive feedback on photographic work, reflect on your own work and move it forward</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of the subject of documentary photography or photojournalism is needed, but this is not a course for complete beginners to photography. It's ideal for those who have completed our 'Photography for beginners', or for anyone with an understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR, mirrorless, bridge or film camera (i.e. not a point-and-shoot camera). You will need manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>You will be taught via illustrated lectures, workshops and group and individual projects. You will be require to complete tasks between the sessions and share them when back in the classroom. 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. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion.</p><p> </p><p>Most lessons will involve photography sessions outside the classroom in the local area. Occasionally this will be further afield, eg. by public transport.</p><p>You will need to have a digital camera which has manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. Please note: fully automatic cameras are not suitable for this course. The City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless cameras (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony) lenses, tripods and flash that you are welcome to borrow during the taught hours of the class. We are unfortunately unable to lend equipment between classes.</p><p>You might want to try and People and portrait photography, or lighting using speedlight or in the studio. Alternatively, you might want to further your image editing skills with a course on Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, or their competitor: Affinity. City Lit has a wide range of courses, don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyvirtual311389253VY600NONEWed13/05/26 - 08/07/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:008 sessions (over 9 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetHolly Falconer, Catriona GraySome experienceAvailable courses2026-05-13T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Art & design389389Documentary photography and photojournalismdocumentary-photography-and-photojournalism/vy600-2526<p>This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-13 00:00:00<p>This course has a strong practical base and an emphasis on sharing and discussion, while building skills. You will learn about the key elements of documentary photography and photojournalism, explore different visual languages and consider how they convey messages. Assignments and practical exercises will enable you to improve your technical skills, develop your photographic style and build up your confidence. Each week we will tackle an aspect of documentary photography and explore it in practice. You will be encouraged to participate in regular discussion and feedback on your own and fellow learners’ work, while working towards your own practical documentary project.</p><p>This course is aimed at those already working confidently with their camera but wishing to develop the ability to add narrative and depth to their work. Through feedback and self-reflection you will better be able to identify what interests you personally within photography. You will work on assignments and location shoots, develop your technique and style, and explore the practical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of photojournalism.</p><ul><li>Guided practical tasks on location and on London’s streets</li><li>Documentary photography as a means of communication</li><li>News images, reportage and photo-essays</li><li>History and tradition, contemporary storytelling and new media</li><li>Questions of truth, objectivity and impact in photojournalism</li><li>Technical choices and their effect on visual language</li><li>Key useful camera settings and compositional approaches</li><li>Photographing people, particularly in public places</li><li>Practical, ethical and legal issues in documentary photography</li><li>Using editing, captioning and text to create a storyline</li><li>Platforms for showcasing documentary photography</li></ul><ul><li>Make work in different genres of documentary photography and share these with the class</li><li>Demonstrate experience in photographing people and in public places</li><li>Recognise and name different visual approaches within documentary photography</li><li>Analyse natural and available light and apply camera settings accordingly</li><li>Sequence your work to create a storyline from a series of photographs</li><li>Write informative and engaging captions for documentary photography</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to think critically about objectivity and truth in photojournalism</li><li>Recognise and state key ethical considerations in photojournalism</li><li>Demonstrate an ability to give and receive constructive feedback on photographic work, reflect on your own work and move it forward</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of the subject of documentary photography or photojournalism is needed, but this is not a course for complete beginners to photography. It's ideal for those who have completed our 'Photography for beginners', or for anyone with an understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR, mirrorless, bridge or film camera (i.e. not a point-and-shoot camera). You will need manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>You will be taught via illustrated lectures, workshops and group and individual projects. You will be require to complete tasks between the sessions and share them when back in the classroom. 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. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion.</p><p> </p><p>Most lessons will involve photography sessions outside the classroom in the local area. Occasionally this will be further afield, eg. by public transport.</p><p>You will need to have a digital camera which has manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. Please note: fully automatic cameras are not suitable for this course. The City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless cameras (Canon, Fuji, Nikon &amp; Sony) lenses, tripods and flash that you are welcome to borrow during the taught hours of the class. We are unfortunately unable to lend equipment between classes.</p><p>You might want to try and People and portrait photography, or lighting using speedlight or in the studio. Alternatively, you might want to further your image editing skills with a course on Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, or their competitor: Affinity. City Lit has a wide range of courses, don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyconfigurable
