NM3223: Digital photography and imaging

Introduction

The module explores relationships between visual practice and photographic theory and offers a flexible scheme for combining these components. It exposes students to aesthetics, theory of photography, photographic image creation and the significance of digital technology for photography. It also includes ethical and legal issues in the production of digital images.

Please note:

  • Students will need access to a SLR camera (preferably digital with full manual control) with necessary accessories (lenses covering 28mm to 180mm, tripod and flash).
    Cameras and accessories will be made available to students who do not have their own.
  • Expenditure for this module would be higher than that for other modules.

Pre-requisite:

  • NM2208
  • Knowledge of image processing software (Adobe Photoshop or its equivalent)
  • Passion for photography

Module objective:

To explores digital imaging from two perspectives:

  1. Fine arts
  2. Communications

Fine arts: Emphasizes photography as a means of artistic expression. Examines how different assumptions produce different criteria for the analysis and aesthetic appreciation of the medium. Encourages students to use their imagination, develop individual style through exploration and the ability to interpret, evaluate, and criticize their own (as well as others’) artwork.

Communications: Discusses the creation of visual imagery to achieve communication objectives. Among the critical and theoretical models explored will be discourse theory, psychoanalysis and semiology

Learning objectives:

To expose students to visual and photography theory as well as creative digital imaging. Current debates about the significance of digital technology for photography for the production of artistic and communication artifacts are also explored.

Objectives:

  • Develop abilities to interpret, evaluate, and theorize about photography and visual cultural artifacts
  • Understand theories of visual representation and methods of visual interpretation
  • Develop ability to interpret and evaluate digital photographs and photography in general
  • Understand principles of image capture, composition and lighting, both natural and artificial, to achieve best pictorial advantage
  • Understand ethical and legal concerns involved in producing and working with digital images

This module supplements NM2208 and NM3208 modules in the new media studies area and most of the modules in the interactive media area of CNM programme.

Format

  • One hour Lecture
  • Two hours Studio (tutorial)

Module requirements

  1. Weekly assignments ( 6 assignments )
  2. Final project ( 4 weeks assignment)
  3. Learning Journal (Please see appendix 1 for details)

Attendance

NM3223 module calls for regular attendance and participation. Students must fulfill minimum of 88% attendance. Attendance below 88% affects your grade. In case of serious problem, such as accident, illness, family or personal problem that causes significant absence, please contact me as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT: If your attendance falls below 75% and you don't have a valid reason for your absence, you shall be given a failing grade.

Important: House rules

Work Environment

  • Punctuality: Please be in the class room on time (if your are late by more than 5mts you'll be marked absent)
  • No mobile communication devices
  • No emails, chats during the class (If you break this rule you will be marked absent for that day)
  • No consumables: food, drinks
  • No companions: friends, family, pets (real or virtual)

Following equipment are recommended :

  • Pencils, eraser and colour markers:
  • Sketch book: A4 size sketch book
  • Tools: cutter, steel ruler
  • Storage media: Thumb drive, DVD media
  • Digital SLR camera: with lens covering (28mm to 180mm range), Tripod, flash.

Make sure you have access to following services:

  • Printer: High quality colour printer
  • Matting and framing: display and presentation of photographs

 

Reference books:

  • Seeing is Believing, by Arthur Asa Berger, Mayfield publishing company, second edition (1998)
  • Visual methodologies: An introduction to interpreting visual objects by Gillian Rose. Sage Publications, 2007.
  • Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture by Marita Sturken, Lisa Cartwright, Oxford University Press, USA; 1st edition (March 15, 2001)
  • The language of displayed art by Michael O’Toole, Leicester University press, London: Chapter 1.
  • Photographic Composition by Tom Grill, Mark Scanlon, Watson-Guptill Publications; Reprint edition (June 1990)
  • Ways of Seeing, John Berger, Penguin books, 1997
  • Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images by Terry Barrett, McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 3 edition (July 9, 1999)
  • Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson, Amphoto Books; Revised edition (August 2004)
  • Image Ethics in the Digital Age by Larry P. Gross (Editor), John Stuart Katz (Editor), Jay Ruby (Editor), University of Minnesota Press (October 2003)

Supplementary reading:

  • Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers by Christopher Grey, Amherst Media (April 1, 2004)
  • Silver Pixels, an introduction to the digital darkroom by Tom Ang, Watson Guptill,  AMPHOTO BOOKS (1999)
  • Secrets of Lighting on Location: A Photographer's Guide to Professional Lighting Techniques by Bob Krist, Amphoto Books (May 1996)
  • Lighting and Exposure Techniques for Outdoor and Location Portrait Photography by J. J. Allen, Amherst Media (September 2002)
  • The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby, New Riders Press (April 18, 2005)