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Photography

Introduction to Photojournalism (10 credit points)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This digital photojournalism course will introduce you to the skills, techniques and approaches needed to make eye-catching images, which tell journalistic stories through photographs. You will be introduced to historical and contemporary approaches to the photo essay, shown in magazines and news outlets. Gain an understanding of the ethical issues and learn camera and reportage skills to create your own photojournalism assignments.

Please be aware that all of our digital courses that employ the use of computers and Adobe software are delivered on Apple Mac computers.

Please note: During some of the classes you will be working on location around Edinburgh's Old and New towns. Location visits will be between 1 to 2 hours.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Previous experience of using a DSLR is desirable, but not essential.

Special Information

Essential materials or equipment to be provided by the student:

  • A DSLR camera, ideally with 50mm lens and potentially longer lenses (e.g. 150mm, 300mm) depending on students preferred projects and working methods

  • Always fully charge batteries before the class

  • Storage medium for the camera SD preferred

  • USB storage to back up images

  • For week 1 bring an image or news story from any era which has moved you

  • For outdoor sessions students should dress for the weather in Edinburgh

Content of Course

Students will, throughout the duration of this course, gain competency in photojournalism styles and approaches as well as image selection. Supported through in-class exercises, these will include:

1. Introduction to photojournalism and the camera.

2. Introduction to basic camera controls.

3. Introduction to historical and contemporary practice.

4. Develop an understanding of working to newsroom deadlines for headlines.

5. Explore how to 'build a story'.

6.  Explore the application of photojournalism through the media

7. Explore the law and ethical issues surrounding photojournalism.

8. Exhibition visit or book reviews.

9. Develop a personal project, researching a story through to a presentation of work.

10. Explore how to share your work in appropriate formats.

11. Post-production - Editing and image selection using Adobe Photoshop.

12. Peer support and tutorials.

Teaching method(s)

Students will be taught as a group, taking them through the various stages of creating a photojournalism project with tutor supporting in class and on location. Photographs will be made on location either within the class and/or, as a directed study exercise, and digitally processed in a Mac computer lab equipped with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge.

The exercises will give students the opportunity to learn about various factors of the camera and refine their ability to confidently capture images in a variety of situations and scenarios. Group discussions and class critiques, led by the tutor and based on the student's projects will be supported by contextualising their ideas with photojournalists work to inspire, but also challenge student viewpoints. This will allow students to see how their own photography fits into a larger historical context.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate contextual awareness and critical thinking to support and explore a range of photographic vocabularies to communicate a visual narrative.

  • Demonstrate an enquiring approach to using a range of camera and post-production techniques to develop a personal body of work.

  • Show appropriate judgement to select, edit, print and present a coherent, digitally-based photojournalism body of work.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

  • Berger, J. and Berger, J. 1973. Ways of seeing; a book made by John Berger. New York: Viking Press.

  • Bolt, R. 2018. World Press Photo 2018 Thames and Hudson Ltd.

  • Collectif 2019. World Press Photo 2019 Thames and Hudson Ltd.

  • Halsman, P. and Lubben, K. 2011. Magnum contact sheets. London: Thames & Hudson.

  • Hurn, D. and Jay, B. 2009. On being a photographer. Anacortes, WA: LensWork 

  • Sontag, S. 2004. Regarding the pain of others. Penguin.

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.