ARTS238 - Photography

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit is designed to develop concepts, processes and techniques as they relate to projects from photomedia. It focuses upon production methods including computer generated imagery but with increased attention on the conceptual contexts that arise as a result of making photographic artworks.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the central issues pertaining to contemporary practice in two dimensional art forms (GA4, GA5, GA9, GA10)

LO2 - Interpret the cultural and political conventions of a range of photographic art forms (GA4, GA5, GA8)

LO3 - Apply the theory, practice and methods of photography towards the development of an individual problem-solving creative practice (GA4, GA5, GA8)

LO4 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the central issues pertaining to contemporary practice in a range of photographic art forms and approaches (GA4, GA5, GA9, GA10)

Graduate attributes

GA4 - Think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA8 - Locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA9 - Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

GA10 - Utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively

Content

This unit consolidates the students' understanding, knowledge and skills about the practice of making photographic images Issues and trends pertaining to contemporary photography will be examined in the context of the students' own emerging practice. The content of art history and theory units studied concurrently with studio-based units will serve to inform students of the historical and theoretical contexts which underpin their own practice. There will be a focus on issues of health and safety for the professional artist.

Drawing on analogue and digital methods of production students will examine the notion of the captured image.

Students will undertake an examination of image making within a media saturated culture, its history, visual conventions, and operation by researching camera obscura and pinhole camera mechanics relative to the digital camera. Critical considerations of the role and history of photographic image making within the context of art and design will inform this unit. Students will examine the notion of the captured image in light of their own creative input. They will investigate analogue and digital techniques of production and image finishing mindful of the inception of photographic practice to provide a working knowledge of post medium photographic practice in current use.

An introduction to key principles and developments within photography, including:

1. Camera obscura and pinhole camera creation and operation. Black and white and digital printing. Presentation within Antiquarian Avant Garde movement.
2. Overview of major theoretical and historical trends within photomedia.
3. Introduction to contemporary photographic practice within the visual arts via study of current production of digital and analogue imagery and conversion of the still image into movement.
4. Analogue printing; Use of digital techniques to convert photographically generated images into animation and or manipulate the imagery using computer programs such as Photoshop; presentation within fine arts and commercial contexts.
5. Emphasis is placed on the students’ ability to generate their own ideas for set projects through experimentation, research and critical analysis.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The rationale for this unit is to develop both a core conceptual and a core technical understanding of the camera as a visual medium that can be applied to any device. The role of the photograph will be assessed in relation to contemporary cultures.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The rationale for this unit is based in developing both a core conceptual and a technical understanding of the camera as a creative visual medium. The assessment tasks are designed as creative responses to briefs. These briefs will emphasise both the technical and conceptual aspects of image making. The resultant photographic suites will be assessed in relation to contemporary practices and cultures.

Overview of assessments

Equivalent tasks may also be used

Representative texts and references

Required text

Renner, E., (2008). Pinhole Photography: From Historic Technique to Digital Application (E book available from ACU library).

Recommended references

Badger, G., (2007). The Genius of Photography: How Photography Changed Our Lives London: Quadrille

Campany, D., (2003). Art and Photography London: Phaidon

Flusser, V., (2000). Towards a Philosophy of Photography, London: Reaktion

Grovier, K., (2013). 100 Works of Art That Will Define Our Age London: Thames & Hudson

Hecker, J. & Kentridge W., (2010). William Kentridge: Trace, N.Y., Museum of Modern Art

Henson, Bill (2005) Mnemosyne, Zurich, Scalo Publishers.

Perkins, H., (2010) Art+Soul a journey into the world of Aboriginal art. Melbourne: The Miegunyah Press.

Prakel, D., (2010). The Visual Dictionary of Photography London: Fairchild Books

Shore, S., (2007). The Nature of Photographs London: Phaidon Press