| CODE | MCS1090 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Photography | ||||||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit offers a comprehensive introduction to photography, blending historical insights with practical skill development. Students will explore the evolution of photography from early processes like the Daguerreotype and Calotype to current digital techniques. Through hands-on sessions, both on and off campus, students will develop essential skills using DSLR and mirrorless cameras, focusing on key concepts such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, framing and composition. Students will also be exposed to post-processing software Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to comprehend how to edit and present their work. A strong emphasis will be placed on grasping 'Manual' camera controls to adapt to various shooting conditions. Throughout the study-unit, students will maintain a sketchbook to document and present assigned tasks, to track their creative and technical progress. The study-unit culminates in a final project, where students will develop a cohesive body of work around a chosen topic, to demonstrate their technical skills and artistic vision. Study-Unit Aims: - Provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the historical, technical and creative aspects of photography; - Develop technical competence by introducing key camera controls and post-processing techniques, enabling students to capture well-exposed images; - Encourage students to think critically about composition; - Promote the use of a sketchbook as a tool for documenting creative and technical progress; - Build students' confidence in applying 'Manual' camera settings and photographic techniques to adapt to various shooting conditions. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss the principles and historical evolution of photographic practices, from early techniques to digital methods; - Demonstrate awareness of light, the exposure triangle, and composition; - Develop a strong foundation in using DSLR and mirrorless cameras, grasping manual controls; - Explore and apply key photographic concepts such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in practice; - Identify the uses of different lenses with varied focal lengths in achieving specific photographic outcomes; - Recognise and explain the different White Balance settings and how they affect colour temperature in photographs; - Utilise post-processing software to edit and present their photographic work; - Engage in reflective thinking, articulating insights on existing historic and contemporary practices in photography; - Maintain a sketchbook to document creative and technical progress throughout the study-unit; - Exhibit adaptability in using camera controls to respond to varied shooting conditions; - Present a final project showcasing a cohesive body of work, illustrating both technical skills and artistic vision. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Grasp the use of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, including 'Manual' controls and key photographic concepts such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO; - Able to adapt and think creatively in varied shooting conditions and scenarios; - Work with light, exposure, and composition to capture a well-exposed image; - Use post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for enhancing and presenting photographic work; - Engage in self-assessment and critical reflection on personal progress and existing photographic work. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Langford, M., Fox, A., Smith, R., & Bruce. (2024). Langford鈥檚 Basic Photography: The Guide for Serious Photographers (11th ed.). Routledge. Supplementary Readings: - Carroll, H. (2014). Read this if you want to take great photographs. Laurence King Publishing Ltd. - Freeman, M. (2017). The Photographer鈥檚 Handbook. Ilex Press. NB: Any texts which are not available at the Main Library, will be ordered in due course. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualification: Visiting Students should possess a fundamental understanding and practical experience in operating a DSLR camera in 'Manual' mode including adjusting shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Practical | ||||||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Sera Galea |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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