88801 Introduction to Photography for Design and Architecture

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Design
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 80027 Photographic History and Theory AND 80037 Critical Approaches to Photography AND 80047 Critical Image Studio: Image Ethics and Portraiture AND 80065 Critical Image Studio: Image Activism and Documentary Practice AND 88805 Introduction to Photography

Description

This subject covers the basic principles of camera functions and digital photography. Students explore the design elements of images, creative and innovative approaches to conceiving photographs, and ways of developing visual awareness. Digital cameras are used to document the world, build a visual archive and communicate observations and ideas.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Demonstrate a capacity to communicate ideas effectively in a variety of ways including oral, written and visual
2.	Demonstrate a capcity to engage in, and contribute to, studio discussion
3.	Demonstrate a capacity to develop innovative approaches
4.	Demonstrate a capacity to initiate and execute meaningful self-directed iterative processes
5.	Demonstrate a capacity to develop technical skills in photography
6.	Demonstrate knowledge of photographic history and theory and to place creative practice within a contextual framework
7.	Demonstrate a capacity to reflect and engage in self-critique and critical thinking

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Work cooperatively and professionally as part of a team, initiate partnerships with others, take a leadership role when required, and constructively contribute to peer learning. (C.1)
• Communicate an informed well-researched viewpoint. (C.2)
• Communicate ideas effectively in a variety of ways, including oral, written and visual. (C.3)
• Create designs that respond to their context in formally or conceptually innovative ways. (I.1)
• Advance ideas through an exploratory and iterative design process. (I.2)
• Independent development of high level technical and craft skills for the production, presentation and documentation of work. (I.3)
• Reflect and engage in self-critique and critical thinking. (R.5)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

Semester long subject, delivered through weekly tutorials, studio classes, computer laboratories, group discussion and portfolio presentations.

Content (topics)

- Observation and documentation
- Digital camera functions and basic postproduction skills
- Explorative use of the visual elements of photographs
- Building a portfolio of photographs
- Personal portfolio presentations
- Reflective and analytical writing

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Landscape 

Intent:	In this task you will explore comparative landscape photography. You will research the work of historical and contemporary landscape photographers. You will initiate and investigate your own comparative landscape photography project through a series of given exercises. After receiving feedback from your tutor and peers you will identify one type of space to photograph. You will develop and refine your project and photograph at least six different examples of it.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.1, C.2, C.3, I.1, I.2 and I.3
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	45%
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Level of inventive and explorative approaches to comparative landscapes 17 3 I.1 Appropriate levels of technical skills and effective use of lighting 17 5 I.3 Demonstrated ability to respond to task through research 17 6 C.2 Effective presentation skills 17 1 C.3 Level of engagement in, and contribution to, class discussions 17 2 C.1 Consistent production of work 15 4 I.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Portraiture

Intent:	In this task you will explore comparative portrait photography. You will research the work of historical and portrait photographers. You will initiate and investigate your own comparative portrait photography project through a series of given exercises. After receiving feedback from your tutor and peers you will identify one type of person to photograph. You will develop and refine your project and photograph at least six different examples of it.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.1, C.2, C.3, I.1, I.2, I.3 and R.5
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	55%
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Level of innovative and explorative approaches to comparative portraits 16 3 I.1 Appropriate levels of technical skills and efective use of lighting 14 5 I.3 Demonstrated ability to respond to task through research 14 6 C.2 Evidence of reflection and engagement in self-critique and critical thinking 14 7 R.5 Effective presentation skills 14 1 C.3 Level of engagement in, and contribution to, class discussions 14 2 C.1 Consistent production of work 14 4 I.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

References

Badger, Gerry, The Genius of Photography: How Photography Changed Our Lives, London: Quadrille, 2014
Bate, David, Photography: The Key Concepts, Oxford & New York: Berg, 2009
Cotton, Charlotte, The Photograph as Contemporary Art, London: Thames and Hudson 2nd ed. 2009
Diprose, Graham; Robins, Jeff, Photography - The New Basics : Principles, Techniques & Practice, London : Thames & Hudson, 2012
Dyer, Geoff, The Ongoing Moment, New York: Vintage Books, 2007
Edwards, Steve, Photography: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press , 2006
Gronert, Stefan, The Dusseldorf School, London: Thames and Hudson , 2009
Marien, Mary Warner, Photography: A Cultural History, London: Laurence King 3rd ed., 2010