Photography for Design
Overview
This unit aims to introduce students to the basic principles and application of photography in design through creative camera controls and techniques. It aims to generate understanding of the symbiotic relationship between photographic image and design skills. It will also develop an understanding of basic design principles and practice as applied to photography through the exploration of resolution, colour theory, scaling, editing and image analysis
Requisites
Rule
Admission into Bachelor of Design Courses (including double degrees)
OR
Admission into Photmedia Minor MN-PHOMED
Assumed Knowledge
Competency in a range of web technologies
Equivalent
DES10030 Photography in Communication Design (Discontinued) and
DCO10004 Design Studio: Photography (Version 1)
27-October-2024
01-June-2025
08-June-2025
03-August-2025
02-November-2025
08-February-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply the basic principles of photography using camera controls to produce images
- Analyse imagery by examining visual literacy
- Implement colour theory to develop design outcomes that express ideas
- Use scaling and cropping to place creative emphasis in photographic images
Teaching methods
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Learning activities | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| TOTAL | 144 |
All Applicable Locations
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Studio | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| TOTAL | 144 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Project | Individual | 0% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Skill building exercises | Individual | 0% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- Lighting conditions and types of lighting and its effect on the photograph
- Basic camera controls such as depth of field and movement and setting the right exposure
- Resolution, white balance, ASA and other digital requirements
- Colour and contrast plus consideration for monochromatic output
- Image scaling and abstraction for visual impact
- Photographic compositional exploration – ways of seeing, varying viewpoint, angle, perspective
- Research a variety of photographic genres, iconic images and specific photographers
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.