Introduction to Photography
Overview
This unit introduces students to the basic principles and application of photography in design and provides students with an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between photographic image and design skills. Students will apply creative camera techniques and 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
31-January-2025
30-May-2025
26-September-2025
30-January-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
- Interpret visual literacy for image analysis to the production of photographic images
- Implement principles of lighting and colour theory to develop design outcomes that express ideas
- Use scaling and abstraction to place creative emphasis in photographic images
- Produce a body of work using photographic images and design skills
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Online lecture) |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Online (Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning) |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus (Studio) |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities (Independent Learning) |
8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning Exercises | Individual | 45 - 55% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Major Project | Individual | 45 - 55% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
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, ISO 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.