In this course, you will explore the complex interplay between photographic lighting and questions of representation and meaning through consideration of portraiture.
You will develop your technical skills with both artificial and natural light sources, learning to observe and control how light shapes photographic meaning. You will gain an appreciation of the consciously controlled application of light in photography as a powerful rhetorical device. Through practical assignments, you will explore lighting beyond its technical aspects. You will learn that photographs are never neutral representations but are shaped by intersecting cultural codes of gender, class, ethnicity, and ideology. As you develop sophisticated lighting techniques, you will examine how your photographic choices contribute to broader social narratives. By integrating technique and critical thinking, you will develop sophisticate visual approaches which embed an understanding of your responsibility as an image-maker.
Course Learning Outcomes [needs review and updating]
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of the principles and properties of light in the formation of photographic images.
- Solve practical and conceptual photographic challenges through lighting
- Develop a foundation of lighting strategies to
- Examine and discuss how images can be constructed to communicate messages to diverse audiences.
- Evaluate images with reference to context and narrative.
- Identify and apply appropriate knowledge and technical strategies in capture and post-production to create photographic images.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1: Working with Light 1 – Texture & Colour (20%)
CLO 1 & 2
Assessment 2: Working with Light 2 – Lighting Ratios (40%)
CLO 1, 2, 3
Assessment 3: Working with Light 3 – On location (40%)
CLO 1, 3, 4.