Art Degrees Online

Course Code BPH100
Fee Code S1
Number of Assignments 8
Duration (approx) 100 hours

Comment from one of our Introduction to Photography students:

“Glad I signed up” G. Gadja

Throughout this course reference will be made back to our own perception of light through our eyes and the similarities and differences between the eye and the camera. One crucial fact underlies all photography, and for that matter, any “visual recording” medium. That fact is that although many and various technologies can produce images, the quality of those images is eventually judged by our own eyes. They act as a parameter for our technological design.

COURSE STRUCTURE

You will be given instructions throughout this subject guide to do various things … you may be asked to contact an organisation, you may be given something to read, or some information to research. Various tasks will be given to you to develop your knowledge and abilities in photography care. Along with these tasks, you will also be given a number of questions to answer at the end of each lesson. You are required to submit them as an assignment to your tutor.

1. Origins of Photography:

To discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.

2. Film

To explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film or digitally. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.

3. Photo Equipment: Cameras

To provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs

4. Photo Equipment

To determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera

5. Processing/Developing Images

Developing Different Film Types, Processing Solutions, Fixer, Developer, Stop Bath, Fixing, Washing, Wetting Agents, Drying, etc.

6. Enlarging and Photo Manipulation

Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explains techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.

7. Lighting

To work more effectively with light when taking photographs.

8. Fault Finding

Common Problems, and how to deal with them.

AIMS
Discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.
Explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.
Provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs. It provides a framework, upon which you will base your work in future lessons.
Determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera
Explain how photographic film is developed.
Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explain techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
Work more effectively with light when taking photographs.
To identify and avoid common faults in photographs.

Extract from Course Notes

CAMERA STABILITY

On shutter speeds under 1/125 second, chances of the picture being blurred are high (because of either camera movement or movement of the subject).

EXAMPLE:

If the correct exposure combination on an overcast day for 100 ISO film is F16 and a 30th second, you will risk camera shake.

(NB: When shutter speed or F stop is altered, this doubles or halves the exposure. Both variables thus alter the amount of light entering the camera in the same proportion; but in different ways).

Instead of F16 at a 30th you could choose one of the following:

F11 at a 60th (You determine this by doubling the light via the aperture and halving the shutter speed…the result is the same).
F8 at a 125th of a second
F5.6 at a 250th of a second.

By operating at F8 or F5.6 we can reduce the chance of camera movement.

If you want to freeze movement in a picture (eg: If you are photographing a moving person or animal), the lowest speed you should use is a 125th second.

If there is rapid movement or movement closer to the camera, then the photograph needs to be taken at a higher speed.

To stop a car speeding past at 75 kph for example, you would need a 1000th second whereas if the same car was moving towards or away from the camera a minimum speed of 1/125th would be acceptable.

Everyone’s ability to hold a camera still varies, as does every situation where you photograph moving objects, so despite recommendations, it is only experience which will teach you what minimum speeds you can use in different situations.

What happens when the meter tells you to set F stop at 2.8 and film speed at a 15th second; and F2.8 is our maximum working aperture. We have no choice but to follow the meter’s direction. If we had expected to shoot in dim light, we could have used a faster film (ie. with a higher ISO).

The other option is to hold the camera still and not photograph anything with much movement.

Camera movement can be reduced the following ways:

· Tripod and cable release.
Your finger pushing the shutter button can move a camera on a tripod. By using a cable attachment, you can release the shutter by pressing a plunger in the cable, greatly reducing any chance of camera movement.

· Sit the camera on a solid object.
Sitting the camera on top of a wall, fence, table or some other solid object, and composing your picture from that point.

· Using a timer mechanism to release the shutter.

· If the camera is sitting on a solid object or a tripod, you can set a ten second delay so the shutter releases without you pushing it and risking movement.

· Lean your body against a wall, fence or some other solid object when taking the photograph.
This reduces body movement.

· Stand with your legs apart.
This gives greater stability than with legs close together.

· Breathe out slowly and evenly as you press the button.

Key features
A new and exciting opportunity to study ideas in depth while developing your fine art studio practices
A supportive environment in both classroom and studio.
Internationally recognised staff and excellent facilities.

What our students say

“Tutors put great effort is put into making links among the subjects’ Richard Boulton, current student.

‘Enjoyable and Rewarding’ Tom Northcote, former student and Procurement Specialist with the Department of Health.’

What it’s about

Philosophy, fine art and photography are all important and complementary ways of understanding the world around us. It is rare, however, to have the chance to study these subjects together, in a genuinely interdisciplinary single honours degree.

On the philosophy side, you will have a series of taught modules that will explore the underpinnings of human thought, experience, ethics, perception and expression. These are taught by staff who are active researchers in the field but who also provide a welcoming and supportive environment. If you are tired of being pigeon-holed as either an ‘arty’ or a ‘thoughtful’ type then one of these new programmes is for you.

What you do

Both of these degree programmes are interdisciplinary — that is, they are not two halves of a degree sitting side by side. Instead, the modules you take are designed to ‘talk’ to each other by encouraging reflection on the inter-relation between philosophy, fine art and photography; several modules, including the final year project, are co-taught by members of staff from the different departments. The philosophy part of your award includes modules on ethics (how should I live my life?), metaphysics (ie the nature of reality, freedom), epistemology (what can be known, and how?), and the nature of the self (who am I?). In addition, you will be taking modules specifically on visual modes of thinking, such as ‘Philosophy Goes to the Movies’ and ‘Thinking with Hands and Eyes.’ Here, it is our practice to learn philosophy by doing it: by talking, writing, debating and reading the important original texts. Assessment of modules is normally by written work, such as essays – there are no examinations.

Students in Photography and Philosophy will be involved in the production of practical work from the beginning of the first year. The core approach of understanding ‘visual communication’ is developed through study of the many and varied conceptual and analytical approaches to photographic practice. You will be learning how to use the latest technology from high-end digital equipment to the studio environment, but with access to traditional processes as well. You will also participate in lectures and seminars that encourage lively discussion of ideas in photography. This work will enable you to become a skilled and creative photographer, with an in-depth awareness of how photographs communicate.

Where next

As a graduate you will be able to think clearly and critically, be adaptable and open-minded and able to communicate and collaborate with others in analysing and solving problems. All these are skills highly prized by employers and have led past philosophy students to careers in business, law, teaching, management and the Civil Service, among others. The photography or fine art side of your degree means you are eminently employable and entrepreneurial in a whole range of creative industries, including promoting your personal or professional practice, or working in publishing, museums, galleries or visual industries such as advertising. Production skills, communication skills,
team-working skills, initiative and an innovative approach to problem solving are desirable attributes to employers and individuals alike.

Fact FileQualification:
BA(Hons)
Faculty/School:
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design
Location:
Stoke Campus
Course Length: Normally three years full time
Entry Requirements: All applicants will be invited for interview to include a discussion about your portfolio of practical materials. All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However a typical three A level or BTEC National Diploma offer will be 200 UCAS tarriff points.
UCAS Code:
Route A VW56, Route B Awaited