Course Resources Archive

This practical module provides the opportunity to explore the techniques and constraints involved in shooting the posed portrait typically used in a range of magazines and broadsheet newspapers to accompany an article on the featured individual. Through consideration of Portraiture the module explores issues around identity and representation.

This module aims to introduce the practice and potential of the Portrait photograph as documentary evidence as well as editorial illustration. Students will be asked to consider photographic Portraiture with reference to a range of visual and cultural theory, issues of representation and identity. Students will investigate and question the conventions of portraiture through practical portraiture work and the analysis of images and the process of production. The module is taught through practical portraiture work supported by formal lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials.

 The module challenges students to seek interesting subjects, arrange, photograph and provide portraits appropriate for an identified audience. The phrase 'posed' might be used to describe this type of image, where subject and photographer work together, this is in contrast to images where there may be a more 'news' or candid approach. Lectures will provide examples of the style of images and approaches that could be considered. During this module students will be required to supply a short but informative piece of text intended to work with their portraits.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1)    Undertake the use of medium format cameras and lenses.

2)    Light subjects on location with electronic flash and/or continuous light sources; make appropriate choices in working methods, technical means, production values and presentation in the execution of portrait photographs.

3)    Understand how to develop ideas and concepts through research;

4)    Appreciate the power of particular forms of presentation to influence understanding and reading of images.

5)    Appreciate how to communicate and work with people as subject matter in a controlled context.

6)    Demonstrate an awareness of debates around issues of bias, objectivity and representation in relation to the portrait and its cultural, historic and theoretic analysis.

Photostory meeting the requirements of the assessment

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.