Photographic Composition IV – Method, Context and Format

The course is a programme course given in the fourth semester.

The course is part of the BFA Programme in Photography, 180 credits (K1FOT).

At least 60 higher education credits (hp) within the BFA Programme in Photography, including a passing grade (G) in the following courses:

• Photographic Composition I - Introduction to Photographic Methods and Practices, 15 credits
• Photographic Composition II - Development of Photographic Methods and Practices, 15 credits
• Photographic Composition III – Method, Context, and Format, 15 credits.
  
  

The course explores how photographic material can be processed and developed for both printed and digital publication formats. The focus is on deepening the skill of creating thematic and content-driven coherence adapted to different publishing techniques and contexts.

Students develop their ability to produce photographic works for publication through deliberate choices of format, technique, and material in relation to the content. By working with series and sequences, they investigate how photographs create meaning and how the expression is affected by different publication choices. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay between photographic content and its physical qualities in conveying meaning.

The course also addresses contemporary publishing formats in photography, the history of the photobook, and various forms of artist’s books.

The working process combines independent work with discussions of the students’ own and others’ projects. The conversations focus on how methods, techniques, and material choices influence content and expression, with particular attention to the significance of publication formats in contemporary photography.

On successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• identify and describe how photographers, historically and in the contemporary field, have worked with photographic material intended for publication, with a focus on thematic approaches, methods, techniques, choice of subject matter, format, and other factors that influence the expression and experience of the publication
• provide examples of various techniques that can be used in the creation of photographic publications
• identify and compare how expression and content change through the organisation of photographic material in series or sequences

Skills and Abilities

• investigate and process photographic material based on a chosen topic or question, with the aim of adapting it for publication in a specified publication format
• plan and carry out a photographic project intended for publication, in which thematic approaches, methods, techniques, presentation forms, formats, and contexts are explored, analysed, and tested
• complete photographic works according to given publication formats and within a specified timeframe

Judgement and Approach

• reflect on how the choice of images, sequencing, format, technique, and rhythm influences the experience of their own and others’ photographic publications
• assess and reflect on how the choice of photographic material, technique, and format supports their own and others’ intentions with photographic publications
• discuss their own and others’ photographic works in relation to different contemporary publication formats for photography.

The course consists of individual tutoring, critique classes, workshops, and study visits.

The language of instruction is Swedish and English. The teaching may largely be conducted in English if exchange students participate in the course.

The learning objectives are assessed through:

• independent photographic work
• oral presentation and discussion in critique classes
• an individual project description
• an oral reflection on their own and others’ photographic work. 

Participation in critique classes is mandatory.

A supplementary seminar for oral examination tasks is arranged for students who did not participate in earlier examination sessions. In special cases, the examiner may decide on an alternative form of examination.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Students are given the opportunity to evaluate the course anonymously at the end of the course. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The student is responsible for covering any personal expenses associated with the completion of the course.