Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Photography

Photography
3
16276
2
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,

Introduction

Photography is a medium of visual communication with great relevance in our context that is important to know and master, especially in the technical and compositional aspects, in order to control how we photographically represent what surrounds us.

There will be a brief introduction to the history of photography and the most relevant authors, from the pioneers of the nineteenth century to the most current ones, to have a vision of the evolution of the medium.

In the technical part, basic notions such as sensitivity, shutter and aperture will be explained and practiced, which can help us improve our images, especially in difficult places or moments of lighting.

Both technical and creative skills will be carried out, in order to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the course.

Pre-course requirements

No. 

Objectives

  • Introduction to photographic representation as a technical, informative and creative medium.
  • Understanding the differences between the analog and digital context.
  • Theoretical understanding of the evolution of the photographic medium and the basic technical notions involved in the photographic process.
  • Acquisition, optimization or improvement of the mechanical, creative and technological skills involved in the photographic process.
  • Development of critical skills and image analysis.
  • Acquisition of the ability to differentiate mere editing from manipulation, as well as its limits in the different fields of photography.
  • Knowledge of the compositional elements of an image and its influence on its meaning.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN02 - Identify the various stakeholders in the contemporary audiovisual sector, their roles and the operational dynamics of a digital and globalised environment.
  • CN03 - Identify emerging trends and developments within the global audiovisual ecosystem, including new formats and production technologies.
  • CN04 - Explain the current legal and ethical framework governing the creation and distribution of audiovisual products, taking into account the sector's regulatory requirements.
  • CN05 - Identify the key factors involved in assessing the economic, technical and creative viability of an audiovisual product in the current market.
  • CN07 - Recognise the main contemporary artificial intelligence tools with applications in the audiovisual sector.
  • CP02 - Critically examine contemporary social developments and contextualise audiovisual works appropriately.
  • CP03 - Communicate information and original ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, in Spanish, Catalan and English.
  • CP04 - Apply professional ethical principles and standards of academic rigour in the audiovisual field, respecting the fundamental right to equality between women and men, promoting human rights, a culture of peace and democratic values, including the use of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotype-free language.
  • CP05 - Develop multi-platform scripts that take into account the specific characteristics of different audiovisual genres and formats.
  • CP06 - Apply innovative image and sound techniques in audiovisual productions, integrating emerging technologies.
  • CP07 - Create audiovisual content for commercial purposes, making full use of the expressive possibilities of multimedia environments and maximising creative potential through emerging digital technologies.
  • HB01 - Use a range of media research and documentation resources.
  • HB02 - Apply professional techniques in body language and voice presentation to create impactful audiovisual content.
  • HB04 - Use bibliographic resources, specialised terminology and linguistic structures in English effectively for professional communication in the audiovisual field.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Students will be able to:

  1. To master the main photography techniques and technologies.

  2. To master the main digital design techniques and technologies.

  3. To master the main techniques and technologies for planning and formally presenting communication products, including the use of artificial intelligence to create infographics and optimise data management.

  4. To recognise tools for the documentation and management of audiovisual content.

  5. To create audiovisual entertainment products, applying narrative, aesthetic and post-production techniques to develop engaging content.

  6. To master verbal and body language in front of an audience or public gathering.

  7. To recognise the professional routines, language and practices of the creative industries.

  8. To distinguish between different formats according to the devices available.

  9. To stimulate artistic creativity by developing an individual style and practising lateral thinking.

  10. To recognise the process of negotiating and selling the rights to an audiovisual work so that it can gain access to spaces and platforms where it can reach audiences.

  11. To stay up to date with web positioning and social media, mastering the main techniques and technologies of digital marketing.

  12. To assess the viability of an audiovisual project based on knowledge of its audiences.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the history of photography and the most relevant authors.

2. Photographic equipment and technique: sensitivity, shutter and diaphragm.

3. Composition and photographic genres

5. The report: how to tell a story.

6. The photographic post-production and digital treatment of the image.

Bibliography and resources

BARTHES, R. (1990) La cámara lúcida, Barcelona: Paidós.

RODRÍGUEZ, Hugo (2005) Imagen digital. Conceptos básicos. Barcelona: Marcombo.

EVENING, M. (2020) Adobe Photoshop 2020 for Photographers. Routledge

Gisèle Freund (2017) La fotografía como documento social. Barcelona: Editorial Gustavo Gili.

LANGFORD, M. (2003) Fotografía Básica. Barcelona: Omega.

MELLADO, J.M. (2017) Los fundamentos de la fotografía. Fotografía de Alta Calidad: Adobe CC 2017. Grupo Anaya Publicaciones Generales

MOMEÑE, E. (2009) La visión fotográfica. Curso de fotografía para jóvenes fotógrafos. Madrid: Eduardo Momeñe.

NEWHALL, B. (1983) Historia de la Fotografía. Barcelona: Gustavo Gili.

SONTAG, S. (2018) Sobre la fotografía. Debolsillo.

Sougez, Marie-Loup (2011) Historia de la fotografía. Cátedra.

WESTON, C. (2009) La exposición digital. Barcelona: BLUME (Naturart)