Photography

This Photography course at the Ruth Prowse School of Art is aimed at students who wish to become professional Commercial or Fine Art Photographers. Students learn and put into practice that photographs are a powerful means of expression and communication and explore the relationship between concept and realization. All aspects of photography are covered from the nude to landscape to still-life to fashion to documentary to social awareness to abstraction. All methodologies are explored in the course to ensure a depth of technical knowledge. Students master the processes of black and white photography and printmaking, of colour photography, of studio lighting, of digital photography and related computer work by digital manipulation, and in addition, students revisit late 19th century photographic methodologies with contemporary hand-made printing emulsions.

Critique sessions and assessment are an integral part of the feedback of this course and individual interaction with lecturers is promoted. Tutorials and formal lectures explore research from historical to contemporary photography. Regular exhibitions at external venues are encouraged to give students experience in professional presentation and independent criticism. This also gives students the opportunity to gain exposure as photographers, generate subsequent freelance work as commercial photographers and/or market their photographs to generate an income. This professional practice is encouraged to form part of a cohesive body of knowledge even though students are undergraduates.

The visual component of the course is covered in lectures, slide show lectures, photographic excursions and visits to galleries and the studios of professionals. This comprehensive approach motivates discussion and analyses of aesthetics and promotes visual literacy. In addition, time management skills and marketing are developed to prepare students for their future careers. Learners are exposed to the photography industry with opportunities to work shadow.

The course is run by a dynamic team of lecturers who are practising specialists in their respective fields. The Staff at the Art School are committed to helping students realise their full individual potential. The School has a quality educational structure within a friendly, creative atmosphere.