Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: COMM5415
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Brendan Lee
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368 Brendan Lee
Course Contact Email:brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Mr Don Porter
Phone: 9925 8089
Email: don.porter@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 85
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
At RMIT Refine Writing and Editing – Photography is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies.
CUVCOR04A - Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCOR13A - Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
CUECOR01B - Manage own work and learning
CUSADM03A - Manage a project
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUSRAD02A - Conduct Research
Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers and photographers and apply your findings to your own work through the development of a concept into a finished work.
Course Description
This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to work with text and digital photography. You learn about the photographic industry while using industry standard software to manipulate and enhance text and photographic images for a variety of purposes and in a range of contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers |
Element: |
1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated |
Element: |
2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The criteria for selecting techniques are considered based on results of experimentation |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to take photographs and manipulate them in order to support a variety of written text.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• field trips
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching
• lab work
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• workshopping of students’ own projects
• analysis/critique of writings
2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and photographic assignments
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Class content | Assessment | Competency and Elements |
Feb 11 Week 1 |
Introduction to Digital Photography Outline of course and discussion of course guide. Scanning What to look for in an analogue photograph. What “tools” to use to vary and enhance your image. CLASS EXERCISE Take supplied Image, Scan, increase image canvas 2 cm to the right and clone in image to fit, use cloning tool to retouch imperfections. (History Link - Henry Fox-Talbot to Ansel Adam) |
Introduction to Research Project assessment |
VBP553 - 3 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A - 1 CUSRAD02A -1/2 CUSADM03A - 1 CUECOR01B -1 |
Feb 18 Week 2 |
Digital Photography - what’s so different? A run down on the difference between the Brownie Box Camera and a Digital Camera. • What are all the camera features? • How do I use the camera? • What Resolution to shoot on? • How do I download my images? • How do I process my images? CLASS EXERCISE Working in groups, take one hour in the precincts of the building and take at least two images each. Return to lab to download images and manipulate with basic manipulation. (History Link - Athol Shmith and Helmut Newton) Consultation on research project |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A - 1 CUSRAD02A -1/2 CUSADM03A - 1 CUECOR01B -1 |
|
Feb 25 Week 3 |
Lighting - Daylight to Dark The influence of the Renaissance The Reflector The Tripod The Portrait / the Product CLASS EXERCISE Using daylight, take a side lit portrait using card “fill ins” Selecting one image from each student prepare a PowerPoint presentation of today’s shoot (History Link - Henri Cartier Bresson and Cazneaux ) Consultation on research project |
CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A - 2 CUECOR01B – 3 |
|
March 4 Week 4 |
Speed - What you see could be what was there…… Stopping action Producing movement : • In the camera • In the computer • Looking at Photoshop CLASS EXERCISE Producing Blur in the computer’s Filter Files (History Link - Erich Soloman) Consultation on research project |
CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A - 2 CUECOR01B - 3 |
|
March 11 Week 5 |
The Close-Up - From Copying to Forget-Me-Nots How to use the close up facility of the digital camera. How to combine sharpness from foreground to background (Integrated Image) CLASS EXERCISE Using a studio light and a reflector, photograph a product that can be combined with an “outside” background (History Link - The “Forerunners”) Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR 13A -1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B -3 |
|
March 18 Week 6 |
Using the Camera Digital Photography is not all that different to traditional photography. The creative element of Looking and Seeing still apply. All digital cameras have the same basic functions and features. Like all cameras these can be in different positions and have varying effects on the finished image. (History Link - Women Photographers Margaret Bourke-White, Dickie Chapelle and Lee Miller) Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR 13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
|
March 25 Week 7 |
Designing with Photography The design process and how to use it (History Link Women Photographers 2 Imogen Cunningham, Tina Modotti, Dorothea Lange, Annie Leibovitz, Mary Ellen Mark and Sarah Moon) Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
|
April 1 Week 8 |
Transposing Design to Artwork Introduction to InDesign (History Link - Sport Photographers, The Choice at a Millisecond Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
|
April 8 Week 9 |
Chasing Shadows- Using shapes in photographs Varying your angle of view Adding Drama to your subject Photoshop Image – Adjustments – Brightness/Contrast (History Link - Australian Photographers. Max Dupain) Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR 13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
|
April 15 Week 10 |
The Flexible Ozzie - An Australian view (History Link - Athol Smith and Rennie Ellis comparison) Consultation on research project |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2- |
|
April 21 | Mid-semester Break | ||
Week 11 April 29 | Photographs and Words Working on Photojournalism - My Street assessment Consultation on research project |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
|
May 6 Week 12 |
Fashion and Art (History Lin k - Helmut Newton and Sarah Moon comparison) Working on Photojournalism - My Street assessment Consultation on research project |
VBP553 – 2/3/4 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A – 1/2 CUSADM03A – 1/2 CUECOR01B -2 |
|
May 13 Week 13 |
Photojournalism - What is it? (History Link - PhotographersAlfred Eisenstedt and David Moore Time Life and National Geographic) Working on Photojournalism - My Street assessment Consultation on research project |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
|
May 20 Week 14 |
Nature and landscape What is the “essence” of a “Subject” Capturing the moment of a preselected theme that will give the complete story Working on Photojournalism - My Street assessment Consultation on research project |
Assessment 1 Illustrative assessment due | VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
May 27 Week 15 |
A World at War - How it works (History Link - Photography in conflict Robert Capa W Eugene Smith) Working on Photojournalism - My Street assessment Consultation on research project |
Assessment 2. Folio of 5 photographs due | VBP553 – 4/5 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 |
June 3 Week 16 |
Consultation on research project |
Assessment 3. Photojournalism assessment ’My Street’ due. |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSADM03A – 3/4 |
June 10 Week 17 |
Assessment Week | ||
SEMESTER 2 |
|||
July 8 Week 1 |
Intro to Semester’s Program: Manipulation to perfection Presentation Research Project (History Link - Vietnam War) Consultation on research project |
CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 3 |
|
July 15 Week 2 |
Making your Picture better (History Link- The “Unknowns”) Consultation on research project |
CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 3 |
|
July 22 Week 3 |
Planning the Illustrative Image: Following the Romanticists (History Link Portraits: Andy Wahol and Arnold Newman a Comparison) Consultation on research project |
VBP553 – 2/4 CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A – 2/3 CUVCOR04A - 1 |
|
July 29 Week 4 |
Working to a Theme: For publication or exhibition (History Link - The Heide Bunch) |
Assessment 4. Manipulation Assessment due |
VBP553 – 2/3/4 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR04A – 2/3/4 CUSADM03A - 2 CUECOR01B - 3 |
August 5 Week 5 |
One–day exercise around Melbourne: Saturday or Sunday Developing a Theme as a group The class–time for this week will concern the selection of 10 images from your shoot, Their manipulation and preparation into a PowerPoint presentation (History Link - Recording a Theme Consultation on research project |
VBP553 - 2 CUVCOR 13A - 3 CUVCOR04A - 2 CUSADM03A - 3 |
|
August 12 Week 6 |
The Business of Photography: Business Practice from the start From extra money to the whole thing. (History Link The Theme – Will McBride) Consultation on research project |
Assessment 5. Powerpoint assessment due |
VBP553 - 3 CUECOR01B – 1/2/3 |
August 19 Week 7 |
Promotion of the Business Types and Styles of Photography as a Business Presentations Used by Photographers in the Advertising a Business General or Specialist. (History Link Travel photography – A Journey) Consultation on research project |
CUVCOR 13A – 2/3 |
|
August 26 Week 8 |
The Exhibition The Specialist Book The Promotion Package (History Link - Diane Arbus) |
|
VBP553 – 2/3/4 CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 2/3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 |
Sept 2 Week 9 |
Making the selection Selecting photos from a shoot. Do they tell the “Story”. (History Link - Ansell Adams and Minor White: Perfection) Consultation on research project |
VBP553 – 2/3/4 CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 2/3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 |
|
Sept 9 Week 10 |
Working on Major assessment Item (History Link - Man Ray) Consultation on research project |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
|
Sept 16 Week 11 |
Working on Major assessment Item (History Link - Robert Capa) Consultation on research project |
Assessment 6. Promotional package due | VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
Sept 23 Week 12 |
Working on Major assessment Item (History Link - Mario Gravo Neto) Consultation on research project |
|
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
Sept 26 – Oct 7 | Mid-Semester Break | ||
Oct 14 Week 13 |
Working on Major assessment Item (History Link - Imogen Cunningham and Judy Dater: Generations of Power) |
Assessment 7. Presentation of Research Project |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
Oct 21 Week 14 |
Working on Major assessment Item Designing promotional materials for Exhibit |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
|
Oct 28 Week 15 |
Working on Major assessment Item Mounting and Framing |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSRAD02A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
|
Nov 4 Week 16 |
Presentation of Exhibition | Assessment 8. Presentation of Images due |
CUVDES05A – 3/4 CUVCOR 13A - 3 CUSRAD02A - 4 CUSADM03A - 4 CUECOR01B - 3 |
Nov 11 Week 17 |
Assessment Week |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text for this course |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
You require access to a camera, computer and to the internet for this course
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the completion of practical and written projects.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
Assessment 1 –Illustrative Image Assessment: (5%) Due May 20
The Planning of an Illustrative Image - Researching the way an artist prepares for a painting, prepare a concept image in sketch form.
Assessment 2 - Folio of 5 photographs (20%) Due May 27
Folio of 5 photographs covering the following: Advertising - Product Photography Portraiture - Personality and Promotional Photography Nature / Landscape Photography Illustrative Sport
Assessment 3 - Photojournalism (25%) Due June 3
Produce two double page spreads of photos and copy under the topic of “My Street”.
Numbers of images – at least eight
The copy is to be about your concept of your street. The magazines that may take up your material will be general interest magazines with a leaning towards the “quirky” side of neighbourhood living.
Assessment 4 – Manipulation Assessment (5%) Due July 29
Preparing the image you envisaged not what you photographed.
Select one of your photographs and use the various Image Manipulation tools in Photoshop and enhance, or introduce, a greater visually emotional effect in that image
Assessment 5 – PowerPoint Presentation (5%) August 12
Working from the images taken on the weekend shoot prepare a PowerPoint Presentation featuring ten selected images
Assessment 6 – Promoting a Photographic Business (5%) Due September 16
Prepare a concept for a Promotional “Package” for a Photography business
Assessment 7 - Research Report (15%) Due Oct 14
You will be working on this project throughout the year. You choose your own topic based on an area of photography that interests you.
The final project should be 1000 words, fully referenced. wk 16wk s2
Exhibition, Book, Web, PowerPoint, etc
Assessment 8 - Presentation of Images (20%) Due November 4
Present a thematic selection of images of your own choosing and display them in the manner of your choice
Grades used in this course are as follows:
Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
For further details on these assessment tasks and the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Feedback:
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback by teacher on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Late Submissions:
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information on late submissions and plagiarism
Plagiarism:
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission):
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;
Course Overview: Access Course Overview