Course Title: Imaging Portfolio 2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Imaging Portfolio 2

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2109

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007

Course Coordinator: Mr Phred Petersen

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3

Course Coordinator Email:phred.petersen@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Imaging Portfolio 1 PHYS2108 and Scientific Imaging and Illustration 2 PHYS2104


Course Description

Imaging Portfolio 2 requires the student to produce a self-directed folio of images on a specific theme, discipline and/or technique in their area of primary interest. This self-directed folio is produced according to the proposal submitted at the conclusion of Imaging Portfolio 1. The purpose is to explore an area of specific interest while improving professional imaging skills to a level required for entry into the industry. Self directed work is discussed in tutorials on a progressive basis throughout the semester to help develop the students’ ideas and improve their work.
All students will participate in a public exhibition of this self-directed work at the end of the year. Planning the exhibition will be the responsibility of the entire class, with direction of the lecturer. Successful completion of Imaging Portfolio relies on a self-initiating approach. This is an essential quality for any final year student anticipating a professional career in the imaging industry.

The course also builds a deeper understanding of the aesthetic, conceptual, and societal aspects of photography through gallery visits, short written essays, and classroom discussions. These activities support the development of each student’s self-directed portfolio.

Lectures will address issues relevant to a career in professional photography that are not directly related to the practical work, such as business practices, pre-press issues, copyright, and marketing/self promotion

This course has been designed principally as a core course for students in the Bachelor of Science (Photography) program. Students in other programs who have suitable photographic background may choose it as an elective, with permission of the course co-ordinator.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Show a professional quality final folio of self-directed work consisting of at least 8 images.
• Have defined an area of photography that is of special interest.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic values as well as the technical requirements of a specific area of interest.
• Exhibit a self-initiating and disciplined approach to their work.
• Develop a network of industry professionals in their area of interest.
• Show a distinct a personal style with their imaging.
• Be able to critically analyse personal work as well as the work of others; initiate dialogue regarding the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of photographic collections and exhibitions.
• Present their work in an organised, professional level exhibition.
• Present themselves and their work to the industry in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively and plan workflow to meet deadlines.




Overview of Learning Activities


Practical components of the Study Program will be determined by the content of an individual’s self-directed folio. This component will be defined by the folio proposal and driven by the student, with lecturer and industry mentor input as initiated by the student. Production of the end-of-year Final Exhibition will be a major component. Lecture topics and discussions will address relevant issues of a profession in photography, but will not necessarily relate directly to the work being produced by an individual.

The content associated with this subject will be delivered in both a lecture format, and studio based application and practice. Lectures will cover issues related to the business and practical aspects of the profession, and will be supported with handouts where appropriate.

There will be several visits to photographic exhibitions, and discussions of these exhibitions during classroom sessions. Guidance will be given by the lecturer prior to the gallery visits to define the objectives of each visit, and to provide the framework for follow-up discussions. These discussions will focus on the technical, aesthetic, conceptual, and social issues relevant to each exhibition. In some cases, written critiques will be required.

The major emphasis of the practical aspect of the subject is production of a self-directed folio of images in an individual’s specific area of interest. Content and goals of each student’s folio will be submitted in Imaging Portfolio 1 as a proposal at the end of first semester. Assessment will reflect how well the original proposal was met.

A substantial amount of time will be spent in organising the final year exhibition of self-directed work. The class will, as a team, take full responsibility for all aspects of the final exhibition. Direction and coaching from the lecturer will be given, with the intent of keeping the process on track.

Regular group critiques of progressive work will be conducted. Timely submission of work is essential.


Overview of Learning Resources

Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided as appropriate.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be based on the areas described below, which are intended to contribute to the development of the capabilities outlined above, with the goal of preparing the student for working in a professional commercial photography environment.

Final assessment will be based on the following three units:
1. Submission of progressive work to deadlines given
2. A portfolio of self directed work (minimum 8 pieces)
3. Participation in end of year Exhibition
4. Gallery visits, discussions, and written assignments