Module Descriptors
PRACTICAL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
CCIF40749
Key Facts
School of Creative Arts and Engineering
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Richard Hunter
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 70
Independent Study Hours: 230
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • DESIGN BRIEF weighted at 60%
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
Introductory briefing at onset of module
Interim briefings
Seminars, lectures and group tutorials considering design, target audiences, and health and safety
Media workshops and studio tutorials
Group tutorials with formative feedback
Work related tutorials
Group critiques
Module Indicative Content
This module takes the form of an introduction to professional practice in photography. Live work will be a major aspect of this module, and you will be expected to gain some of the evidence for assessment through a work-related brief.

You will gain an insight into audiences and markets, and how this informs your strategy when creating photographic products. The skills you have learned in other modules will be applied in a professional context. You will be encouraged to work innovatively and creatively to meet agreed work outcomes, such as creating and promoting products for specific clients or target audiences.

You will be looking at skills relating to entrepreneurship in the working environment - such as promoting creative photographic work and ideas to attract new markets, communicating with clients, and presenting your work professionally. The importance of working with consideration for your own and others' health & safety will be included as an important aspect of the module.

You will be expected to carry out independent research to inform your work, such as
demographics, competition and similar products and services, and demonstrate that you understand why investigating these areas is so important.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Assessment 1. A portfolio of information relating to the use of a product, service or resource: to include such areas as market research, target markets, relevant strategic planning documents, and competition, with a 1600 word (or equivalent) associated reflective and evaluative commentary explaining the purpose of market research. (40%) [LO 1, 4]

Assessment 2. A response to a creative design brief; to include research, indication of a range of possible responses and leading to a selected approach and justification for choices made (60%) [LO 2, 3]

Formative assessment. Contribution to group discussion(s) on the purpose and challenges of market
research and how it relates to creative design briefs.
Module Resources
Computer suite with printing facilities, multimedia authoring and image manipulation software, photographic studio with lighting, processing facilities, cameras.
Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources.
University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp

Module Texts
Books:
Bate, David (2009). Photography: The Key Concepts. London: Berg.
Bright, Susan (2011). Art Photography Now. London: Thames & Hudson.
Cotton, Charlotte (2014). The Photograph as Contemporary Art. London: Thames and Hudson.
La Grange, Ashley (2005). Basic Critical Theory for Photographers. Waltham, Massachussetts: Focal Press.
Wells, Liz (2015). Photography a Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.

Journals:
British Journal of Photography
Portfolio - Contemporary Photography in Britain

Websites
www.lensculture.com
www.networkstudentphotographers.co.uk