Module Descriptors
STILL LIFE THROUGH THE LENS
CCIF50871
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Rebecca Nunes
Email: rebecca.nunes@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 60
Independent Study Hours: 240
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- PRACTICAL OUTCOME weighted at 70% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 1,2,4
- RESEARCH DOCUMENT - 1800 WORDS or 6-8 MINUTES weighted at 30% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 3
Module Details
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment 1: Practical Outcome
A resolved still-life project using photographic or mixed-media approaches.
Emphasis on:
- materiality,
- composition,
- conceptual clarity.
Photography students expected to demonstrate advanced lighting control.
Assessment 2: Research Document
Documentation of:
- material experiments,
- set construction,
- research into practitioners and contexts.
Option 1: Written document with supporting visuals - 1800 words
Option 2: Visual diary with audio commentary – 6-8 mins
A resolved still-life project using photographic or mixed-media approaches.
Emphasis on:
- materiality,
- composition,
- conceptual clarity.
Photography students expected to demonstrate advanced lighting control.
Assessment 2: Research Document
Documentation of:
- material experiments,
- set construction,
- research into practitioners and contexts.
Option 1: Written document with supporting visuals - 1800 words
Option 2: Visual diary with audio commentary – 6-8 mins
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Still life across disciplines: fine art, illustration, design, editorial.
- Material culture, symbolism, object ontology and semiotics.
- Scene construction: set-building, assemblage, spatial design, prop styling.
- Lens-based approaches: lighting, macro work, texture rendering.
- Cross-disciplinary methods: illustration overlays, collage, 3D modelling, scanning, AI-assisted composition.
- Critical perspectives: consumerism, sustainability, post-digital objects.
- Professional outputs such as editorial spreads, digital prototypes, exhibition pieces.
- Material culture, symbolism, object ontology and semiotics.
- Scene construction: set-building, assemblage, spatial design, prop styling.
- Lens-based approaches: lighting, macro work, texture rendering.
- Cross-disciplinary methods: illustration overlays, collage, 3D modelling, scanning, AI-assisted composition.
- Critical perspectives: consumerism, sustainability, post-digital objects.
- Professional outputs such as editorial spreads, digital prototypes, exhibition pieces.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Create resolved still-life outcomes using lens-based or mixed-media approaches that demonstrate appropriate compositional, material, and spatial control.
Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding
2. Experiment with object arrangements, hybrid processes, and material interventions in order to generate innovative still-life solutions.
Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving; Critical Reasoning and Collaboration
3. Analyse how objects communicate within visual cultures by applying conceptual and contextual research to their own work
Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills
4. Present still-life outcomes to professional or discipline-appropriate standards, selecting suitable formats such as editorial layouts, digital mock-ups, or exhibition prints.
Programme Learning Outcome: Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding
2. Experiment with object arrangements, hybrid processes, and material interventions in order to generate innovative still-life solutions.
Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving; Critical Reasoning and Collaboration
3. Analyse how objects communicate within visual cultures by applying conceptual and contextual research to their own work
Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills
4. Present still-life outcomes to professional or discipline-appropriate standards, selecting suitable formats such as editorial layouts, digital mock-ups, or exhibition prints.
Programme Learning Outcome: Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
LEARNING STRATEGIES
- Lectures
- Specialist workshops
- Seminar discussions
- Tutorials
- Drop-in support sessions
- Group work
- Independent and self-directed learning
- Reflective practice
- Specialist workshops
- Seminar discussions
- Tutorials
- Drop-in support sessions
- Group work
- Independent and self-directed learning
- Reflective practice
RESOURCES
- Photography workshops
- DSLR cameras
- Mac labs
- Use of fabrication workshops as applicable to specialist area of study
- DSLR cameras
- Mac labs
- Use of fabrication workshops as applicable to specialist area of study
TEXTS
Ades, D. (1986) Photomontage. Rev. ed. London : Thames and Hudson.
Newton, Kate & Christine Rolph (editors) (2008) Stilled : contemporary still life photography by women
Martineau, P. (2010) Still life in photography. Los Angeles, Calif. : J Paul Getty Museum.
Petry, Michel. (2016) Nature Morte: Contemporary Artists Reinvigorate the Still-Life Tradition. Thames & Hudson
Martin, Simon.(2024) The Shape of Things: Still Life in Britain. Pallant House Gallery
Newton, Kate & Christine Rolph (editors) (2008) Stilled : contemporary still life photography by women
Martineau, P. (2010) Still life in photography. Los Angeles, Calif. : J Paul Getty Museum.
Petry, Michel. (2016) Nature Morte: Contemporary Artists Reinvigorate the Still-Life Tradition. Thames & Hudson
Martin, Simon.(2024) The Shape of Things: Still Life in Britain. Pallant House Gallery
WEB DESCRIPTOR
What stories can objects tell? You’ll experiment with still-life approaches across photography and mixed media, exploring how composition, lighting, materials and symbolism work together to create visually compelling images. Through hands-on experimentation and contextual research, you’ll push your creative thinking and craft. These skills are valuable across visual communication, art direction, and broader creative industries workflows.