1. Apply knowledge of professional contexts to produce a practical outcome relevant to photographic practice. Knowledge & Understanding

2. Solve simulated creative or industry-informed problems using appropriate methods and processes for photographic practice, working independently while engaging with relevant professional, technical, or academic feedback. Application & Problem Solving, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Communicate your work to academic, professional, or non-specialist audiences. Communication

4. Reflect on how employability and enterprise concepts inform your developing practice in photography, Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Assessment 1: Photographic Portfolio

You will submit a chronological photographic portfolio demonstrating technical competence, professional awareness, and progression through iterative practice.
- controlled studio lighting outcomes,
- correct use of medium- and/or large-format cameras,
- progression across short iterative briefs.

Typically, 15-20 images presented as a range of:
- A4 digital prints,
- Darkroom process prints
- screen-based presentation suitable for critique.

Alternative or supplementary formats may include:
- Video documentation of lighting setups with still-image outcomes.
- Annotated lighting diagrams in place of extensive written explanation.
- Digital scans or contact sheets in place of darkroom prints.

Assessment 2: Reflection

You will produce a reflective submission, presented either in written or verbal form with supporting visuals, critically documenting your technical development and decision-making across the module.

The reflection should include and discuss appropriate evidence such as:
- Lighting diagrams
- Exposure notes
- Contact sheets or digital scans
- Test results and evaluative commentary

The reflection should demonstrate:
- Clear communication of process and outcomes
- Evaluation of technical progression
- Reflection on professional practice, employability, and enterprise awareness within photography

The emphasis is on technical thinking, workflow understanding, and learning progression, rather than image resolution or post-production outcomes.

Option 1: Reflective Report (1,200 words)
Option 2: Recorded or live presentation (5–6 minutes)

Formative Assessment:
Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

- Studio lighting foundations: single- and multi-light setups, modifiers, metering, safety.
- Product, portrait, and still-life lighting exercises emphasising control of contrast, texture and colour.
- Introduction to medium- and large-format analogue cameras: movements, focusing systems, film loading, exposure discipline.
- Short iterative briefs designed to accelerate technical decision-making.
- Darkroom and hybrid workflows: film handling, scanning, digital–analogue integration.
- Creation of a structured Research & Process Folder, documenting tests, lighting diagrams, contact sheets, film notes, experiments and technical reflection.

What technical knowledge underpins effective photographic practice? You will advance your understanding of studio lighting, medium- and large-format analogue systems, and structured technical workflows. Through short iterative exercises, you will apply disciplined testing methods and document your findings in a research and process folder. This module strengthens your technical proficiency and underpins more complex image-making in subsequent stages of the course.

- Lectures
- Specialist workshops
- Seminar discussions
- Tutorials
- Drop-in support sessions
- Group work
- Independent and self-directed learning
- Reflective practice

Barrett, T. (2020) Criticizing photographs: An introduction to understanding images. 6th edn. London: Routledge.

Bate, D. (2023) Photography after postmodernism: Barthes, Stieglitz and the art of memory. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Carroll, H. (2023) Read this if you want to take great photographs. 1st illustrated revised edn. London: Laurence King Publishing. Langford, M. (2024)

Langford’s basic photography: The guide for serious photographers. 11th edn. Edited by A. Fox, C. Nolle, P. Renn and R. S. Smith. London: Routledge.

Pavlidis, G. (2022) Foundations of photography: A treatise on the technical aspects of digital photography. 1st edn. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

- Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau