Basics of Photography

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures8

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes24

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation28.04.2020

Responsible UnitInstutute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering

Course developers

prof.

Aivars Kaķītis

Dr. sc. ing.

Ainavu arhitektūras un vides inženierijas institūts

Kristīne Vugule

Dr. arch.

Prior knowledge

MākZ1004, Composition and Colour Studies I

MākZ2016, Composition and Colour Studies II

Course abstract

The study course introduces the history of photography, photography as a visual art form, the structure of the camera and its technical characteristics, the parameters for capturing photographs, the fundamental principles of photographic composition, means of expression, and the genres of photography.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge of photographic equipment settings and composition rules. Knowledge is assessed according to the results of tests.
• Ability to use camera parameter settings to obtain a high-quality image in different lighting conditions, to take photos of different genres. Skills are assessed according to the quality of practical tasks.
• Competence to use the acquired knowledge and skills to take various photos for practical work, as well as to implement creative thinking. Evaluation - results of practical work.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time on-site studies:
1. History of Photography. The Camera and Its Structure. Lens and Its Parameters. Types of Cameras. Other Digital Devices for Photography (2 lectures, 2 practical sessions).
2. Basics of Photo Composition. Rule of Thirds (4 practical sessions).
3. Colour and Semiotics in Photography (2 lectures, 2 practical sessions).
4. Gestalt Principles in Photography (4 practical sessions).
5. Lighting. Artificial Lighting and Its Use. Lighting Equipment (2 lectures, 2 practical sessions).
6. Photographing Moving Objects. Filters, Tripods, and Other Accessories (4 practical sessions).
7. Genres of Photographic Art. Black and White Photography (2 lectures, 2 practical sessions).
8. Copyright Aspects. Ethics of the Photographer's Work. Exhibition Design (4 practical sessions).

Part-time distance studies: All topics indicated for full-time on-site studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is half of the specified hours.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Credits are awarded for successfully assessed practical work, a completed test with a grade of no less than 6, and a final photo project developed for the course. Attendance in classes must be at least 75%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students perform independent work in practical classes and at home. Each student must individually develop independent works, according to the topics of practical work indicated in the course content, and develop a final photo work according to the indicated topic, which is exhibited in the final photo exhibition of the course.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the study course test depends on the practical work of the study course and the cumulative assessment of the test. The test mark is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the test work and the independent work marks. Practical work and test work are evaluated according to the evaluation procedure specified in the works.

Compulsory reading

1. Hedžko Dž. Fotografēšana. No angļu valodas tulkojis M.Zelmenis. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2007. 2. Hārmens D. Digitālās fotogrāfijas rokasgrāmata. No angļu valodas tulkojis G.Kalns. Rīga : Zvaigzne ABC, 2009. 3. Kerols H. Gribi iemācīties fotogrāfēt? Izlasi šo! No angļu valodas tulkojusi V. Holma. Rīga : SIA Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2014. 4. Kerols H. Gribi fotogrāfēt vietas? Izlasi šo! No angļu valodas tulkojusi Kristīne Simsone. Rīga : SIA Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2017.

Periodicals and other sources

1.FK: žurnāls par fotogrāfiju Latvijā un pasaulē. [tiešsaiste]. [skatīts 01.02.2018.]. Pieejams: http://www.fotokvartals.lv/
2. SLR Photography Guide. [tiešsaiste]. [skatīts 01.02.2018.]. Pieejams: http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/
3. Focalfix.[tiešsaiste]. [skatīts 01.02.2018.]. Pieejams: http://www.focalfix.com

Atsauksmes