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Basics of Photography

Course developers

Prior knowledge

MākZ1004, Composition and Colour Studies I

MākZ2016, Composition and Colour Studies II

Course abstract

The study course introduces the history of photography, the direction of photography as visual art, the structure of the camera and its technical properties, the parameters of photography, the basic principles of photo composition, means of expression, and genres of photography. Insight into digital photo processing is provided.

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 intramural studies:
1. History of photography. The camera and its structure. Lens and its parameters. Types of cameras. Other digital devices for photography (1 lecture).
2. Getting to know the camera's shooting modes and technical capabilities (3 lab.w.).
3. Basics of photo composition. Law of thirds (1 lecture).
4. Composition - law of thirds (3 lab.w.).
5. Gestalt principles and semiotics in photography (1 lecture).
6. Gestalt principles and semiotics (3 lab.w.).
7. Lighting. Artificial lighting and its use. Lighting equipment. Flashes, their types (1 lect).
8. Lighting. Still life (3 lab.w.).
9. Photography of moving objects. Filters, stands and other accessories (1 lect).
10. Movement in photography (3 lab.w.).
11. Genres of photography. Black and white photography (1 lecture).
12. Portrait and studio photographs, photo report and advertising photography (3 lab.w.).
13. Photo art genres. Copyright aspects. Photographer's work ethic (1 lecture).
14. Photography of landscapes and natural objects. Architecture and interior reception (3 lab.w.).
15. Photo retouching and post-processing using computer programs (3 lab.w.).
16. Preparation of a photo exhibition (1 lab.w.).

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

The test with a mark. The test consists of:
• successfully passed tests works,
• Photographs of various genres taken and artistically processed successfully evaluated.
All tests and thematic works must be successfully passed.

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.

Further reading

1. Kerols H. Gribi fotogrāfēt cilvēkus? Izlasi šo! No angļu valodas tulkojusi E.Brasliņa. Rīga: SIA Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2015. 2. Latvijas fotomāksla. Vēsture un mūsdienas. Sast. P. Zeile, G. Janaitis. Rīga: Liesma, 1985. 3. Birkmanis G. Praktiskā fotogrāfija. Rīga: Avots, 1980.

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