MDIA 1008 - Photographic Imaging I

Adelaide College of ArtsandDes - Semester 2 - 2022

This course aims to give a thorough knowledge base of photographic and visual communication skills within an elected field of commercial photography. Students work within a world-class photographic studio, including a full cyclorama. Students learn a range of photographic techniques, including advertising, editorial, portraiture, still-life, architecture, fashion and illustration. The course has a location and a studio component and will cover: the principles of camera operation; the use of light meters (ambient and flash) on location and in the studio; the foundations of lighting, including the introduction to studio flash, lighting types, quality, styles etc.; the fundamentals of design and composition.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 1008
    Course Photographic Imaging I
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Adelaide College of ArtsandDes
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study, including 6 units of MDIA Level I courses
    Incompatible Not available to students who have entered BMedia Program via TAFE articulation
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with basic SLR camera operation and computer graphic applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro
    Restrictions Available to BMedia, BCtveArts students only
    Assessment Weekly skills development exercise and forum post, Folio Image research, Participation and attendance, Folio of images, Using lightroom assignment, Photoshop Basic selections, Advanced retouching assignment and Basic Composite assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Michelle Phillipov

    Course Coordinator at TAFE SA: Matt Smith

    Lecturers: Jennie Groom (jennie.groom@tafesa.edu.au) and Chloe Henderson (chloe.henderson@tafesa.edu.au)

    Location: Adelaide College of the Arts, 39 Light Square, Adelaide

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course is a compulsory element of the major in Photographic Imaging available in the BMedia degree through the University of Adelaide/TAFE SA articulation agreement. It is only available to students studying the BMedia degree. It may be taken by BMedia students who do not intend to complete the full majors and contribute to the Free Elective portion of their degree at Level I.

    Learning Outcomes 
    1. Set up lighting for photo shoot and light subjects 
    2. Complete and review shoot and complete post shoot activities 
    3. Research information on colour theory and design processes 
    4. Communicate ideas through the application of colour and design theory 
    5. Evaluate design work 
    6. Select appropriate camera and lighting equipment and accessories for a range of different subjects in different physical environments 
    7. Apply appropriate lighting techniques to a range of different subjects in different physical environments 
    8. Produce multiple proof sheets, work prints and digital files that demonstrate the application of selected techniques consistent with concept brief 
    9. Capture photo images that meet the quality and look requirements for a range of projects 
    10. Use a wide range of features of a standard digital stills camera 
    11. Produce multiple digital images or a single major work that shows some technical proficiency in chosen techniques 
    12. Work with ideas and techniques and bring them together in finished work 
    13. Adapt the capabilities of digital imaging techniques and resources 
    14. Process photographic images 
    15. Work safely and implement workplace safety requirements

    University Graduate Attributes

    No information currently available.

  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Facilities and resources will be provided through the Photography department at AC Arts some additional resources will be available to students through the Discipline of Media, University of Adelaide.

    Students are required to extensively use the Adobe Creative Cloud throughout this course. The software and a computer workstation are provided to each student during the scheduled workshop sessions. Additionally, students may access unused computer workstations within the Photography department at AC Arts from Tues-Thurs 7am - 8:45pm and Mon & Fri 7am - 5:45pm. Additionally,
    studio access is available at allocated times upon pre-booking.

    Recommended Resources
    It is highly recommended that, students have access to their own computer workstation and the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photography Package). Access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera which you can change lenses and use on Manual is desirable.

    Adobe offers software student discounts and details can be found at: http://www.adobe.com/au/products/creativecloud.html



    Online Learning
    Students will be provided with access to the online system called LEARN used at TAFE SA. Essential information on enrolment and other administrative information will be provided via MyUni.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Workshop classes are held each week at the Adelaide College of the Arts. These compulsory sessions facilitate student learning through lectures, demonstrations, tutorials and group based activities. 

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assists students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:
    · On-campus Workshop: 6 hours per week
    · Self-Directed Study (Assessment Tasks): 12 hours per week

    Note that these are expectations of the approximate amount of time required in an average week to complete all elements of the course successfully. Actual workload is likely to vary depending on individual learning rates and assessment deadlines. 

    Learning Activities Summary
    This is a practice-based course that provides a thorough grounding in the essential skills required to use high quality photographic equipment and employ appropriate photographic techniques to achieve industry standard production outcomes. Students complete tasks assigned in workshop classes under the active instruction of the Photography department at AC Arts.

    Required Resources and Learning Activities: All course resources and learning activities can be accessed via TAFE SA LEARN. It is essential that you read/complete these resources/activities as directed to ensure successful completion of the assessment tasks. 

    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance at classes conducted at Adelaide College of the Arts.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment: All assessment activities can be accessed via TAFE SA LEARN. It is essential that you read/complete these resources/activities as directed to ensure successful completion of the assessment tasks.

    Formative: Lecturer led demonstrations with students performing tasks during the lessons. Formative: All student work is
    assessed through submission of formative photo assignments (Normally several examples for each assignment are required) including: Location • Motion control • Depth of field • Location composition • Location shape, form and texture •
    Location lighting • Location motion • Location sharpness • Perspective • Perspective correction • Urban landscape • Architectural exterior Studio • Incident/reflective comparison • Flat copy • Lighting angles • Lighting types • Corporate portrait • Still life •
    Portrait • High/low key still life. 

    Summative: Individual projects demonstrating knowledge acquired during formative exercises. Submission of assessment tasks outlined in TAFE SA LEARN by due date.

    A minimum of 80% of submissions need to be assessed as competent to pass this course. 

    Assessment is entirely determined by lecturing staff at AC Arts and identical in every respect to the approach and standards used in the equivalent qualifications regularly taught through the AC Arts. A joint management group comprising senior staff from both UA and AC Arts will monitor assessment processes and student outcomes. 

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Compulsory attendance at workshops and location work
    Assessment Detail
    Schedule to be supplied on TAFE SA LEARN.

    Submission
    Assessments must be submitted on due dates. Late submissions must be negotiated with the lecturer through prior contact no less than three days before the due date.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.