Documentary photography and photojournalism

About this course

The course examines how documentary photography communicates, covering reportage, photo-essays, visual language, contemporary storytelling and questions of truth, objectivity, ethics and impact. Participants work through guided tasks, workshops and individual or group projects, including photographing people and public places. Technical teaching addresses camera settings, composition, natural and available light, editing, captions and sequencing images into a storyline. Illustrated lectures and demonstrations are combined with regular discussion and feedback on participants’ work. Learners develop a practical documentary project and use Google Classroom to share images, comments and course materials.

What you'll learn

• Recognise different visual approaches used in documentary photography and photojournalism
• Apply camera settings and compositional approaches to natural and available light
• Photograph people and public places using documentary techniques
• Sequence photographs and combine editing, captions and text to construct a storyline
• Evaluate ethical questions concerning truth, objectivity and impact in photojournalism
• Give and respond to constructive feedback on photographic work

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for photographers who have moved beyond complete beginner photography and want to explore documentary practice. No previous documentary photography or photojournalism study is needed, but participants should understand core camera controls and be ready for group discussion, independent tasks and photography outside the classroom.

• Regular discussion and feedback on participants’ own and fellow learners’ images are part of the course.
• Tasks must be completed between sessions and shared with the class.
• Most lessons include photography in the local area, with some activities potentially further afield.

Before you go

• Participants need a digital camera with manual aperture and shutter speed controls; fully automatic cameras are not suitable.
• Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, tripods and flash can be borrowed during taught hours, but equipment cannot be loaned between classes.