Module Descriptor
ALL HALLOWS COLLEGE
Dublin City University
Module Title: Introduction to Digital Photography
Module code: A2D
Module facilitator : Angela Halpin
Email: angelhalpin@gmail.com
Mobile: 086 8705340
Level: 8
Credits: 5 ECTS
Course Description
In this module, students will be exposed to both the theory and practice of digital
photography. The module consists of four core units which explore the workings of a
camera, outdoor photography, studio photography, and photo editing and image
manipulation using Photoshop® software. Students will develop their knowledge and
skills of photography through attending lectures, fieldtrips, studio sessions, computer
laboratory sessions and the completion of a portfolio of work which accounts for the
assessed component.
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Module Aims
The aims of the module are:
1. To enable students to understand the dynamics of the process of photographic
representation.
2. To develop students’ digital photography and image manipulation skills.
3. Successfully to integrate the theory and practice of digital photography to provide a
holistic student experience.
4. To develop the individual and teamwork skills of students.
5. To foster student creativity and problem solving through the delivery of formative and
summative assessment.
6. To enhance the career prospects of students through the development of a portfolio.
Learning Outcome
‘Can create an original work of art using an electronic medium and can discuss the
creative process’
1. Demonstrates technical ability in a form of electronic media
2. Discusses concepts, themes or ideas expressed through this medium
3. Discusses the limits and possibilities of the chosen technology in the creativeprocess
Learning Experience
Students will be exposed to a variety of modes of learning within the module. Traditional
in-class lectures will be delivered that will expose students to contemporary theories of
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photography. The lectures will be delivered in an interactive way, where students will be
given the opportunity to debate and discuss theoretical concepts and themes in a
collective manner. Fieldtrips will be organised which will demonstrate to students the
principles of outdoor photography, and how to take successful photographs using
technical equipment. The photography studio will also be simulated, where students will
be shown how to take indoor photographs and use lighting effectively. The module will
also feature laboratory and workshop sessions, where students will be introduced to
software packages such as Photoshop® so they can digitally manipulate images in
practice with guidance from the module tutor. Students will require access to a digital
SLR camera, a flash and tripod to successfully complete the module.
The course is divided into 4 units, to which an individual day of three classes will be
dedicated. These units include the following:
Unit 1 - The Camera
Unit 2 - Outdoor Photography
Unit 3 - Studio Photography
Unit 4 – Post Capture Production & Presentation
The following equipment is desirable for students to either own or share amongst
themselves:
 Digital SLR
 Tri-pod
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Learning and teaching methods:
Lectures – to present the key concepts and practices
Workshops – to introduce skills and knowledge
Demonstrations – to show correct procedures and application operations
Discussion (group and individual) – to aid the student in self-evaluation
Readings – to present the student with background material
Tasks – to monitor the ability to fulfill a number of specific tasks
Core Reading List
Kelby, Scott (2006) The Digital Photography Book: The Step-by-Step Secrets for How to Make your Photos Look like the Pros
(Volume 1). Peachpit Press: Berkeley, CA.
Peterson, Bryan (2010) Understanding Exposure (Revised Edition): How to Shoot Great Photographs with Film or Digital. Amphoto
Books: New York.
Gerrett John & Harris Graeme (2008) Complete Photography Course. Collins. London
Supplementary Reading:
Freeman Michael, (2008) Mastering Digital Photography. ILEX: UK
Long Ben (2009) Complete Digital Photography (5th Edition). Charles River Media: Hingham, MA.
Story, Derrick (2008) The Digital Photography Companion. O’Reilly Media: Sebastopol, CA.
Web Resources:
Digicam Help
http://www.digicamhelp.com
Digital Photography Tricks
http://www.digital-photography-tricks.com/
School of Photography
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http://www.schoolofphotography.com/
Photography Course
http://photographycourse.net/
Digital shot guide
http://digitalshotsguide.com/
Basic Digital Photography
http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/
Photoshop tutorials
http://photoshoptutorials.ws/
Module Assessment
The Digital Photography Module utilizes a comprehensive approach to assessment that is focused on ensuring that you, the learner,
are able to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be a photographer. Each session is planned (outlined below) involves learning
something new, and through observation and demonstration. The trainer will be able to support you in ensuring that you achieve these
results for each session.
Each day there is a critical session that is aimed at ensuring that you have grasped all the various conceptual, technical and practical
skills that you have been exposed to in that day and provides an opportunity for you to receive constructive and honest feedback on
the strengths and weaknesses of your work.
For your final assessment, you will be required to produce a body of work in order to demonstrate that you have grasped and
integrated the skills outlined above. This body of work will be presented in the form of a portfolio and Collection of work. Your
portfolio and Collection of Work will be supplemented by your workbook, aimed at demonstrating your grasp of the professional
practice and visual literacy aspects of the programme.
The following presents a summary of the weighting for the assessment work:
Collection of Work 40%
Portfolio
Workbook
40%
20%
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"All information sources should be properly cited using the Harvard Referencing System".
Plagiarism of academic work is a serious offence, and will result in a mark of zero. Please refer to the Allhallows College
guides on plagiarism for further details.
Grading
Assessment work will be graded in accordance with the following categories:
Pass
50 - 59%
Merit
60 –69%
Distinction
70 – 100%
Attendance
Attendance and participation are essential. In the event of an absence it is imperative that you (1) let me know ahead of time, and (2)
contact a classmate ahead of time to be your "tutor" for the missed session. Three absences in a row will require a doctor’s certificate.
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