Module Information
Module Identifier
AR24320
Module Title
Photographic Practice III: Constructed Images
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Pre-Requisite
Reading List
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Portfolio Portfolio of photographs created through the module. | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Portfolio Portfolio of photographs created through the module. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Produce a portfolio of photographs that clearly demonstrates experimentation and proficiency with image manipulation techniques, while also demonstrating conceptual understand of image construction.
Identify and analyse approaches to image construction and manipulation utilized by photographers from the past and present.
Articulate & share their intentions for creative projects in group discussions and written assignments.
Contextualize their work within contemporary or historical traditions of photography.
Analyse and provide critical feedback on visual works by your peers.
Brief description
This module encourages conceptual engagement with photography by investigating methods artists have employed to ‘construct,’ rather than capture, images. Since photography’s inception, artists have actively assembled, modified, and manipulated images for practical applications in the commercial realm and as a mode of creative expression. However, photographs were originally marketed and perceived in popular culture as unmediated impressions from nature. Photographs still primarily serve illustrative and evidentiary functions in society today despite increased awareness of photo editing and filters. This disparity between artistic practice and public expectation will be our starting point for critical explorations in the studio.
Working from the position that photographs are always part fact and part fabrication, this module will introduce skills for constructing images including photocollage, digital and analogue manipulation, and experimentation with hybrid processes. This module will also introduce approaches to constructing narratives such as studio tableaus and performances for the camera.
Working from the position that photographs are always part fact and part fabrication, this module will introduce skills for constructing images including photocollage, digital and analogue manipulation, and experimentation with hybrid processes. This module will also introduce approaches to constructing narratives such as studio tableaus and performances for the camera.
Content
Taking a 'flipped learning' approach, students will read essential texts and watch pre-recorded lectures or interviews with artists as guided independent study. Classroom time will be divided between seminars, and studio practicals.
Seminars will be centred on student-led Q&A and discussion of the readings and video content. Each seminar will examine a specific method of image construction and artists who have used that method over time. Methods covered will include: Cameraless photography, photocollage, photo retouching, instant photography, studio tableaus, performance for camera, still/moving images, and appropriated images.
Two fieldtrips will be used to study original examples of constructed images in the School of Art Museum and the National Library of Wales, where students will learn to identify and analyse a wide range of materials, techniques and approaches to photography.
Studio practicals will focus on hands on instruction and experimentation using the methods discussed in the seminar.
Each student will receive 1:1 and small group tutorials in addition to the classroom time, where they will be given advice, support, and feedback on their work for the module.
Seminars will be centred on student-led Q&A and discussion of the readings and video content. Each seminar will examine a specific method of image construction and artists who have used that method over time. Methods covered will include: Cameraless photography, photocollage, photo retouching, instant photography, studio tableaus, performance for camera, still/moving images, and appropriated images.
Two fieldtrips will be used to study original examples of constructed images in the School of Art Museum and the National Library of Wales, where students will learn to identify and analyse a wide range of materials, techniques and approaches to photography.
Studio practicals will focus on hands on instruction and experimentation using the methods discussed in the seminar.
Each student will receive 1:1 and small group tutorials in addition to the classroom time, where they will be given advice, support, and feedback on their work for the module.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students are gradually introduced to numerical technical information e.g. in chemical processes of photography, lens apertures, depth of field, etc |
| Communication | Discussion of photographs in individual and group situations throughout semester. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Mode of teaching during practicals and tutorials provides feedback during the semester giving students ample opportunity to respond to feedback. |
| Information Technology | Research visual imagery and access email, Blackboard, Photoshop, etc. is explained and students referred to IS Helpdesk if necessary. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students are encouraged to consider future options during Semester 1, with both a short- and long-term view. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving is inherent and evidential in the production of photographic artworks. |
| Research skills | Students are introduced to our subject area librarian; instructed on keeping visual diary and notebooks that necessitate research skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Techniques and methodology introduced as appropriate throughout semester. |
| Team work | Using subject specific equipment in dedicated studio spaces / darkrooms / MacSuite requires teamwork. Small group tutorials and outdoor field work reinforces team/group ethos. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5