Moving image and photography

Moving Image Fundamentals

Storyboarding - A key pre-production step where you can sketch your planned shots. Enables clear visualisation of how to communicate your narrative visually.
Shot Composition - Crucial in consolidating the visual quality of your work. Knowledge of the rule of thirds, depth of field, and using different shot types (e.g., close-ups, wide shots) is required.
Camera Techniques - Familiarise yourself with pan, tilt, zoom, dolly, tracking and crane shots to enhance your storytelling.
Lighting - Understand how to manipulate natural and artificial light sources. Boosts the mood, atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of your visual content.
Sound - Incorporating diegetic and non-diegetic sound adds another level of meaning to your work.
Editing - Assembling and organizing your gathered footage can greatly shape the story. Mastery in transitions, cuts, and effects establishes the rhythm or pace of the video.

Understanding Your Camera - Get hands-on practice with SLR, DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Learn the various camera settings, components and modes.
Exposure Triangle - Master the relationship of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Controls how light or dark your photos turn out.
Focus - Apply different focusing techniques, such as manual focus and autofocus, to create sharp images or play with blurred effects.
Lighting Techniques - Play around with flash, natural light or studio lighting. Influences detail, mood and atmosphere of photos.
Composition Rules - Apply the rule of thirds, framing, perspective and symmetry to enhance photographic compositions.
Post-Production - Gain competence in editing software to tweak colour, contrast, temperature and other elements for your desired effect.

Image Analysis - Learn how to decode the elements, composition, and concept of a photograph or moving image.
Historical and Contemporary Photographers/Filmmakers - Develop a broad understanding of influential individuals in the field. Their innovations and ideologies will help inform your own practice.
Genre Exploration - Investigate different genres styles of photography and films, deciphering their conventions and motifs to understand their impact.
Cultural and Social Context - Appreciate how wider cultural, social, and political factors influence the creation and perception of moving images or photographs.
Visual and Conceptual Themes - Draw connections between your practical work and explored themes, such as identity, time, or reality.
Critiques and Observations - Engage with peers and tutors, responding to feedback and discussing your views on works to expand your critical thinking skills.
Exhibits and Screenings - Encourage exposure to a range of photographic exhibits and film screenings. This broadens your practical and theoretical understanding.