PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED

Sat 19 Jul 2025 – Sat 26 Jul 2025

Overview

This course offers a practical exploration of the psychological dimensions of conceptual and surreal photography and their relation to the human psyche. We delve into the rich history and theory behind these genres, learning how early pioneers like Man Ray and André Breton influenced contemporary practices. The course covers essential techniques such as double exposure, photomontage, digital manipulation, and narrative storytelling, enabling you to create images that evoke deep psychological and emotional responses. 

We engage in hands-on activities designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills. These activities include a photographic scavenger hunt for symbols, creating photomontages, and developing thematic photo series. Emphasis is placed on exploring the unconscious mind, evoking feelings of the uncanny, and using photography to understand the human psyche. 

Examining the works of contemporary artists like Erik Johansson and Brooke Shaden, we appreciate how they blend surreal elements with personal and social themes. By the end of the course, you should be equipped to produce your own conceptual and surreal photographs to convey profound meanings and impact. 

Blending seminars, practical workshops, and critical discussions, this course guides us in creating powerful visual art to explore and communicate the complexities of the human psyche. 

NB: While the course is photographic in nature, it does not assume any particular prior skills or training, is suitable for students at any stage in their photographic practice, and you can use any camera from a smartphone to a sophisticated digital camera.

This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.

Programme details

Seminars

Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor. 

Sunday

Seminar 1:  

Introduction to Conceptual and Surreal Photography

Understanding the Basics: Definitions, distinctions, historical context, and key artists.

Seminar 2:

Psychological Foundations: Theories related to surrealism (Freud, Lacan). The impact of visual art on the unconscious and its therapeutic potential.

Monday

Seminar 3

Techniques and Tools

Camera Techniques and Experimental Methods: Techniques for creating surreal effects. Experimentation with light and shadow.

Seminar 4

Digital Manipulation and Editing: Introduction to digital editing software. Techniques for digital manipulation (photomontage, double exposure).

Tuesday

Seminar 5

Thematic Exploration

Dreams and the Unconscious: Exploration of dream imagery in surreal photography. Techniques to depict the unconscious

Seminar 6

The Uncanny and the Familiar: Freud’s concept of the uncanny in visual arts. Evoking feelings of familiarity and strangeness.

Wednesday

Seminar 7

Psychological Impact and Therapeutic Applications

Therapeutic Photography: The role of photography in therapy. Case studies and examples of therapeutic photography.

Seminar 8

Conceptual Photography as a Narrative Tool: Narrative techniques in conceptual photography. Creating visual metaphors and storytelling.

Thursday

Seminar 9

Integration and Practical Applications

Symbolism and Meaning: Use of symbols and metaphors in conceptual and surreal photography. Photographic scavenger hunt for symbols.

Seminar 10

Emotional Abstraction: Abstract techniques to convey emotions through photography. Practical exercises in creating emotionally impactful images

Friday

Seminar 11

Final Projects and Critique

Final Project Development: Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Planning and executing a final photography project.

Seminar 12

Presentation and Critique: Presentation of final projects. Group critique and reflective discussion on learning outcomes and personal growth.