Organised by Activate Learning at Banbury and Bicester College. Booking is not yet open – a link will appear here as soon as possible.

Course details

Thursday (6:30 to 8:30pm) 23/4, 30/4, 7/5, 14/5, 21/5 and Saturday (10am to 4:30pm) 16/5

Overview

COURSE SUMMARY

o    Would you like to use photography to tell a story or help a cause?

o    Have you got a pet project that you’d like to make happen?

o    Add depth and meaning to what you shoot.

“Documentary photography” usually describes longer-term, multi-image projects that tell the story of something significant or provide a record of everyday life in a consistent and relatively true-to-life style.  “Contemporary” photography has a similar approach, but may use more stylised images, and importantly explores issues affecting society.

WHAT DO I LEARN?

Through a combination of exploration, conversation, practical assignments and field work, this short course will help you understand the key elements of project-based, documentary or contemporary photography, develop skills to perform it well, build your confidence, and make progress in your personal projects.
Format: The course consists of four 2hr evening classes, followed by one Saturday field-trip of 6.5 hours, and then one further evening class.

WHAT DO I GAIN?

While there is no formal qualification, provided that you engage with the full course experience, you will benefit in several ways; a different appreciation for photography generally, a deeper understanding of this particular genre, practical skills to tackle a variety of projects, a number of images to add to your personal portfolio, a wider network of peers to support you in the future.

WHAT DO I NEED?

Suitability: For anyone interested in the genre, regardless of experience.  You will find you get more from the course if you have a digital camera with manual controls and you are already familiar with the essentials of using this.