104213 - PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECTS

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Jorge Oter Gonzalez

Trimester: First term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 2

• Catalan
• Spanish

Teaching staff: Tono Mejuto (theoretical sessions), Eva Parey Reyes (laboratory practices).

The theoretical sessions of the subject, as well as their supporting material, will be held in Spanish. The practical sessions and their supporting material will be held in Catalan.

Questions asked, assignments presented and exams will be accepted in any of the three languages (Catalan, Spanish and English), with the aim of facilitating student understanding.

Description:

The subject Photographic Projects It aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge acquired in the previous subjects of Lighting and Equipment and Photographic Techniques, integrating new technical, discursive and expressive tools in the field of contemporary photographic production.

This course will introduce the student to the creation, development and analysis of photographic projects from both an authorial and professional perspective. The fundamentals of visual language, composition, photographic narrative and the conceptualization of series will be covered, integrating historical references, contemporary approaches and new forms of image production and dissemination.

Likewise, there will be reflection on the current limits of photography, addressing concepts such as post-photography, artificial intelligence or the expanded image, among others.

The different aspects of this subject come together in the development of two personal photographic projects, designed with different methodologies, to stimulate both creative experimentation and the professional resolution of visual proposals. Through these projects, students will develop their authorial capacity, their creative autonomy and their critical thinking.

Goals:

• Consolidate and apply technical knowledge of lighting and photographic techniques in a context of personal and authorial creation.

• Learn about and analyze classic and contemporary references in photography, from a critical and contextual perspective.

• Master the fundamentals of composition, visual language and photographic narrative in various formats.

• Explore traditional and contemporary photographic genres from an expressive approach.

• Develop two personal photographic projects, with different methodologies, that integrate concept, aesthetics and technical execution.

• Stimulate creativity, authorial autonomy and visual thinking as fundamental tools for professional development.

• Promote an inclusive, safe and ethical environment for photographic production and criticism.

Methodology:

The subject combines theoretical, practical and analytical sessions with an eminently project-based and participatory orientation:

• Theoretical classes: introduction to key concepts of visual language, photographic narrative, authorship and genre analysis.

• Laboratory practices: lighting exercises, photography, digital tools, exploration of portraiture, landscape, documentary, etc.

• Critical analysis: collective reading of images and projects, debates and critical presentations.

• Project development: preparation of two personal photographic projects of autonomous development.

• Presentation and defense: final delivery of the projects and presentation to the group to encourage collective reflection and critical thinking.

This subject actively promotes a safe, inclusive and respectful learning space. A culture of mutual respect, active listening and responsible freedom of expression is fostered, facilitating artistic exploration and collective learning.

Foundations and Contexts of Contemporary Author Photography

- Introduction to author photography: Historical references of the 20th century, contemporary photographers, photographic review: dialogue with tradition.
- Photographic categories and genres: Applied genres (portrait, landscape, documentary, advertising, experimental...), photography and contemporary art, relationship with other disciplines (art, cinema, literature, music).

Visual Language, Composition and Narrative

- Perception and compositional principles: Gestalt principles in the image; foundations of photographic language.
- Composition and visual resources: Framing, plane, angle, scale; light, color, texture and rhythm.
- Visual narrative in photography: From the single image to the series; sequence and meaning; analysis and critical reading of images.

Development of Photographic Projects

- From idea to project: Conceptualization and approach; previous research and references; context, intention and recipient.
- Planning and production: Organization, locations, permits; photographic direction.
- Editing and sequencing: Image selection criteria; construction of narrative series; digital treatment consistent with the intention; design of photobooks and other media.

Contemporary Practices and New Images

- Beyond the traditional photographic image: Precinema and stereoscopy; contemporary deviations (post-photography, remix, glitch); photography and AI (ethical and creative limits).
- Critical analysis of contemporary projects: Authorship, truth, manipulation; the image in the post-digital era; new media and dissemination.

Laboratory Technique and Practices

- Advanced development in RAW.

- Organization and development tools with Adobe Lightroom.

- Zonal retouching, HDR and advanced tools in Adobe Photoshop.

- Use of external flash.

- Studio flash.

The final grade will be based on the weighted average of the grades of the assessable activities mentioned, as specified below:

• FINAL EXAMINATION (40%) 4 points (A minimum grade of 5 must be obtained to apply the corresponding weighting and qualify for passing the subject) [#].
• WORK EXPERIENCE (20%) 2 pts: [5 PRACTICE x 4%].
• STRATEGIC (40%) 4 points:

• PROJECT 1: 20%. (Individual)
• PROJECT 2: 20%. (Individual)

[#]: In the case of not reaching the minimum grade of the exam, the overall grade of the subject will remain limited to 4. This activity is the only one that can be recovered through a RECOVERY EXAM (Again, it will be necessary to achieve a grade of no less than 5 in order to be able to apply the corresponding weighting (the grades obtained throughout the course of the rest of the assessable activities, of towards calculating the corresponding final average).     

Identification of plagiarism is considered a serious circumstance that may lead to a failing grade in the subject. In case of detection of plagiarism, the coordination of the degree will be informed so that the corresponding disciplinary measures can be taken.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.                        

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