Photographic Imaging Techniques Studio

Diploma Studio

The Studio of Photographic Imaging Techniques implements a program based on non-stereotypical thinking about the photographic image—created through the conscious combination of artistic means of expression with the medium—while taking into account the multidimensionality of contemporary photography and art in general. The program is aligned with the curricular requirements of existing fields of study at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław.

A key element of the program is shaping the student’s creative attitude, through the ability to formulate artistic statements as well as to conduct self-analysis and critical interpretation of the resulting images. An essential component of the curriculum involves training in the basics and technologies of photography: in addition to learning technical aspects, students discover how to use photographic tools as artistic means of expression. They also gain skills in recording and processing images in both digital and photochemical techniques. Within the latter, students are introduced to negative, positive, reversal, and direct-positive processes, as well as to special (Victorian) techniques.

The program is realized through a cycle of lectures and practical classes. These influence students’ creative attitudes and introduce them to both theoretical and practical issues of studio, product, portrait, outdoor, landscape, creative, experimental, and documentary photography, using digital and traditional cameras: 35 mm, medium format, large format, as well as self-constructed pinhole cameras (camera obscura). The acquired knowledge enables students to operate freely across photographic and interdisciplinary projects carried out independently.

The Studio also hosts the Scientific Circle of Imaging Techniques “SFERA”. Members of the Circle have access to technical facilities and substantive support from the faculty.

Courses

• Basics of Photography

• Basics of Imaging Techniques

• Photographic Imaging Techniques

• Theory and Practice of Artistic Photography

• Classical Subjects and Techniques in Photography

Enrollment

For the course Basics of Photography, general introductory knowledge of physics and chemistry as well as basic understanding of composition is required.

For other courses, completion of Basics of Photography is required, along with general knowledge in physics, chemistry, and fundamentals of image composition.

Suggested Readings

1. K. D. Solf, Fotografia. Podstawy, technika, praktyka

2. T. Klimecki, Technika powiększania w fotografii

3. Z. Tomaszczuk, Łowcy obrazów. Szkice z historii fotografii

4. Z. Tomaszczuk, Świadomość kadru. Szkice z estetyki fotografii

5. Alisa McWhine, Photography Handbook – Practical Tips for Improving Skills Including Digital Photography

6. R. Barthes, Camera Lucida (Polish ed.: Światło obrazu, transl. J. Trznadel, 1996)

7. W. Benjamin, A Small History of Photography

8. U. Czartoryska, Przygody plastyczne fotografii, 1965

9. U. Czartoryska, Od pop-artu do sztuki konceptualnej, 1976

10. G. Dziamski (ed.), Od awangardy do postmodernizmu, 1996

11. V. Flusser, Towards a Philosophy of Photography, 2003

12. E. H. Gombrich, The Visual Image (in: Symbols and Symbolism, 1990)

13. S. Magala, Szkoła widzenia, 2000

14. M. Merleau-Ponty, The Visible and the Invisible, 1996

15. A. Müller-Pohle, Analogization, Digitalization, Projection (FORMAT 24/25)

16. N. Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 2005

17. S. Sontag, On Photography

18. A. Sobota, Szlachetność techniki – Artystyczne dylematy fotografii w XIX i XX wieku, 2001

19. A. Sobota, Konceptualność fotografii, 2004

20. Z. Tomaszczuk, Świadomość kadru – Szkice z estetyki fotografii