Intermediate Course

Summary

The Intermediate Course is a 13-week, full-time course aimed at preparing you for the creative, conceptual, technical and professional demands of photographic practice. On completion of this course you should be able to photograph, process and print photographs at an intermediate level, have a clear idea of what area of photography you wish to operate in (social documentary, commercial, art/concept), as well as have a comprehensive set of skills that will enable you to develop your chosen area of specialisation. 

The Intermediate Course gives you a clear basis from where you can launch into the Advanced Progamme in Photography or the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Progamme.

You would also be in a position to undertake modest professional assignments and charge entry-level fees for doing so. You should also be able to work as a photographer’s assistant on more ambitious assignments within the various streams of photography.

Duration: 13 weeks
Course start dates:
8 May 2013
28 August 2013
Times: Mon-Fri 09h00-17h00
Cost: R7000
Bursaries available

 

Outcomes

The outcomes for the course define what you should be able to do by the end of the course. While there is a lot of thinking, reading, discussing and debating involved in the course, we believe strongly that the knowledge you acquire must be evident in the work that you actually produce as a photographer. Therefore, we seek to measure your learning on the course through tasks that are practical and applied.

Practical and technical skills

  • Photograph a range of images through the use of photographic equipment and light-sensitive materials in different light conditions
  • Select, edit and render photographic images according to specific criteria, based on technical and conceptual specifications in the analogue darkroom, with Photoshop and other electronic software
  • Edit selected photographic images according to post-production criteria
  • Present and/or display resulting photographic work in line with specified intention
  • Document, manage and archive photographic work

Visual literacy

  • Apply creativity and insight to the taking, processing, printing and editing of photographs relative to the demands of a specific brief
  • Effectively realise intentions through application of photographic techniques and design principles
  • Analyse and apply knowledge of the creative, conceptual and technical dimensions of the work of other photographers to your own practice
  • Locate your own practice as a photographer within the field of contemporary visual culture

Professional Practice

Negotiate a brief with a client:

  • Observe etiquette and practical aspects of working in a studio environment
  • Produce a personal development plan based on a realistic assessment of your current position and circumstances
  • Produce a personal financial plan based on a realistic assessment of your current position and circumstances
  • Produce credible and professionally-presented marketing material related to your practice as a photographer
  • Identify sources of finance and funding for the development and realisation of a body of independent, creative work
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal implications of different aspects of photography (Constitutional law and freedom of expression, copyright, contracts, labour law)
  • Understand the legal and tax implications for different forms of business entity, and identify an appropriate business entity for your future practice as a photographer
  • Demonstrate insight into the ethical implications of your practice as a photographer

Assessment

The Market Photo Workshop utilises a comprehensive approach to assessment that is focused on ensuring that you, the learner, are able to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be a photographer. Each session that we have planned (outlined below) involves learning something new, and through observation and demonstration, the MPW trainers and coordinators are able to support you in ensuring that you achieve these results for each session. Each week there is a formative assessment session that is aimed at ensuring that you have grasped all the various conceptual, technical and practical skills that you have been exposed to in that week, and provides an opportunity for you to receive constructive and honest feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your work.

For your final assessment, you will be required to produce a body of work in order to demonstrate that you have grasped and integrated the skills outlined above. This body of work will be presented in portfolio format, and as a small exhibition. Your portfolio and exhibition are required to be accompanied by written tasks aimed at demonstrating your grasp of the professional practice and visual literacy aspects of the programme, and you will be required to do a brief verbal presentation of your work. 

Methodology

Each week is structured around an assignment that brings together a range of creative, conceptual, technical and professional skills. Sessions in each week include both intensive contact time with trainers and course coordinators, as well as providing students with opportunities to work independently, photographing and processing photographs, working in the computer lab, and spending time doing research. Each session with trainers involves an exciting and stimulating mixture of delivery methods, aimed at ensuring that you emerge from the course able to confidently and independently apply the skills and knowledge that you have acquired:

  • Presentation/teaching
  • Demonstration
  • Doing/applying
  • Reflecting/evaluating/assessing

Provide and present written materials to support the above, where relevant.

Equipment and resources

The Market Photo Workshop provides learners with extensive facilities and resources — from fully equipped studio and darkrooms to state-of-the-art digital/analogue equipment and colour printing facilities.

 

For application information please click here.