Semesters

FME103 Photo for Media

Course code: 
FME103
Duration: 
1 semester
Credits (ECTS): 
15
Level of study: 
Foundation level (bachelor’s degree level)
Teaching semester: 
2025 Spring
Assessment semester: 
2025 Spring
Language of instruction: 
English
Curriculum: 

The necessary text resources will be provided as PDF material in Canvas, partly from the start of the term and partly as part of the teaching progression.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Sufficient mastery of the English language to participate in dialogue lecturing. Students following Erasmus programs and media related study programs will be given priority.

Course content

The course focuses on photography for media purposes.

Learning outcome

In accordance with the National Qualifications Framework the student will have following learning outcome after completing the course:

Learning outcome knowledge

The students will

  • acquire basic knowledge of the development of photographic technology and of photo journalism
  • acquire basic knowledge of the ethical and legal sides of press photography at national and international levels
Learning outcome skills

The students will

  • develop basis skills in how to produce required images for the press by operating todays camera, light and image adjustment technologies
  • develop basic skills in how to get access to photo opportunities and in estimating how photographic images communicate and influence opinion
Learning outcome qualification

The students should

  • have acquired suffient knowledge and skills to operate independently as photographers in a journalistic context 
  • be able to handle all everyday challenges as a practicing press photographer on a basic level
Working and learning activities

The course provides an introduction to the physical and optical laws behind photographic image production, with practical exercises designed to explore the problems and benefits connected to these facts. The course also explores; in theory and through practical exercises the fundamental rules regarding composition of visual elements and the communicative effects of photographic images. In addition the course provides lectures in the history of photography and photo journalism, as well as basic ethics and law concerning the topic.Teaching is offered in the form of lectures, individual exercises and plenum discussions around submitted studentmade images and images produced by professional photographers; based on given criteria as found in literature on visual communication. Some lectures may take place at evening time and/or during weekends. VUC reserves non-commercial user rights to images submitted during the course.

Assessment requirements

Work requirements:

  1. Each student must submit a portfolio that is to include individually performed exercises; each exercise designed to explore specific challenges related to the trade of professional news photography. The portfolio must be submitted and accepted prior to each student’s individual examination.
  2. Fill out the evaluation form of the course (done anonymously).
Minimum number of students: 
15
Maximum number of students: 
30
Person in charge: 
Sandra Lappegard Wangberg
Used in other programs
  • Animation - bachelor
  • Media Production - bachelor
  • PR, Communication and Media - bachelor
Assessment FormGroupingDurationGrading scaleProportionCommentSupport MaterialsScope
Portfolio
Individual
1 Week
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
Approval signature: 
Kate Kartveit