General objective

This minor offers an introduction to the world of visual communication, specifically the creation and processing of images; both still and moving. 

Learning ‘to see’ is key. The aim of this minor is that this leads to the production of meaningful images; images that shape the ideas of the maker. To achieve this, knowledge of photographic and film technique is necessary. This (basic) technique is discussed extensively in the minor. In addition to this practical knowledge, the minor focuses on photography from a historical and theoretical perspective. 

After completing the minor, the student can independently communicate a message or short story effectively by means of images, supported by audio.

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This minor consists of two parts: Photography and Videography. 

Photography 

This part of the minor is built around five practical and three theoretical assignments. On the basis of these assignments, the student investigates possibilities from a specific photographic angle. 

In 'Texture and Rhythm' the focus is on the interaction between light, depth of field and camera angle. 

'Styling' is about designing an advertisement or a film still. 

The assignment 'Light' explores how to create shapes and compositions with light and the human body. 

In 'Time' refers to making a series of images that have an action or change as a starting point. 

Finally, with 'Fascination', the student can design his own project. 

In the classes, the photographic technique, which is necessary to make the assignments, is discussed. In addition to this transfer of practical knowledge, progress in the execution of the assignments is made visible in a digital portfolio on Google Drive. 

Finally, the student presents all the practical assignments in the form of a photo book. 

The 'theory' lectures provide the student with the basic knowledge to get started with the assignments. The student learns to recognize and describe different genres, such as documentary photography and advertising photography, and develops an understanding of ​​the historical development of photography. 

Videography 

This part of the minor focuses primarily on making video. Theory lessons support the creation of the videos. In theory classes, a variety of narrative forms in documentaries and interviews and the various story structures (chronological, use of flashbacks) are discussed. 

Attention is also paid to a number of important technical aspects such as light, frequencies, audio formats, codecs, resolution and frame rates, quit claims and copyright on images and music. 

The students are given 4 practical video assignments. The first three assignments are exercises and serve as learning moments for the fourth, the final assignment: ‘The Masterpiece’. The first assignment, ‘the chase’, is an introduction to the workflow of a video production without attention to audio and storytelling. The second assignment is a ‘life hack’ video or instructional video. A short, relatively simple production with no dependence on third parties. For the third practice assignment, the student can choose between making a mini documentary, a video portait or an event registration. This third assignment is seen as the dress rehearsal for the fourth (final) assignment. For this final assignment, the student can choose from: a documentary, a stop-motion film, a TV commercial or a short scene from a thriller movie.  

In this minor, the student is introduced to many elements of the process of a video production; from the pitch to a client to the online publication.

The following 4 competences are central to this minor. 

• Creative ability: the student develops the ability to produce solutions from various perspectives in the creation of still and moving images.
• Capacity for critical reflection: the student can evaluate their own work and that of others.
• Organizational ability: the student is able to organize internal and external factors for an effective and inspiring work and research process.
• Communicative ability: the student is able to present and justify their own work and development.

These competences are practised in the various components and phases of the minor and are translated into the following learning objectives: 

• The student can translate an idea into a photographic image.
• The student can effectively use different photographic (basic) techniques.
• The student is aware of historical developments in photography and can analyze and comment on them.
• The student can show their vision on contemporary expressions of photography or visual arts.
• The student is able to execute image editing programs at a basic level; Apply Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom and Premiere Pro in their work process.
• The student can reflect orally and in writing on their development process.
• The student is able to recognize different narrative forms.
• The student can edit both image and sound in an editing program.
• The student recognizes and uses different interview techniques.
• The student knows the basic principles of visual language and knows how to apply these correctly in their own photo/video production.
• The student can independently design and shape a video project. They choose the appropriate story form and techniques.
• The student is able to complete assignments in time that meet the set substantive and formal criteria (photo book and video clips with a specified minimum size and format).

Qualitative entry requirements

In order to successfully complete the minor, it is important that the student has HBO competencies. In particular, the ability to work independently on a project basis is important in this blended learning minor.

Target group

HBO students, with or without prior knowledge of digital image production, who are interested in dealing creatively with images and visual culture.

Laptop, SSD and software: The student must have a powerful laptop with a properly working version of Adobe CC (at least Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, InDesign and Premiere Pro). Furthermore, the laptop must have at least 100GB of free space and an external SSD of 500GB. 

Camera: a digital SLR or system camera that can make Full HD video recordings, preferably with an external microphone. 

Tripod: A sturdy tripod that reaches at least chest height. 

Contact hours

On average 8 contact hours per week. 

Photography: first 8 weeks 3 lessons per week, week 9 no lessons (due to book production), week 10 assessment.  

Videography: first 9 weeks 3 lessons per week, week 10 assessment.

Work forms

Classroom instruction, group work, workshops, online consultation and homework assignments. 

Weekly 2 lectures and 1 workshop in the schedule. 

Every week, 2 classes and 1 workshop are scheduled. These offer the theoretical and practical tools for a successful execution of the assignments. 

Study load

Weekly 40 hours: 

Tutorials 4 hours 

Workshop 4 hours 

Online communication 1 hour 

Self-study and work on assignments 31 hours

The student has completed the minor and is entitled to 30 credits if both parts of the minor have been completed satisfactorily. The assessment is divided into:

1. Photography

- 1. Practice (37% - minimum requirement 5.5) 

In week 8 it will be determined whether the student has passed or failed the digital elaboration of the practical assignments. If the assessment is satisfactory, the student can participate in the oral assessment in week 10. During this assessment, the student shows the assignments in a photo book. After the assessment, each assignment is graded with a grade by the practical teacher in consultation with the theory teacher. The fifth/free assignment weighs the most, namely 50% compared to 12,5% for the other four assignments.  

 

- 2. Theory (13%) 

The theory mark is determined on the basis of the average of the theory test (week 5) and the photo analysis during the assessment. 

Planning review Photography: 

Theory test: week 5 (Resit in week 20). 

Assessment: week 10 (Resit in week 20). 

2. Videography (50%)

This part of the minor has three practice assignments and one final assignment. The student delivers a final production (the final assignment) for the assessment. The grade is determined by the two assessors immediately after the asessement takes place and is bases entirely on the final production (100%) on the condition that all partial tests have been handed in and passed. 

Planning review Videography: 

Delivery partial tests weeks 13, 14 and 16. 

Assessment: week 20 (Resit in week +10) 

This minor costs approximately 250 euros p.p. for materials.  

This minor is based on the principles of 'Blended Learning'. 

Under the heading ‘Study and other aids’ it is specified which hardware and software the student needs.