Photo Basics 2

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Department

The subject provides Department of Photography

Contents

This course builds on Photo Basics1 and further develops previously acquired knowledge, skills, and working habits. The practical component continues with studio photography, focusing in particular on objects that reflect light, such as metal, glass, and porcelain. In this context, students engage in a direct comparison between analog (film-based) and digital photography, examining the advantages and limitations of each approach. The course also introduces large-format color reversal (slide) photography. In the summer semester, students are introduced to the basics of architectural photography, with emphasis on key techniques for eliminating perspective distortion—namely shift movements, achieved either through specialized lenses or by adjusting the front standard of a large-format camera.

Main Topics of Instruction

Weeks 1–2: Digital vs. Analog Technology; Non-Standard Surfaces; Introduction to Architectural Photography; Basics of Photographic Chemistry

Introduction to workflows for operating digital cameras. Analysis of digital output in direct comparison with analog photographic results. Presentation of previous student works and possibilities of digital post-production. Specific approaches to digital image processing and scanning of color transparencies.

Introduction to architectural photography: examples of past work, lenses for correcting perspective distortion (shift lenses for 35mm and medium format), large-format photography, basic lens properties, and field of view. Assignment for the architecture exercise.

Weeks 3–4: Photography of Metal Objects

Lighting techniques for reflective surfaces using a single light source. Modeling tonal transitions through carefully positioned reflective surfaces.

• Output: 1 black-and-white photograph (30 × 40 cm) on baryta paper

Weeks 5–6: Photography of Glass

Working with glass on both light and dark backgrounds. Use of simplified techniques to define contours, highlights, and volume.

• Output A: 1 black-and-white photograph (30 × 40 cm) on a light background with a dark contour (shot on black-and-white film)
• Output B: 1 color photograph on a dark background with a light contour (shot digitally, A3 print), with emphasis on post-production in Adobe Photoshop
• Ongoing consultations: techniques and architecture assignment

Weeks 7–8: Color Reversal (Slide Film)

Work with large-format color transparency film (4 × 5"). Topics: glass, portrait. The exercise focuses on precise exposure measurement and estimation, crucial for slide quality. Includes demonstration of the E6 development process.

• Output: 1 color transparency (4 × 5")
• Ongoing consultations: techniques and architecture assignment

Weeks 9–10: Interpretation;

Students select a reference photograph or artwork and attempt to reinterpret it, focusing on light quality, tonality, color, and overall expression. Props may be adapted; the goal is not replication but creative interpretation while preserving key defining elements.

• Output: 1 digital photograph + reproduction of the chosen reference

Weeks 11–12: Comprehensive Composition; Final Consultations

Creation of a still life or group composition in the context of technical photography, incorporating materials such as glass, metal, textile, leather, etc., demonstrating the student’s ability to design appropriate lighting for multiple surfaces.

• Output: 1 digital photograph
• Final consultations prior to evaluation: techniques and architecture assignment

Learning outcomes

Students will:

• achieve confident command of studio equipment, including working with various types of light sources and advanced exposure metering techniques
• develop the ability to handle technically and aesthetically demanding subjects, such as photographing glass, metal, and other reflective materials
• learn to integrate analog image-making with contemporary digital post-production in Adobe Photoshop to achieve professional-quality results
• gain orientation in the field of architectural photography, including understanding its purpose, functions, and applications
• acquire the ability to perform perspective correction (rectification) and to work with available light in relation to the orientation of the subject and seasonal conditions

Prerequisites and other requirements

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Literature

Zimmerman Claire: Photographic Architecture in the Twentieth Century

University of Minnesota Press, 2014

Schulz Adrian: Architectural Photography, 3rd Edition, Rocky Nook, 2015

Gossel Peter: Bauhaus, Taschen, 2015

Campbell Hugh: Space Framed - Photography, Architecture and the Social Landscape, Lund Humphiers Publisher, 2020

Evaluation methods and criteria

Assessment is based on a written test and the submission of all assigned and approved works.

Note

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Further information

No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Photography EN - Bachelor - 2026 (Required subjects)