Course detail

Basics of Photography 1

FaVU-ZAFOTAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course introduces students to the fundamentals of practical photography, with an emphasis on applying the acquired knowledge and skills to artistic creation. Instruction is focused on practical exercises using digital and analog cameras; these exercises cover the basics of composition and working with light. Digital photography exercises take place both in the studio and on location. Analog photography instruction also includes work in the darkroom. During the semester, students will complete homework assignments aimed at practicing and consolidating the technical skills acquired in classes.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Assignment to study programme types

Bachelor's

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

None.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

At the beginning of the semester, students will be divided into two groups based on their prior experience with photography. Instruction for the individual groups will take place on an alternating schedule of even/odd weeks; during the 'off week,' students will work on homework assignments.

Instruction takes place in the KAT FaVU video studio or in the darkroom at the scheduled times. Attendance is mandatory (2 unexcused absences are permitted).

Credit is awarded based on attendance, active participation in class, and the completion of homework assignments.

 

Aims

The objective of the course is to gain basic creative and technical experience with photography. Students will acquire technical skills that they will be able to apply in practical exercises and subsequently in their own creative practice and its visual documentation.

Upon completing the course, students will:

  • gain basic theoretical knowledge in the field of photography
  • acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to select the appropriate equipment and technology, format, and method of presentation and dissemination of their own works
  • be capable of their own digital photographic practice
  • be capable of producing documentary photographs and documentation shots of their work
  • be capable of applying the acquired knowledge and experience within their own studio work and interdisciplinary artistic practice

 

 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Anglenberger, Tom: Základy digitální fotografie, 2013 (CS)
Barnbaun, Bruce: The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression, 2017 (EN)
Freaman, Michael: Fotografie v praxi, Zoner Press 2013 (CS)

Recommended reading

Flusser, Vilém: Za filosofii fotografie, Fra 2013 (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DES_B Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme VUM_B Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Creative seminar

24 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

    • Introduction to developmental trends in photography and options for composition
    • Practical exercises: shutter speed, aperture, sensitivity (ISO) and white balance, focal length and depth of field
    • Practice with a digital mirrorless camera, working with flashes in the studio
    • Practice with an analog SLR camera and various film formats
    • Developing black-and-white film in the darkroom
    • Enlarging negative images in the darkroom and digitizing analog images