The course aims to develop in students a critical, methodological, and practical awareness of digital photography, understood as a means of visual and cultural communication.
Introduces photography by exploring its historical and social origins, examining its technical, conceptual, and practical evolution, with a particular focus on the transformations brought about by digital technology since the 1990s and more recently by generative artificial intelligence.
The program offers an overview of the various uses of digital photography across different fields and social systems, such as: art, cultural communication, the media system—including editorial production, social media campaigns, and websites.
Finally, the course provides tools for critically analyzing images and visual storytelling formats. This includes an explanation of key techniques and technologies in digital photography, their targeted use for communication, the associated theoretical frameworks, hands-on lab practice, and the design, production, and editing of visual content.

The course includes both theoretical and practical components.

MODULE 1 – The Basics of Photographic Language (Theory + Technique)

• A brief history of photography: origins, pioneers, documentary/artistic functions, and the technical evolution of cameras up to the digital shift.

• Structure and functioning of digital cameras (DSLR, mirrorless, compact, and smartphones): shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lenses, and supporting equipment.

• Photographic composition and image analysis.

• Functional use of natural and artificial light.

• Introduction to photo editing (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, AI tools, and related software).

– *Practical Exercise 1

MODULE 2 – Editing, Selection, and Visual Storytelling

• The role of the photo editor and the creation of a narrative sequence.

• Visual analysis and selection of produced (and existing) images.

• Photography and communication: from reportage to advertising.

• Digital editing and photographic storytelling.

• AI-generated photorealism: theoretical, critical, and practical perspectives.

– **Practical Exercise 2

MODULE 3 – Photographic Project and Visual Communication

• Developing a visual concept for communication.

• In-depth exploration of visual languages and genres: fashion, culture, art, events, product.

• Viewing and analysis of exhibitions, portfolios, case studies.

• Editorial project design: from brief to visual realization.

• Basic layout and digital project presentation (social media posts, carousels, grids, presentations).

– ***Final Practical Exercise

The practical component of the course includes three lab-based exercises through which students will apply the concepts introduced in the theoretical part.

*Practical Exercise 1
Studio or outdoor shooting – First approach to portrait and still life (visual communication + critical captions)

Objective: To technically and visually understand digital photography by analyzing and using specific technical/stylistic examples.
Students will produce original portraits and still life images, accompanied by short critical captions.

**Practical Exercise 2
(Preparation for the final project)
Group work – First approach to narrative editing using created and sourced images on assigned topics (event, artistic, product, or commercial), with a critical report.

Objective: To develop image selection and editing skills.
Starting from self-produced and pre-existing photographs related to a specific theme or event, students will select a coherent image set, identify a strong lead image, and construct a narrative sequence. Editorial choices must be justified in a short written report and discussed in class.

***Final Practical Exercise
Group project – Development and submission of a complete digital editorial photography project, accompanied by a written rationale, within one of the following areas:

Objective: To create a complete editorial project for a real cultural institution or event.
Students will develop a communication strategy that includes concept development, selection of a lead image, production and/or curation of images tailored to the chosen formats (website and social media campaign), culminating in a fully integrated visual communication project.

Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate:

Knowledge and Understanding
The course provides students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the historical, theoretical, technical, and linguistic foundations of photography. Through a journey that integrates historical notions (from the origins of photography to digital transformations) and technical and operational skills (camera use, exposure, composition, natural and artificial light), students develop the ability to critically understand the photographic medium and its cultural, social, and technological evolution.
Furthermore, post-production and AI-based editing tools are introduced for an updated understanding of contemporary photographic practices.

Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The theoretical skills acquired are systematically put into practice through practical exercises, guided analysis, and the creation of a final photographic project. Students learn to use different photographic equipment (DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone), manage light in different environments, compose an image based on the message to be conveyed, and work effectively with digital editing.
Furthermore, the course applies selection and visual storytelling methods to construct coherent sequences and editorial projects for visual communication, integrating technical skills with design and communication objectives.

Independent Judgment
During the course, students develop analytical and critical evaluation skills, both on their own work and that of other authors. They are encouraged to reflect on the aesthetic, cultural, and ethical implications of photography and to make informed decisions in selecting and constructing visual messages.
Through editing activities, group discussions, and viewing exhibitions and case studies, they develop independent judgment in both the design and evaluation phases, demonstrating awareness of the communication context and target audience.

Communication Skills
The course develops the ability to clearly and effectively communicate concepts, technical, and design choices related to photographic production. Students learn a specific language in the field and use it to present their work, both orally (during reviews and group discussions) and in writing (in drafting concepts, titles, accompanying texts, and short project dossiers).
Students are also able to adapt their visual communication to different channels (publishing, social media, digital portfolios) and professional contexts (fashion, art, advertising, events, products).

Learning Skills
The course encourages active learning and the ability to continuously update their knowledge, essential elements in a constantly evolving technological and linguistic context like photography. Students learn to observe, experiment, engage with new digital tools, independently document their work, and critically explore the content covered.
The skills acquired lay the foundation for further training or professional development in visual communication, photography publishing, creative direction, or visual content production.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures
Laboratories and practical exercises
Critical analysis in the classroom
Group work and final presentation

Attendance at workshops and seminars is strongly recommended. No specific prior knowledge is required.

Innovative teaching methods

In addition to traditional lectures, the course extensively adopts interactive lab-based and seminar methodologies, promoting a practical-critical approach inspired by the principle of learning by doing.

Course books

Fred Ritchin, Dopo la Fotografia, Torino: Einaudi, 2012.

Handouts and materials provided by the teacher.

Recommended readings:
Franco Fontana, Fotografia creativa, Mondadori, 2016
Luigi Ghirri, Lezioni di fotografia, Quodlibet Compagnia Extra, 2009
Susan Sontag, Sulla fotografia. Realtà e immagine nella nostra società, Einaudi, 2004

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• Semi-structured assessments (the course’s practical exercises) will evaluate the students’ applied knowledge and understanding. These assessments consist of the three exercises outlined in the course program.

• Unstructured assessment (final oral examination) will evaluate not only applied skills but also theoretical knowledge, understanding, and higher-level competencies such as critical thinking, communication skills, and interdisciplinary argumentation. 

The oral and practical tests impact the final grade with a ratio of 50/50 out of 100.

Evaluation Criteria:

The following criteria will be used to assess student performance:

• Level of mastery of theoretical knowledge (relevance and accuracy of responses).

• Clarity and depth of oral responses (ability to present, argue critically, and communicate effectively).

• Proficiency in applying research methodologies and photographic/editorial techniques covered in the course (ability to apply theoretical knowledge to concrete and complex situations).

Each criterion is assessed on a four-level scale (insufficient, sufficient, good, excellent), with particular emphasis on the first two (theoretical knowledge and clarity of response).
The third criterion, related to the application of research methods and technical skills, is also considered in determining the final grade.

Final Grade:
The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths and is based on the weighted average of the scores obtained in the practical exercises and the final oral exam.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.