The Edges of Photography

Although photography is a regular art discipline, due to its broad accessibility, it is perceived by many as a mere technical tool to record reality. Such perception is unsubstantiated on so many levels! The technical aspect of photography is only one part of it. The other, and perhaps even more important is the artistic part: Photographic technology can be seen as a tool in the service of a creative human soul. In addition, both these elements also correspond with and reflect a particular historical timeframe, which has an impact on the overall purport of every single image. This is certainly true about documentary photography, in which the seemingly ?trivial? photographer?s choices (such as camera exposure settings, framing/cropping, angles, focal length, composition, depth of field, etc.) have an impact on the outcome and perception of the photograph. It?s even more evident in abstract photography, in which reality/real objects are only used as mere creative tools for self-expression, a parable, a metaphor, a visual story. This course is designed to challenge students both academically and intellectually in its theoretical and philosophical parts. It is also conceived as a rather passionate invitation to a collective exploration of and adventure in photography as an art form. It combines theoretical aspects of photography, its aesthetic and cognitive values with practical exercises. Several outdoor activities make an integral part of the course in order to improve students? individual skills in artistic self-expression. The focus is also on styles, different views of reality, how photography as an exquisite artistic medium expresses (or at times suppresses) the individual bias, aesthetics, period style, and the societal and cultural boundaries. The course will also examine the age-old debate about the documentary versus artistic value of photography, and similarly the argument on the nude arts versus soft pornography. Through students? presentations, the course also offers a look into the history of Czech(oslovak) photography.