DP - Documentary Photography Module Overview

Documentary Photography

Introduction

We’ve all heard the term “documentary.” What does it bring to mind when you hear that? Probably a film about something in history or something you might hear about in the news. The term documentary literally means to document, providing a factual record or report. And that is the key – factual.  The goal of documentary photography is to record and present the facts. The purpose is often one of education. To inform the viewer about the facts of the subject. But in addition to educating the viewer on a subject, the creator is often intending to spark a response from the viewer, to entice them to take action, to form an opinion on the subject, to care. 

What subjects interest you? What would you enjoy documenting?

In this module we will explore the concept of documentary photography and how it evolved through art. We will study documentary photographers in particular and you will plan and execute your own documentary photo shoot. 

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

What Does Documentary Mean?: What does it mean to document something? How has documentary artwork evolved throughout history?

Explore Documentary Photographers: Learn about some of the most prominent documentary photographers. Choose one photographer and explore their work in depth.

Create Documentary Photographs: What does it take to create your own documentary photography? What are the technical requirements? What subject will you choose?

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION