DHUM 25A23 - Photojournalism

This course allows students to acquire the technical and narrative mastery of the photographic tool to tell journalistic stories. A clear and well exposed photograph is not enough. It must reflect an intention, a purpose, an angle, a look. Through the study of the fundamentals technical concepts (focal lengths, diaphragm, speed, sensitivity, etc) as well as the narrative structure of a photojournalistic story, the deontological discussion of the photo taking, the critical reading of image making, and through the learning of the basics of digital image processing, each student will acquire, at the end of the course, the skills to create, develop and tell journalistic critical stories using photography as a means of expression.

(Cet enseignement permet d’acquérir un savoir-faire : la maîtrise technique et narratif de l’outil photographique pour raconter des histoires journalistiques. Une photographie nette et convenablement exposée ne suffit pas. Elle doit refléter une intention, un propos, un angle, un regard. Via l’étude des fondamentaux (focales, diaphragme, vitesse, sensibilité) ainsi que la structure narrative d'un récit photo journalistique, la discussion déontologique de la prise de vue, la lecture critique de l'image, et par l'apprentissage des bases du traitement numérique de l'image, chaque étudiant doit maîtriser, à l’issue du cours, les compétences nécessaires pour créer, développer et raconter des histoires critiques journalistiques en utilisant la photographie comme moyen d'expression.

No prior knowledge of photography is required. This course is designed for absolute beginners and covers technical fundamentals such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO from scratch. There are no mandatory readings before the first session.

The course follows a combined theoretical and practical format. Each session begins with the explanation of a technical concept, followed by immediate hands-on practice. Students are required to bring a camera; however, a limited number are available for loan at Sciences Po. It is not necessary to purchase any equipment for the course.

• Presentation of a photographer of the student's choice 40%
• Class participation and engagement 10%
• Final Project (50%) Min 10 photos. Max 15 photos. Synopsis that explains the project. Captions for each photo.