Mobile Phone Photography for Inclusive Storytelling

Course overview

This hands-on 5-day course is designed to empower participants to leverage the power of mobile phone cameras for inclusive storytelling and visual expression. With the widespread accessibility of smartphones, mobile photography has emerged as a democratizing force, enabling diverse voices and perspectives to be captured and shared. This course will focus on harnessing the potential of mobile phone cameras to promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and amplify underrepresented narratives.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of mobile phone photography, including composition techniques, lighting strategies, and editing tools. However, the emphasis will be on using these skills to create visually compelling and inclusive stories that challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and foster understanding across different communities.

The course will explore the power of visual storytelling in promoting social change, advocating for marginalized groups, and documenting cultural richness. Participants will analyze case studies of impactful mobile phone photography projects that have shed light on important issues and brought about positive change.

Hands-on exercises and assignments will provide opportunities for participants to practice their mobile photography skills while exploring themes of inclusivity, diversity, and social justice. They will learn to capture authentic moments, convey emotions, and tell stories that resonate with a wide audience.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or community center. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, interact with diverse communities, and draw inspiration for their inclusive storytelling projects.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to mobile photography for inclusive storytelling

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Overview of mobile phone camera capabilities and limitations
  • Principles of composition and visual storytelling
  • Exploring the power of mobile photography for inclusive storytelling
  • Discussion on the power of photography in promoting inclusivity and diverse perspectives

Day 2: Capturing authentic moments and emotions

  • Understanding lighting and its impact on storytelling
  • Exploration of composition principles: rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing
  • Practical exercises to demonstrate the effects of different settings on image outcomes
  • Candid photography techniques for capturing genuine emotions
  • Hands-on exercises: Documenting diverse communities and cultures

Day 3: Editing for inclusive visual narratives

  • Introduction to mobile photo editing apps and tools
  • Overview of open-source photo editing software (e.g., GIMP, Darktable, RawTherapee)
  • Explanation of basic editing techniques: cropping, exposure adjustment, color correction
  • Practical demonstration of editing workflows and techniques
  • Techniques for enhancing visual impact and storytelling
  • Hands-on exercises: Editing photos for inclusive narratives
  • Discussion on ethical considerations in photo editing and inclusive representation

Day 4: Exploring cultural diversity through mobile photography

  • Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English
  • Interacting with local communities and capturing inclusive stories
  • Introduction to natural and artificial lighting techniques
  • Practical exercises to demonstrate the impact of different lighting conditions
  • Case studies of impactful mobile photography projects
  • Exploring themes of diversity, social justice, and cultural representation

Day 5: Sharing inclusive stories and ethical considerations

  • Strategies for sharing and promoting inclusive narratives
  • Ethical considerations in mobile photography and storytelling
  • Group presentations: Showcasing inclusive storytelling projects
  • Course evaluation and feedback
  • Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the potential of mobile phone photography for inclusive storytelling and promoting diverse perspectives.
  • Utilize mobile phone camera features and settings to capture authentic moments and emotions.
  • Apply composition techniques and lighting strategies to create visually compelling and inclusive narratives.
  • Employ mobile photo editing apps and tools to enhance visual impact and storytelling.
  • Evaluate case studies of impactful mobile photography projects that promote inclusivity and social change.
  • Develop inclusive storytelling projects that challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and celebrate diversity.
  • Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local communities into their inclusive storytelling projects.
  • Implement strategies for sharing and promoting inclusive narratives through mobile photography.
  • Analyze ethical considerations in mobile photography and storytelling, ensuring responsible and respectful representation.
  • Create a portfolio of inclusive storytelling projects that amplify underrepresented voices and foster understanding across different communities.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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