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Short course

Documentary Photography Online Short Course

Documentary Photography Online Short Course | Online
Develop photojournalism skills. Explore shooting and editing techniques for impactful storytelling.

Next start months
July 2025
September 2025
October 2025
Tutor(s)
Teri Pengilley
Price
From £420.00

Course description

Course overview

Documentary photography plays an important role when it comes to capturing socio-political situations, every-day life, people or different parts of the world.

Unlike photojournalists who focus on breaking news, documentary photographers work for an extended period of time on a single topic to create in-depth stories that engage with the public in exhibitions, magazines, newspapers, online or through a book.

In this course you will learn about the history of documentary photography and contemporary documentary practice, explored through the work of influential photographers.

By comparing a diverse range of photographic approaches and by becoming familiar with photo shooting and editing techniques you will develop your own storytelling skills to communicate your project ideas. Throughout the course you will work on assignments and gain invaluable feedback from an award-winning photographer.

Who this course is for

The course is suitable for photographers and enthusiasts with an interest in documentary photography for a personal or professional portfolio or looking to commence a career as a documentary photographer.

You may be interested in developing your work for a book, editorial publications, galleries, commercial work or to record your personal travels and journeys.

Key information

Topics covered

  • History of documentary photography and contemporary documentary practice
  • Documentary Photo Equipment (cameras, lenses)
  • DSLR settings
  • Powerful visual approaches
  • Shooting techniques: composition and framing
  • What makes a compelling story?
  • Developing personal projects
  • Editing
  • Ethics of Documentary Photography

Learning outcomes

  • Know about the history of documentary photography
  • Understand what documentary photography is today
  • Use photo shooting techniques
  • Use DSLR settings effectively
  • Know how to develop a personal project
  • Edit your own photographs
  • Be aware of ethics in documentary photography
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

  • A DSLR camera to undertake some weekly assignments (essential) - phone camera not suitable
  • Notebook and pen (recommended)

Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.

Tutor

Teri Pengilley

Since completing a postgraduate course in Photojournalism at the London College of Printing in June 2000, Teri Pengilley has worked as an editorial photographer both nationally and internationally. Her work includes five months covering Iraq after the 2003 invasion and documentary work in Sri Lanka and Indonesia following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. Based in London and working mostly for The Independent, The Guardian and Save the Children, Teri has had work exhibited in solo and group exhibitions. She's also been published in national and international publications including The Times, The New York Times, The Age and Vogue. 

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