Module 8: Visual Communication
This module examines visual communication in photography, exploring how images convey ideas, emotions, and information. You will study the advantages and limitations of visual communication, as well as the fundamental elements of design. Investigate how lines, shapes, tones, texture, volume, perspective, sharpness, and colour can be used to structure images effectively.
The module also covers the principles of composition, including centre of interest, balance, rhythm, harmony, and contrast. Techniques such as isolating subjects, using negative space, applying the rule of thirds or golden ratio, and employing tonal, linear, and colour perspective will be introduced to create clear, engaging photographs.
Finally, the module considers context and content, examining how photographers and media—from printed magazines to social media—use visual communication. Case studies of historical and contemporary photographers illustrate how meaning is constructed and interpreted, providing practical and analytical tools for creating impactful images.
Why This Module Matters
Visual communication is essential to photographers because it uses composition, light, colour, and tone to clearly convey ideas, emotion, and meaning to an audience without words. In module 8 you'll:
- Explore visual communication in photography and how images convey meaning, information, and ideas.
- Analyse how visual elements such as lines, shapes, rhythm and colour tones can influence the viewer.
- Examine composition techniques to create images that transmit the intended message, feeling and mood.
- Get familiar with the work of past and present successful professional photographers and build your visual repertoire.
What You’ll Learn
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Fundamentals of Visual Communication
Discover how meaning is constructed through visual communication in images.
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Composition & Design Elements
Learn to use space, lines, shapes, colour, texture, rhythm and other elements.
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Image Analyses
Deconstruct graphic elements on images and enhance your creative abilities.
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Visual Repertoire
Analyse a range of past and present talented photographers and their work.
What You’ll Do
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Photographic Image Analyses
Follow defined guidelines to analyse the meaning and graphics of two selected images.
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Create Inspiring Images
Capture creative images that incorporate specific visual communication elements.
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Practical Assignment Task
Complete a project brief that involves colour accuracy, BTS images and more.
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Convert Theory into Practice
Create images applying the concepts described and discussed in the module.
Units Covered
This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:
- CUAPHI523 – Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
- CUADIG518 – Refine digital art techniques
- CUADIG415 – Produce innovative digital images
- CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
- CUAPHI312 – Capture photographic images
- CUAIND411 – Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
- CUAPHI521 – Make illustrative photo images for publication and display
- CUAPHI531 – Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
- CUAPHI532 – Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies
- CUAPHI533 – Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
- CUAPHI535 – Produce commercial photo images
- CUAPHI537 – Produce media photo images
- CUAPPR511 – Realise a body of creative work
- CUAPPR414 – Develop self as artist
These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.
Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.
Module Topics
In Module 8, we will cover the following topics and beyond:
- What is Visual Communication?
- Advantages of Visual Communication
- Disadvantages of Visual Communication
- Styles of Communication
- Elements of Design
- Line
- Line Character
- Line Within Images
- Shape and Form
- Shape Within Images
- Lighting for Shape
- Implied Shape
- Shape in Images
- Tone
- The Role of Tone in Composition
- Controlling Tone Range
- Tone in Images
- Texture in Photographs
- Volume
- How to Create Volume in an Image
- Ways of Representing Volume
- Linear Perspective
- Diminishing Perspective
- Aerial Perspective
- Tonal Perspective
- Colour Perspective
- Sharpness
- Colour
- Primary Colours
- Secondary Colours
- Complementary Colour
- Analogous Colours
- Monochrome Colours
- Warm and Cool Colours
- A Final Word on the Elements of Design
- Principles of Composition
- Centre of Interest & Dominance
- Compound Centre of Interest
- Isolating the Topic
- Golden Ratio
- Golden Mean & Rule of Thirds
- Negative Space & Reverse Dominance
- Formal Balance
- Informal Balance
- Unity
- Contrast
- Contrast of Mood
- Rhythm
- Rhythm Through Repetition
- Interval Repetition
- Gradation
- Harmony
- Discord
- Elements and Principles - A Final Word
- Visual Communication Used by the Masters
- Garry Winogrand
- Dorothea Lange
- Henry Peach Robinson
- Yousuf Karsh
- Nan Goldin
- Media & Visual Communication
- Printed Media
- Magazines (Printed)
- Magazines (Online)
- Social Media Advertising
- Meaning & Context in Visual Communication
- What is Content & What is Context?
- Erik Johansson
- Bill Diodato
- Irving Penn
- Aleksandra Kingo
- Uwe Duettmann
- Visual Communication Used in Propaganda
- Robert Capa
- Nick Ut
- Eddie Adams
- Kevin Carter
- Malcolm Browne
- Jeff Widener
- A Final Word
Module Outcomes
By completing Module 8, you will:
- Develop a strong understanding of visual communication elements and concepts.
- Gain confidence in observing and analysing photographic images by deconstructing graphic elements.
- Learn to apply visual communication to your photographs, creating images with clear intent.
- Sharpen your visual repertoire and get familiar with several relevant photographers of different genres and periods.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
Our expert photography tutors and our dedicated support team will continue to offer you all the required assistance in your photography journey. Through a rich visual repertoire and an understanding of the key aspects of visual communication, you will strengthen your creative abilities, completing one more step toward achieving your photography goals.
Discover the Modules
Explore our course outline page to learn more about the other modules.
View Course Outline
