Module 9: Interpreting Creatively

This module develops creative thinking by connecting photographic history, contemporary practice, and personal experimentation. You will research key movements, timelines, and influential photographers to understand how ideas, context, and technology shape creative photography, as well as how traditional processes continue to inform modern photomedia practice.

You will experiment with a range of tools and techniques to generate and refine ideas, including digital workflows, double exposure, timelapse, cinemagraphs, and emerging technologies such as AI, CGI, and computational photography. Through hands-on exploration, you’ll learn how experimentation drives the evolution of a coherent body of work.

The module also focuses on planning, producing, and presenting creative projects. You’ll develop skills in workflow management, collaboration, budgeting, and copyright awareness, while learning to review progress, respond to feedback, and evaluate finished work. The module concludes with the creation and presentation of a professional body of work and portfolio.

Module 9 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

In this module, you will develop your creative abilities even further by looking at strengthening your body of work, digital resources and styles for your portfolio. In Module 9, you'll:

Research historical and contemporary photography to inform creative thinking and concept development.
Experiment with traditional, digital, and emerging photomedia tools and techniques.
Plan, manage, and produce creative photographic projects from idea to completion.
Create, evaluate, and present a cohesive body of work and portfolio.

What You’ll Learn

Creative Thinking & Research
Get familiar with influential photographers to expand your visual repertoire.
Experimentation & Emerging Technologies
Learn to utilise traditional, digital, and emerging technologies to enhance your photography.
Project Planning & Professional Practice
Build planning methods and evaluate creative projects, including workflow and collaboration.
Body of Work & Presentation
How to develop and present a cohesive body of work across digital and physical formats.

What You’ll Do

Influences & References
Research influences, build your visual references and plan your project.
Define Your Project
Structure your project while applying the knowledge acquired in the module.
Create Images
Present images for evaluation following guidelines and include a written section.
Book Submission
Upload your book and complete a self-reflection following a brief.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUADIG518 – Refine digital art techniques
CUAACD522 – Work with photomedia in creative practice
CUADIG415 – Produce innovative digital images
CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
CUAPHI312 – Capture photographic images
CUAIND411 – Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
CUAPHI403 – Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
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
CUAPHI536 – Provide photographic portrait services
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 9, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Think Creatively
Research Contemporary Photography Sources
Research Historical Creative Photography
Timeline of Photography
The Genius of Photography
Traditional Process in Modern Creative Practice
Tim Gibbs
David Hockney
Craig Tuffin
Stephen McNally
Adrian Cook
Conceptualising Photomedia in Your Own Work
Interview with George Byrne
Experimenting with Photomedia
How a Body of Work Evolves
Experimenting Digitally
Tools of the Trade
New Tech: AI, CGI, Computational Photography
AI (Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning)
CGI (Computer Generated Images)
Computational Photography
Developing Ideas From Experimentation
Experiment with Tools
Refine Ideas Through an Experimentation Process
Double Exposure
Cinemagraphs
Timelapse Photography
New Editing Software Solutions
Review Work in Progress
Evaluate Finished Work for Intended Purpose

Plan & Organise the Production of Creative Work
Steps in a Process
Planning & Collaboration Tools
An Appropriate Workspace
Realistic Timeframe for the Production of Work
Evaluate & Respond to Project Constraints
Monitor Project Workflow Against the Plan
Working with a Team
Budgeting
Intellectual Property Considerations
Principles & Rules of Copyright
Moral Rights
Copyright Resources
Create & Present a Body of Work
What is a Body of Work?
How to Create a Body of Work
Create & Present a Body of Work & a Portfolio
Soft Copy Portfolio
Hard Copy Portfolio
Books
Website Portfolio
Develop Your Own Presentation Style
Document Your Work from Ideas to Completion
Evaluate Your Work
Review Work in Progress
Responding to Constructive Feedback
Objectively Evaluate Your Own Work
Video Resources
A Final Word

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 9, you will:

Develop informed creative ideas through research into historical and contemporary photography.
Be confident in utilising traditional, digital, and emerging photomedia technologies.
Understand how to plan, manage, and evaluate creative projects with professional workflows.
Produce and present a cohesive body of work that clearly communicates your creative intent.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert photography tutors will provide you with all the required support to help you continue your journey through our course. Their experience will be more important than ever as you gradually approach the final modules. Bouncing ideas, discussing approaches, and receiving constructive criticism when you submit your images and written essays will be essential steps in your ongoing evolution in Photography.