Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

The capture and manipulation of images - expressed through photography and video - have dominated the contemporary visual scene, changing the way we relate to the world around us. It is impossible to ignore the importance of these forms of communication, which makes them fundamental in the Arts curriculum. Through the study of photography and video, we are able to explore concepts such as composition, light and shadow, perspective, in addition to developing a critical awareness of the effects these media can have, both in artistic creation and in society as a whole.

Contextualization

Within the Arts discipline, the study of photography and video in the 6th year of Elementary School is the first foray into the universe of moving visual arts, allowing to expand the language and concepts previously learned in static drawing and painting. This lecture note serves as an initial guide to the technical, historical, and stylistic fundamentals of these means of expression, preparing the ground for more in-depth discussions in subsequent years. Therefore, the study of photography and video in this context is essential to introduce and nurture aesthetic appreciation and creativity in students, in addition to providing the essential tools for critical analysis.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Photography: Photography is an image capture technique that emerged in the 19th century and has since revolutionized the way we perceive and record the world. Understanding photography involves mastery of concepts such as framing, depth of field, focus, lighting, contrast, and exposure time. Moreover, it requires understanding of photographic genres (such as portrait, landscape, photojournalism, still life photography, etc.) and the appreciation of different styles and movements that have shaped the history of visual art.

• Video: Video is a means of communication that combines moving image and sound. It is an innovation that brought the possibility of telling stories and expressing emotions in a dynamic way. Concepts such as image sequence, shot, framing, camera movement, editing, and direct sound, among others, are essential for a deep understanding of video. In addition, the study of classic and contemporary cinematic genres allows for a more informed and critical analysis of this means of expression.

Key Terms

• Composition: In photography and video, composition refers to the organization of visual elements within the frame. This includes the overall structure of the image, the placement of main elements, guiding lines, the distribution of light and shadow, among others. A good understanding of how composition can influence perception and interpretation of an image is crucial both for creation and visual appreciation.

• Lighting: Lighting plays a fundamental role in photography and video, as it determines how objects and people are seen. Understanding light - its intensity, direction, color, and quality - allows artists to create different effects, convey emotions, and even manipulate the viewer's perception.

• Photographic and Cinematic Genres: Both in photography and cinema, genres are categorizations that group works sharing thematic, stylistic, and narrative characteristics. Studying genres not only gives us a broader understanding of visual expression diversity, but also helps us identify and analyze the particular elements that distinguish each genre.

Examples and Cases

• Photography: To illustrate the discussed concepts, we can analyze the work "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange. This iconic documentary photograph captures not only the suffering of a mother during the Great Depression, but also exemplifies the power of composition and light to convey emotion.

• Video: The animated short film "Piper" by Pixar is an excellent example of how video can tell stories without words. Through the mastery of composition, lighting, and animation, "Piper" transports us to the world of a sandpiper chick and moves us without relying on dialogue.

• Photographic and Cinematic Genres: When studying genres, we can compare a war photo taken by a photojournalist to a cinematic war epic. Both works fall within the war genre, but their approaches, styles, and intentions are completely different, demonstrating the versatility of these means of expression.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Photography and Video as Visual Expressions: Photography and video are considered not only means of visual documentation, but also as forms of artistic expression. Both encompass specific techniques and composition rules that are essential for creating a visual message.

• Key Components: In both forms of art, there are key components that shape the visual narrative and aesthetics of the work, namely: framing, light and shadow, focus, exposure time (photography) and image sequence, framing, camera movement, editing, and direct sound (video).

• Genres and Styles: Both photography and video encompass a variety of genres and styles. Understanding these categories allows for more informed appreciation and critical analysis of the works.

• Importance of Composition: Visual composition, which encompasses the organization of elements within the frame, the balance of light and shadow, and the selection of shot, is a central component for creating visual impact and narrative.

Conclusions

• Visual Sensitization: The study of photography and video enhances visual sensitization, allowing students to explore and appreciate artistic expression in different contexts and genres.

• Communication Tools: Photography and video are powerful communication tools that go beyond words. They are capable of conveying emotions, telling stories, and prompting reflection, which reinforces their importance as essential elements of artistic language.

• Critical Analysis: The study of these art forms also provides the basis for critical analysis. Through understanding of components, genres, and styles, students develop the ability to evaluate and interpret visual works in a grounded manner.

Exercises

1. Photography - Ask students to analyze a photo from a famous photographer and identify the composition elements present, such as viewing angle, framing, color balance, among others. Discuss how these elements contribute to the message or emotion conveyed by the photo.
2. Video - Show a scene from a movie or short film to students and ask them to identify the different types of shots (for example, wide shot, medium shot, close-up) and camera movements used. Then, discuss how these framing and movement choices can influence the viewer's perception of the scene.
3. Photographic and Cinematic Genres - Provide students with a series of images and ask them to classify each one into a photographic genre. Repeat the process, but this time, for videos, asking students to identify the cinematic genre of each scene. Discuss the responses and the differences between the identified categories.