Since
2004 the Photography Department of the
Faculty of Art at Kaposvár University has offered courses in
photojournalism and editing and in professional photography. Photography
differs from other branches of fine
art in the sense that it is concurrently an applied art. Our courses
give emphasis to the applied artistic aspects of photography while
also developing students’ proficiency in
fine art
photography.
The
approach is interdisciplinary, extending
even to the margins of photography. On the theoretical side, students
receive a more profound understanding of the theory of photography in
courses covering the history of photography, professional aesthetics,
philosophical issues and photographic techniques. Meanwhile, in
practical lessons – a majority of the tuition we provide –
students learn the fundamentals of photography and acquire knowledge
that helps them to overcome technical barriers and realise their
creative capacities.
Going
beyond the photographic genre, our study programme
provides broader insights – alongside knowledge of the formal
language of art – into the various areas of visual communication.
Such knowledge inspires deeper and more open thinking about the
nature and potential of photography.
A
distinguishing
feature of our study programme is that it lays great emphasis on the
history of photography and developments in the recent past. Thus, we
operate a traditional chemical darkroom alongside the latest digital
technology. A further unique feature of tuition in our department is
that it develops the professional confidence of students and their
receptiveness to new ideas. This reflects the professional diversity
of our teaching staff.
The
acquisition of professional skills takes place in one of the best
equipped photo studios in Hungary,
enhanced by a digital darkroom that is the largest in the country and
offers all the various computerised programmes. This world-class
technology facilitates students’ creativity both in photography as
well as in film and animation.
Concerning
the career potential of our graduates, the study programme is one of
the most successful in the sense that the open and quality-oriented
thinking acquired by our students –coupled with their
professional competence – gives them a clear advantage, regardless
of whether they go on to work in photography or engage in another
field of creativity.