Our world is increasingly dependent on visual communication
My name is Linda Maria Thompson and I am a lecturer in the subject of photography, I am also a photographer, researcher, and author. I have a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism from the University of Montana (2000) and a Master of Arts in Photojournalism (2014). I Swedish born and American raised, and am fluent in both Swedish and English. My artistic research deals with the visualization of migration as well as investigates the documentary spectrum.
How would you describe the courses?
In short, as an introduction to ”Visual Literacy” which can be defined as how we make meaning from, but also create meaningful visual communications. ”It includes the ability to visualize internally, communicate visually, and read and interpret visual images (Bramford, 2003). Our courses are not designed to create professional photographers per se – but offer professionals and amateurs from a variety of backgrounds the practical and theoretical tools needed to successfully understand and communicate with the photographic image. We welcome everyone from academics using photographs in their research to social media influencers. The courses also serve as a foundation for further study of photography, for those who wish to continue on that career path.
Do you need any special prerequisites?
Just curiosity and English language skills as the courses are open to international students.
Do you think it is important to have knowledge about photography in your work life?
Photography is present in so many aspects of our daily lives, including in the workplace. Having an understanding of the messages we are sending out with different images as well as the practical aspects involving photography is key. Photographs hold a powerful universal potential, but also require great responsibility as we publish, share and post and disseminate them.
How do you think visual communication will develop?
We have seen a continual trend of the expanding role of visual culture in our society. Think for instance of how many emojis have replaced words, or photographs sent i lieu of text messages. Our daily communication both personal, and proffessional, are saturated with images.
Why is it important to be able to communicate with pictures?
Our world is increasingly dependent on the visual to communicate, with more than 1.8 billion photographs uploaded to the Internet each day (Meeker, Mary. Internet Trends Report 2014). Photographer and designer László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946) was prophetic when he said, “The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as the pen.”
Why should one apple for the courses in photography?
We have an award-winning staff with professional experience and skill-sets in both still photography and film that have mentored award-winning students. We have both the theoretical and practical know-how and a passion to teach and mentor – suited to the student’s needs and goals. The photography courses are all half-speed, and can be taken as a full-time set or split up to accommodate multi-tasking students.