Exhibition: Photography and Visual Language

As part of the Digitalisation & Communication Certificate (ZDK), students showcased their work from the ‘Photography and Visual Language’ module in an exhibition at Café Chaos in July. The certificate programme is a collaboration between the departments of Applied Computer Science and Social and Cultural Sciences, combining theoretical foundations with practical application at the interface of digitalisation, visual communication and social practices.

Working across disciplines, bringing stories to life

The photographs on display were created by interdisciplinary project teams: students from Social Sciences (BA in Social Sciences with a specialisation in Intercultural Relations) and from Applied Computer Science (BSc in Digital Media) jointly developed visual concepts and brought them to life through photography. The aim was to tell a biographical story – not necessarily autobiographical, but relating to people and their life journeys.

A variety of themes: from contemporary history to animal shelters

The resulting photographic works are very diverse, covering topics such as:

- People and their life stories (such as a grandmother recounting her expulsion from Silesia)
- Local figures and places (e.g. the co-founder of the local skate park or a furniture maker at the ‘L14’ cultural centre in Fulda)
- biographical themes explored through unexpected angles (e.g. animals in animal shelters and the importance of adoption and responsibility)

Learning objectives: visual message, execution and teamwork

The seminar led by Antje Pfab (SK) and Nicolas Weyel (AI) focused on developing a clear core message and consciously conveying it visually – for example, through composition, symbolism and context. At the same time, the students practised key soft skills: interdisciplinary collaboration, shifting perspectives and working with different ways of thinking and working.

Another key component was working outside the university context: making contacts, approaching people, assessing photographic situations (e.g. at events) and acting with sensitivity. A highlight was the opportunity to take photographs at a wedding’s champagne reception. In addition, technical fundamentals such as practical camera skills and image editing were explored in greater depth.