ITFFBK0013 Photography of architecture

Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava
Summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. MgA. Pavel Mára (lecturer)
doc. MgA. Pavel Mára (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
doc. MgA. Pavel Mára
Institute of Creative Photography – Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives

The aim of the exercise is to acquire practical knowledge of the primary principles of architectural photography and to develop its specific interpretative approaches. In terms of style and focus, architectural photography can be divided into four basic interpretative positions: 

1 - Classical architectural photography 

The aim of classical architectural photography is to use all artistic and technical skills to depict the appearance of an architecturally significant building as accurately and representatively as possible. The photographer usually works with a large-format camera, preferring the most impressive views without distracting details; for a specific shot, they look for characteristic light and emphasize the monumentality of the building with the angle of view, while also paying attention to the alignment of vertical lines so that the architecture does not "fall over." 

2 - Architectural photography as a contemporary document 

The second way of interpreting architecture is as a contemporary document, capturing its current connection with the surrounding environment in the context of significant realities, such as traffic around the building, etc. The photograph is similar to a documentary record, emphasizing the contemporary context, but without losing any of the technical and artistic qualities of the previous style. Here, too, large-format equipment and other creative attributes play an important role, as in classic architectural photography, including maintaining the parallelism of vertical lines. 

3 - Subjective interpretation of architecture 

Subjective interpretation of architecture is the third approach, which aspires to "grasp" architecture artistically and capture its structural principle in images. This approach strives for an apt characterization or "feeling" of the mass, tectonics, rhythm, or lighting of a building and often becomes an original artistic expression in a visual style. Here, too, a large-format camera is indispensable. 

4 - Authorial interpretation (free photography) 

The last significant authorial interpretation is, in fact, free photography. The presentation of architecture is not the primary motive here, but rather a means of expressing subjective feelings associated with the perception of the photographed building.

Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students will have a theoretical understanding of this field and will be able to photograph architecture in practice.
Syllabus

1 - Classic architectural photography

2 - Architectural photography as a contemporary document

3 - Subjective interpretation of architecture

4 - Author's interpretation (free photography) 

Literature
  • Anděl, J.: Nová vize. Avantgardní architektura v avantgardní fotografii, Československo 1918-1938. Slovart, Praha 2005
  • Švácha, R. – Malý, J.: Lomené, hranaté a obloukové tvary. Gallery, Praha 2000.
  • Lukeš, L. – Havlová, E.: Český architektonický kubismus. Galerie Jaroslava Fragnera, Praha 2006.
  • Sedláková, R. - Frič, P. 20. století české architektury. Titanic - Grada, Praha, 2006.
Teaching methods
Theory, practical presentations, demonstrations with evaluation, own photography. Opportunity to register for a workshop on a given topic.
Assessment methods
Consultation according to assignment and final evaluation.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Information on course enrolment limitations: Vzhledem ke specifičnosti studia se nedoporučuje tento předmět studovat jiným studentům, než studentům SP realizovaných na ITF.
The course is also listed under the following terms Winter 2020, Summer 2021, Winter 2021, Summer 2022, Winter 2022, Summer 2023, Winter 2023, Summer 2024, Winter 2024, Summer 2025, Winter 2025.
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