Summer Course in Contemporary-Photography-and-Visual-Culture - IED Firenze

Language

English

Start date

June 2026

Frequency

Full time

Fruition

On campus

Duration

3 Weeks

Course Coordination

Jean Baptiste Blom

Price

2.800 €

The Contemporary Photography and Visual Culture course provides you with the essential skills and a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in photography, graphic design, and visual communication.

You will enhance your expertise and confidence in the many aspects of photography and visual design. With a deep understanding of photographic techniques, lighting, postproduction, and design principles, you will learn to create compelling visual narratives that engage with contemporary contexts. You will also gain valuable insights into conceptual photography, visual storytelling, and the integration of photography with graphic design. 

During this immersive course, you will explore Renaissance masterpieces and Florence's rich artistic heritage as a source of inspiration to develop a complete photo-graphic project. This project will culminate in the creation of a visually striking poster that synthesizes your creative journey while maintaining a cohesive and contemporary artistic vision. 

Information to decide

Through an in-depth exploration of photographic and design principles, this three-week course equips you with the skills to develop professional photographic projects enriched with conceptual depth and artistic vision. You will also gain valuable insights into areas such as visual storytelling, postproduction, graphic design integration, and the creation of cohesive visual narratives. 

To build a comprehensive knowledge base, the program combines lectures, case studies, workshops, and guided site visits to Florence’s museums and artistic landmarks. These visits are integral to the learning experience, providing inspiration and contextual understanding to complement classroom activities. 

Drawing inspiration from Renaissance masterpieces and Florence’s cultural heritage, you will create a complete photo-graphic project. This project includes developing a visual concept that synthesizes key elements such as photographic composition, graphic design, and narrative cohesion. During the final presentation, projects will be reviewed individually or in groups, emphasizing both technical execution and conceptual depth. 

Lessons are held Monday through Friday on a full-time basis (morning and afternoon), with a total duration of 75 hours spread over 3 weeks. 

The course is designed for students with foundational knowledge or basic professional experience in the field who are looking to enhance their professional skills. Participants should have prior familiarity with photography, graphic design, and editing. 

Faculty

Course Coordinator

Barbel Reinhard

Curator and Artist

Alessandro Galatoli

Photographer

Lucia Minunno

Art historian

Leonardo Pellegatta

Photographer, Filmmaker and Educator

Isabella Ahmadzadeh

Art Director and Visual Designer

Course partner

News

13 April 2026

IED presents The Searchlights: the urgencies of our time through the photographs of people in their twenties

As part of EXPOSED Torino Photo Festival, IED presents the second chapter of the three-year project Ti vorrei dire, developed in collaboration with Gallerie d'Italia - Torino, a part of Intesa Sanpaolo

02 April 2026

Forbes Next Leaders: Noemi Giulianini designs the March magazine cover

Forbes Next Leaders and IED join forces to promote next-generation creativity, continuing the partnership dedicated to the Next Leaders covers.

25 March 2026

IED ranked among the world's top 100 academic institutions in the QS World University Rankings® by Subject 2026

Europe's largest Art and Design school network secures 78th place worldwide in the Art & Design discipline, marking its 60th anniversary year.

19 March 2026

Plural Intelligences: IED Announces the Theme of Its 60th Anniversary

IED reveals Plural Intelligences, the theme dedicated to the 60th anniversary of its foundation, which will take place in 2026.

Forbes Next Leaders – IED Student designs the February cover of Next Leaders

12 March 2026

Forbes Next Leaders – IED Student designs the February cover of Next Leaders

Forbes Next Leaders and IED come together to promote the creativity of a new generation: the partnership dedicated to the covers of Next Leaders begins.

IED Expands Its English-Language Offer with New Courses in Design, Fashion and Film

27 February 2026

IED Expands Its English-Language Offer with New Courses in Design, Fashion and Film

IED – Istituto Europeo di Design is broadening its international offer with a new range of English-taught courses. A strategic move that strengthens IED’s position as Europe’s largest design network, opening its doors to students and creative professionals from across the globe.

04 February 2026

punto—trama LAB: workshops for young designers

After its first edition, punto—trama continues its journey as a space for dialogue and experimentation dedicated to young designers.

Valentino: Après moi, le déluge!

30 January 2026

Valentino: Après moi, le déluge!

In January and February 2026, a small exhibition will be held in the Franca Sozzani Fashion Reading Room at IED Milan, paying tribute to Valentino, a great master of Italian fashion, who passed away on January 19.

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) University of Westminster and IED Madrid

22 January 2026

IED Madrid launches two University of Westminster BA (Hons) degrees

The first intake of Creative Media Arts and Fashion Marketing and Promotion begins in September 2026

Don't miss it

Exhibitions and Festival

23 April 2026 - 23 April 2026

Turin

Re - Resistance Ester Valabrega, a possible archive

Sofia Valabrega’s project at the Polo del '900, bridging family memory and the history of the Resistance.