Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate

Through technical experimentation, cultural content and creative research, this course looks at how to reflect the soul and identity of a fashion brand through photography and moving image. Focusing on the visual language of communication participants approach the many different aspects of fashion styling, learning how to persuade, inspire and create an emotional response.

They acquire the technical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to create a fashion shoot from initial concept, through to final editing – including analysis of current and future trends and the historical and contemporary context of fashion. During the course participants also apply technical and cultural notions to in-studio projects, learning how to negotiate and plan in detail every area of the technical and creative process.

Participants search for a location or photo studio, develop the use of light and color composition and find the right atmosphere to ‘capture’ their subject respecting the mood and theme of the creative proposal, brand image or client brief. Alongside technical and aesthetic aspects of photography and film, that incorporate lighting, composition, editing and special characteristics of films and paper, the course looks at business and networking, bringing observation and communication abilities together with artistic and creative expression. Teaming up with the photographic creative hub Superstudio 13 based in Milano, acknowledged by the fashion press as one of the best photographic studios and sets in the world, participants learn how to express their individual creative approach, style and skills at a professional level.

Educational Aims

• to develop flexible approaches to program delivery and student support which reflect the needs and expectations of our students;
• to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment which will enable success for all learners;
• to encourage the development of students’ intellectual and imaginative powers, creativity, independence, critical self-awareness, imagination and skills that will enhance global employment opportunities on graduation in all programs;
• to establish a culture of constant improvement in learning, teaching and assessment that is anticipatory, enabling, supportive, rewarding and fully aligned with the Institutions vision and strategic objectives;
• to provide a learning experience that is informed by research, scholarship, reflective practice and engagement with the industry and the professions.

Program Aims

• encourage students to develop an advanced knowledge and a breadth of skills in fashion styling, video and photography techniques;
• promote original creativity and autonomy within the student work when responding to the changing needs of the fashion industry;
• equip students to deal with existing and emerging technologies in today’s international fashion industry;
• encourage students to have in-depth understanding of specialist brand development and business practices globally;
• encourage students to become independent life-long learners, with a high degree of self-confidence who can progress to a high level of specialism within a company or when self-employed.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of their course of study students will be able to:

• understand the relationship between photography theory, practice and its contexts;
• manipulate images using Photoshop;
• manage a photo-shooting session and the choice of the location, dealing also with models and other professionals involved;
• plan the entire creative process, from the idea to its implementation;
• apply visual language to research: interpret, revise and structure ideas;
• develop a range of critical and technical skills that lead to the professional presentation of a fashion photography and film project.

The Master’s course will focus on the following areas:

• Photography & editing
• Publishing
• Design experimentation
• Visual communication
• Sociology of the fashion image & storytelling
• Styling development and analysis
• Innovative research methods and analysis
• History of fashion photography and film
• Enhancing a professional portfolio

Course teaching methods are mainly based around formal lectures, workshops, seminars and self-directed study and within this structure a range of approaches to learning and teaching is employed as appropriate to the situation. Industry experienced specialists and visiting specialist Lecturers (industry professionals) make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional practice.

Self-Directed Study plays a major role in this program, where students are expected to spend time researching and analyzing subject matter independently to support and substantiate taught material.

Formal Lectures form an integral part of the program and with formal delivery of key information to the whole cohort. At this level it is expected that students will use the lectures as a stimulus for further study/reading.

Seminars are used to build on themes taken from the lecture program. Students are encouraged to make an active contribution by sharing in the argument and debate.

Visiting Lecturers are invited to deliver specialist lectures to enhance the delivery of the units.

Individual Tutorials are used when individual student work is being discussed or the guidance required is specific to one particular student. It is especially important in the dissertation phase and may be face to face, over the telephone, via e-mail or Skype.

Small Group Tutorials enable students to discuss and plan their work in greater detail than is possible with larger groups. It encourages quieter students to develop their interpersonal and communication skills and helps consolidate leadership skills in others.

Video Presentations are used to give a more in-depth understanding of a specific issue.

Case Studies are used for detailed discussion of real-life situations.

Demonstrations are normally of a technical nature and are necessary in certain subject areas. Studio / Workshop / Laboratory / Practical Sessions > may be used to enable the creative and practical skill development of the student in an environment which simulates that of industry.

Group and Team Work requires students to operate as a member of a group or team and they usually have clearly identified roles. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, individual responsibility to the group and joint decision-making.

Study Trips give students the opportunity to go outside the institute’s environment to enhance their understanding of specific subject material. If assessment is dependent on information collected whilst undertaking the study trip, the trip would be considered mandatory. The cost of study trips can be either the responsibility of the student or on occasion included in the annual study fee. If the visit is within the city students pay for public transport. This will be outlined at the beginning of any unit where such a trip is foreseen.

*prices are subject to change

This is an SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!

• Istituto Marangoni Certificate indicating completion of Master’s level course
• Program tuition
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• SAI orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Assistance with student visa application
• Assistance with financial aid and loan processing
• Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
• SAI alumni network

Housing is not included in SAI Select Services Programs. However, your SAI Admissions Counselor will be happy to provide you with information and recommendations for local housing agencies, as well as school-provided apartments. Students who do not have prior housing arrangements should begin speaking with their Admissions Counselor as soon as possible.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.