Between Grain and Pixel
Course Type:
- Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
Duration and Learning Format
Provide a clear overview of the course structure, including:
- Total workload (in hours), broken down into:
- Synchronous online activities – 17h
- On-site (physical mobility) activities -35h
- Independent and group work – 30h
- Dates of:
- Online component: October- November 2026
- On-site component: 9-13 November
Credits and Certification
In order to obtain the ECTS credits, participants are required to attend at least 80% of the course activities and demonstrate active participation and satisfactory achievement of the learning objectives.
Organising Institutions and Teaching Staff:
Lead and Host Institution
Instituto Politécnico de Santarém (Portugal)
- Joao Cabral – joao.cabral@ese.ipsantarem.pt
- Teresa Cavalheiro – teresa.cavalheiro@ese.ipsantarem.pt
- Ana Loureiro ana.loureiro@ese.ipsantarem.pt
Partner Institutions
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain).
- Manuel Casal – m.casal.prof@ufv.es
National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture
- Daiga Livcane – Daiga.livcane@lka.edu.lv
- Andrejs Verhoustinskis – andrejs.verhoustinskis@lka.edu.lv
External stakeholders
– Pantalha – soluções de Áudio e Vídeo
– VienaDiena.lv and photographer Ilmars Znotins
Course Overview
Between Grain and Pixel – Analogue and Digital Documentary Photography
This course explores how we tell real stories through photography, using both analogue (film) and digital techniques. The main challenge is to understand how different tools and processes influence the way we see, record and interpret the world around us.
In real life, documentary photography is present in fields such as journalism, social media, activism and cultural projects. Knowing how to use images consciously helps us to communicate better, to question what we see and to give voice to different perspectives — something particularly important in a world full of fleeting and not always verified images.
This subject is relevant because photography is not just a technique — it is also a way of thinking critically. Academically, it helps develop visual analysis and creativity. Professionally, it opens doors in fields such as communication, media and the arts. Socially, it allows us to better understand other realities and tell stories with impact and responsibility.
The course is designed for students from different audiovisual disciplines and countries, although prior experience in photography is required.
Learning Journey
The course follows a blended and progressive learning pathway that combines conceptual exploration, creative practice and experiential learning within an international context.
Online preparatory phase (October–November 2026)
During the online phase, students are introduced to the core concepts of the course, including the natural heritage of the River Tagus. This phase includes inspirational sessions, case studies, guided discussions and preparatory information sessions that support the development of ideas and the formation of teams. Students also begin individual and group research and reflect on initial creative concepts.
In-person mobility week (9–13 November, Santarém)
The in-person phase takes place in Santarém and focuses on practical, hands-on learning. Students work in interdisciplinary and international teams in creative workshops, developing photographic images and artistic proposals under the guidance of the teaching staff and external stakeholders (Pantalha and VienaDiena.lv). The programme includes mentoring sessions, visits to cultural and heritage institutions, and collaborative work culminating in a photographic exhibition of the students’ work. This immersive week encourages experimentation, teamwork and the translation of ideas into tangible results.
Learning Objectives
Specific learning objectives include:
- To develop the ability to observe the world critically and attentively, using photography as a tool for understanding reality.
- To explore the differences and connections between analogue and digital photography, recognising how each approach influences the final result.
- To learn how to tell clear and meaningful visual stories, based on real-life situations and everyday contexts.
- Encourage creativity and experimentation
- Promote the responsible use of images, reflecting on ethics, representation and social impact.
- Strengthen visual communication skills useful in different academic and professional fields.
- Encourage collaboration between participants from different cultures, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences.
Learning Outcomes
- Acquire cultural and visual literacy relating to the heritage of the River Tagus
- Apply creative methodologies to real-world cultural challenges
- Develop social skills: collaboration, adaptability and self-awareness
- Develop artistic Photo portfolio proposals based on heritage and sustainability
- Collaborate effectively in international and interdisciplinary teams
- Present their proposals professionally to stakeholders
- Develop a personal style and narrative through creative experimentation in Photography
- Master the photographic process from image capture to final printing/enlargement
Which students would find this course useful for them?
This course is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from ACE²EU partner universities, particularly those studying or interested in:
- Design, Visual Arts, Multimedia
- Architecture, Audiovisual Communication, Photography, Cinema
- Recommended Language Level :
- English B1–B2
This is mandatory, as English is the working language of ACE²-EU courses.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should
🔗 Apply here:
Deadline for receipt of applications:
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the programme. Participating institutions apply their own internal selection procedures.
Prior to the start of the course, selected participants will receive a welcome email from the ACE²-EU Alliance containing detailed information and instructions specific to the programme.
Further Information
For any questions related to the course, please contact:
