This introductory three-week course provides a foundation for those beginning their exploration of the history of photography, tracing the medium from its invention in the nineteenth century to its contemporary digital ubiquity.
Developed and facilitated by RMIT University’s Professor Daniel Palmer in collaboration with the NGV, the course enables a close study of significant works in the NGV Collection – Australia’s first art museum with a dedicated photography department – and will consider the key artists, contexts and moments in photography.
By completing this course, participants will be equipped with the skills to understand, analyse and discuss Australian and international photography, and throughout each session will consider how photographs shape the ways we see, understand and remember the world.
Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking to expand your art history knowledge, or simply curious about the history and evolution of photography, this course will deepen your understanding of the medium and how its visual language continues to shape our lives.
Daniel Palmer is a Professor in the School of Art at RMIT University where he leads the Art History and Theory program. A former curator at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Palmer, has taught the history and theory of photography for over twenty years at the University of Melbourne, Photography Studies College, Monash University and RMIT University. Well known in Australia and internationally for his writings on photography, Palmer’s books include Installation View: Photography Exhibitions in Australia 1848–2020 (Perimeter Editions 2021) with Martyn Jolly; Photography and Collaboration: From Conceptual Art to Crowdsourcing (Bloomsbury 2017); The Culture of Photography in Public Space (Intellect 2015), edited with Anne Marsh and Melissa Miles; and Twelve Australian Photo Artists (Piper Press, 2009), co-authored with Blair French. The recipient of multiple awards and grants, his scholarly writings on photography and contemporary art have appeared in journals such as Photographies, Philosophy of Photography, History of Photography and Photography and Culture.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand key moments, movements, and critical debates in the history of photography
- Learn and apply foundational concepts from photographic theory to the interpretation of images
- Critically explore and consider contemporary debates around photography in digital and networked culture
Each week will include illustrated presentations by the course facilitator, Daniel Palmer, plus informal talks and conversations with a weekly guest speaker to further unpack that week’s topic. Sessions will be held in person in the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium at NGV International.
Participants will also receive a resource pack ahead of the first session. The pack will include a course overview, a list of key artworks, a recommended reading list and self-guided activities to deepen engagement with the themes explored.
The course will take place on Saturday mornings on 11 April, 18 April and 2 May.
Sessions will run from 10.30am–1.30pm and will be held onsite at NGV International in the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium.
$400 Members / $450 Adult / $425 Concession, Student & Educator
+ $5.50 Booking Fee
Enrol in more than one course to receive a 10% discount.
NGV Members, educators and students receive discounted enrolment to all NGV Art School courses.
Your course enrolment includes access to three in-person sessions at NGV International on 11 April, 18 April and 2 May plus a resource pack featuring a list of key artworks, a recommended reading list and self-guided activities to support your learning.
You will also receive a ticket to see the Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light exhibition in your own time, on display at NGV International until 3 May 2026.
Information for Teachers & Educators
A History of Photography Through the NGV Collection offers an inspiring and creative professional learning opportunity for teachers of all levels and subjects. This course meets the following AITSL standards:
- Know the content and how to teach it (2.1)
- Engage in professional learning (6.1)
- Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community (7.4)
A certificate of professional learning is available on request.
This course is part of NGV Art School – your one-stop resource for inspiration, creative skill-building and immersion in art and art history. Join us for in-Gallery and online courses, practical artist-led classes, and tailored learning experiences led by curators and specialist educators.