Exploring the Connection Between Photography and Digital Skills
Exploring the Connection Between Photography and Digital Skills
I am often asked why I take part in a project that links photography with digital skills. The answer is simple: these two areas are closely connected and share a common ground.
The diagram below illustrates this relationship:
Photography is not only about capturing a picture. It is about creativity, composition, and the ability to use light effectively – all of which lead to striking images. Digital skills, on the other hand, help us to live and work in a world dominated by technology. We use them every day, whether on social media, at work on a computer, or through countless apps on a tablet.
The connection between photography and digital skills is not just a passing trend. It reflects a significant change in how we create, share, and experience visual media. Photography still relies on timeless artistic elements – light, composition, and storytelling – but the tools we use have evolved dramatically. Knowing how to operate a camera is only the beginning. The real magic happens when creative vision meets digital technology.
Post-processing software allows us to refine our photos, and social media platforms help us to share them with the world. Digital skills act as the bridge that links creativity with an audience.Together, they enhance our work and help us to thrive in an increasingly visual and digital world.
Key Competencies: Photography and Digital Skills
Below is an overview of important competencies in both photography and digital skills, along with their value in daily life:
Photography Competencies
Understanding Composition and Lighting
Knowing how to frame a shot, use the rule of thirds, and work with natural or artificial light to create attractive images. It improves personal photography, from family portraits to travel pictures, and supports visual tasks in areas like design or decorating.
Creative Vision and Storytelling
Seeing a scene and imagining the story it tells. Photography here is not just about taking a picture, but also about sharing emotion, context, and perspective. The added value can be found in strengthening the ability to communicate in a creative way. It is useful for presentations, marketing, or simply sharing experiences more vividly.
Technical Camera Knowledge
Understanding settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and how they work together to control exposure and depth of field. This competence gives you control over your photos and confidence to capture high-quality images in any situation.
Digital Skills Competencies
Image Editing and Post-Processing
Using software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to improve and enhance photos includes tasks like colour correction, cropping, and retouching. This competency not only enhances the quality of your images but also allows you to express your creative vision, making it essential for anyone who wants to share professional-looking photos online.
Digital Asset Management
Organising and archiving digital photos effectively using cloud storage, logical folder structures, and backups. This skill saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures that your images are safely stored and protected from data loss.
Social Media and Online Presence
Sharing photos effectively on platforms like Instagram, Flickr, or personal websites. This includes understanding hashtags, engaging with followers, and building an online community. This ability supports career growth, networking, and global exposure while also providing valuable opportunities for feedback and creative development.
The CICERO Project
The CICERO project (Project number 2018-1-SE01-KA204-039051), which successfully combined photography with the development of digital skills, was awarded the prestigious Label of Good Practice. Although the project closed four years ago, its valuable documentation is still available until March 31st, 2026. After this date, the preserved version will be available in the project archive at https://www.ebi-eie.eu/cicero.
To ensure continued access, the original training course has been transferred from its former Moodle server to the low threshold learning platform of the European Initiative for Education. This move enables everyone, including interested individuals from all backgrounds, to freely engage with the learning content and benefit from the project’s outcomes.
Training Course
The training course was developed within the project on a Moodle platform. Key content is now also available on the European Education Initiative's low-threshold learning platform, even after the project platform has ended. You can access the platform at learn.ebi-eie.eu.
Further information
For further information about the CICERO project, interested individuals may contact the European Initiative for Education (EBI) at info[at]advanced-training.at or reach out to any of the other project partners.
About the Author
Mag. rer. nat. Peter Mazohl is an Austrian educator and researcher specialising in digital learning. With master’s degrees in physics and mathematics, he has over 40 years of teaching experience in secondary, vocational, and higher education.
He is the founder and President of the European Initiative for Education (EBI/EIE). His work focuses on innovative teaching methods such as active learning, the Flipped Learning 3.0 Framework, and blended learning. Besides this, he is working as a professional photographer.
Peter Mazohl was a leading partner in the CICERO project, working in close cooperation with the coordinating institution, the University of Stockholm.
