Computational Photography is a field created by the convergence of photography, computer graphics and computer vision. Its role is to overcome the limitations of the traditional camera by using computational techniques to produce a richer, perceptually meaningful representation of our visual world. Modern acquisition tools (hardware & software) are making it possible to capture visual data (colour, texture, shape, motion) and, most critically, present that data in a useful manner.

The module is designed to be self-contained, introducing the theoretical and practical aspects of modern photography and capture algorithms to students with only limited background in visual computing. The two primary aims are i) to introduce universal models of colour, computer-controlled cameras, lighting and shape capture, and ii) to motivate students to choose among the topics presented for either continuing study (for those considering further M.Sc.’s lectures or PhD’s) or future careers in the fields of advanced imaging.