The course year is 43 weeks in duration and is divided into four terms. The overall design of the course is based on a series of practical photographic exercises.
They start with basic training exercises then increase in complexity until, in the final term of the course, participants are able to complete complex photographic projects with a professional level of competence in both creative and technical aspects.
Apart from practical exercises the course also has lectures, demonstrations and workshops by industry experienced staff tutors and industry guest tutors as well as research and self-directed learning exercises to achieve the stated course objectives and outcomes.
In the first three terms the course will provide a comprehensive introduction to and practical experience in carrying out the following major photographic skills and genres:
- Photojournalism including news, sports, live events, documentary and travel photography.
- Commercial Photography, including fashion, illustrative, industrial and scientific photography.
- Creative Fine Art Photography including portrait, landscape, exhibition and fantasy photography.
This will enable students to select the photographic skills that they want to specialise in for term four and then work exclusively within their branch of digital photography to produce a high quality end-of-course professional folio that they can use to obtain allied work.
To prepare students for the challenges of professional photographic work the course includes lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and training exercises in following aspects of digital photography.
- History of Photography – Overview of technical and creative development of photography.
- Science of Photography – Overview of chemistry and physics of all aspects of photography including lighting.
- Photographic Equipment – Overview of all film and digital photographic equipment, accessories, materials and supplies.
- Basic introduction to the operations of essential film photographic cameras and accessories as well as film demonstration of darkroom operations print and processing.
- Overview of operating techniques and extensive hands on training in practical use of all essential digital photographic cameras, accessories and supplies.
- Overview of lighting techniques and styles as well as extensive training in hands on practical use of all essential photographic lighting equipment, accessories and supplies.
- Introduction to photographic aesthetics including composition, framing, camera angles, lighting, perspective, display layouts etc.
- Practical experience in use of digital camera controls, lighting effects, lens choice, compositional devices etc to obtain confidence in the creative control of photography.
- Introduction to the analysis and assessment of photographs in order to provide feedback for improvements.
- Introduction to essential digital photographic file formats, memory storage systems and digital transfer, duplication and workflow operations.
- Introduction to digital photographic post production including extensive practical use of computer and photoshop software operations, digital printing techniques, computer file management, etc.
- Introduction to art direction requirements of commercial photography including conceptualisation, client interaction; visual communication and stylisation, model makeup, wardrobe and prop selection, colour co-ordination etc.
- Introduction to production bookings, planning requirements and scheduling for photographic assignments and projects.
- Introduction to budgeting, book keeping and business management for commercial photography.
- Introduction to preparing photographic folios, curriculum vitae, researching, obtaining work and developing photographic careers.
- Course participants will have access to and use of following photographic facilities and equipment.
- Photographic studio with associated cameras, lighting and camera support equipment etc.
- Location camera kits including accessories, lighting and grip equipment and extra lenses etc.
- Post production studio with computers and relevant software applications including photo-shop.
Classroom with multi-media and computer projection system for lectures and demonstrations.
Note: It is recommended that course students also have their own Digital SLR camera and notebook computer.
The Diploma in Digital Photography prepares participants for a wide range of careers in the field of digital imaging, including independent photographic practice, work for web/video production companies, colour management/retouching services, fashion, advertising, industrial, scientific, reportage and editorial photography. In addition, students will gain an overall experience that can also lead to employment in the fields of picture research and education.
