A Comprehensive Foundation Course for Photographers

Developed by professional photographers to train professional photographers, this course gives you a very sound foundation for a career in the modern photographic industry.
This is a rapidly changing industry; and this course is continuously being updated to meet these rapid changes.

Course Structure

The certificate consists of six modules:

Introduction to Photography

• Discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.
• Explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.
• Provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs. It provides a framework, upon which you will base your work in future lessons.
• Determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera
• Explain how photographic film is developed.
• Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explain techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
• Work more effectively with light when taking photographs.
• To identify and avoid common faults in photographs.

Photographic Practice

• Compose photographs in a way that matches a predetermined aim.
• Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs of people.
• Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs of landscapes or other natural subjects.
• Differentiate between appropriate use of colour and black and white photography.
• Create varied visual affects through the use of special techniques.
• Explain a variety of ways to take better illustrative photographs.
• Explain a variety of ways to take better photographs for use in print or electronic media.
• Determine the nature and scope of business opportunities in photography.

Photographic Technology

• Describe in technical terms, how an image forms when a photograph is taken.
• Explain the nature of light and how this relates to the finished photographic product.
• Describe how sensitivity of a photo sensitive surface and its development affect the photographic image.
• Explain sensitivity relates to development affect the photographic image.
• Explain the composition and manipulation of white and coloured light to create different photographic images.
• Discuss the chemical process that occurs in producing a colour film photograph.
• Explain how the photographic image may be manipulated by using optical filters or other camera attachments, other than lenses.
• Explain how the photographic image may be manipulated by using lenses.

Digital Photography

• Describe the scope and nature of digital photography
• Select appropriate equipment for use in digital photography
• Explain how technology enables digital images to be captured.
• Compare different digital cameras and select an appropriate camera for a particular application.
• Control the effects created in a digital photograph which you take.
• Describe techniques which can be used for digitally capturing images from film photographs, or graphics.
• Explain how digital images can be transferred effectively from a camera (or scanner) onto another device (eg. a computer, video monitor, television set, etc).
• Describe techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
• Explain how digital photos can be manipulated and changed to produce altered images.
• Discuss the scope and nature of special effects that can be created with digital photographs.
• Identify how and where digital photography can effectively be used.

Photoshop

• Open digital files using Photoshop
• Resize images and save them in multiple file formats
• Create original graphics using the Photoshop tools
• Manipulate individual elements of a graphic composition or image
• Improve the quality of an image (clean it up) by applying modifications
• Apply interesting filters and effects to images or compositions
• Prepare your files for the web, print or email

Photographic Lighting

• Discuss the scope and nature of lighting as relevant to photography.
• Describe how different light sources will affect different images in varying ways.
• Describe how different filters can be used to create different lighting effects.
• Identify the differences between different types of light meters.
• Describe the range of equipment which can be used to help achieve more desirable light conditions for photography.
• Explain contrast and how to compensate for imperfect light conditions.
• Explain how to use tone to create the desired final image.
• Distinguish between utilisation of light in a studio and on location. To view detailed outlines of each of the modules click on the modules above, one by one

What's it like to work in Photography?


Photography offers a wide range of employment prospects and career paths.

The industry is a dynamic one, but one that is also in the midst of upheaval as people move away from film photography and into digital photography.

Developments in digital technology have had a huge impact on the photographic industry causing many large and well established employers to reduce job numbers. At the same time, new technologies have offered small businesses and freelance photographers an opportunity to compete more strongly than ever before with larger and more established businesses and professionals.

In summary, photography offers lots of opportunity, but it is a rapidly changing industry, and to succeed, you need to stay up to date, and have the capacity to not only adapt quickly to new technology, but also be innovative in the way you apply it and the way you move your career forward.

Photographers are employed in many different types of jobs, including:

• Photographic Salesperson
• Photo artist
• Wedding Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Photo Library Manager
• Advertising Studio Photographer
• In House Magazine or News Photographer
• Photography Teacher/Trainer
• Military Photographer
• Book Illustrator

CAN THIS COURSE HELP ME GET WORK?

No course not matter what area of study or at what level will guarantee you work. There are many other facets to finding a job and advancing your career:

Choosing the right course:  in a photography course you should learn about photographic technology along with techniques - it is more than just taking a pretty photo! If you don’t understand the fundamentals of photographic techniques you really can’t take brilliant photos.  If you choose the right combination in a course then you will be ready to tackle a range of photographic problems, at any stage, when needed.

Choosing the right school: not all schools are equal!  Some concentrate on rushing you through the course within set time frames and semesters but at ACS you work at your own pace, starting within days of enrolment. We also support you through your course – just contact us whenever you need to so we can help you to move through your studies as efficiently as possible. Choosing the right school also means that your studies are tailored to suit your needs, industry needs and future job prospects.

Getting the most out of your course: studying is not just about getting that qualification and getting a job isn’t just about your qualifications either. Getting the most out of your course means not rushing through your studies just to get the piece of paper. It means absorbing what you are learning, being able to store that knowledge and recall it later – many years later. Not all courses give you that. Some courses concentrate on competencies rather than encouraging you to develop problem solving skills. With Problem Based or Experiential Learning you are set problems that need to be solved in your set tasks and assignments. Students that study with a school using these methods (such as ACS), tend to absorb knowledge better they are also better at long term memory and recall.

Being passionate about your work: people who are passionate about their work tend to do a lot better they also do far better at their studies. You will also be far more likely to advance further in your career if you are truly interested in the work you are doing or want to do.

Learn to communicate effectively: good communicators are able to converse well with people at any level. They are good listeners. They annunciate clearly. They will have great customer skills, a great attitude to their work, are very good on the phone and know their way around a computer and use them as tools for effective communication. They also know what is and isn’t appropriate language in the workplace. They will understand boundaries. They are usually confident.

Start networking: networking is one of the most effective tools for gaining employment. There are many ways that you can network: join social media groups such as linked-in and make sure that you update your profile as your educational or employment standing changes. Make yourself known within your industry - join industry groups and affiliations, attend seminars, trade shows and exhibitions and any other opportunity for you to mix with your peers or prospective employers.

Always be well-presented: first appearances always count - a well-groomed and appropriately dressed person will always get a better reception than a scruffy one!