Photography Essentials
A hands-on beginner’s course to develop professional photography skills. Learn to use DSLR and mirrorless cameras, master composition and lighting, and produce a portfolio of digital images for employment, business, or creative use.
FREE COURSE
NZ$0
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Core skills this course teaches
Apply camera fundamentals
Demonstrate practical skills using DSLR and mirrorless cameras, managing settings for different photographic requirements.
Master exposure and lighting
Confidently use and balance aperture, shutter speed, ISO, as well as natural and artificial lighting to achieve desired photographic effects.
About This Course
Turn your passion for photography into a professional skillset with this hands-on beginner’s course. This programme introduces the fundamentals of digital photography including use of cameras, understanding exposure, composition, lighting, and photo editing. Apply learning in real-world projects and build a portfolio of 5–10 professionally edited images. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in employment, small business marketing, or career transition with a strong foundation in commercial digital photography.
Course Content
- DSLR and mirrorless camera fundamentals
- Understanding the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
- Essential composition techniques for impactful images
- Natural and artificial lighting basics
- Introduction to photographic editing and image enhancement
- Practical skills for commercial photography applications
- Building a portfolio of professionally edited images
Entry Requirements
Must be 16 years or older
Not attending high school
Build towards these roles
PhotographerFreelance PhotographerContent CreatorMarketing Assistant
Build skills in these industries
Media & CommunicationsCreative IndustriesSales & Marketing
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Courses span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.
