Certificate in Introductory Photography
Visual Arts
A course by
UCOL
Learn the basics of photography as a medium to express creative ideas in this level 5 certificate. Develop introductory skills in camera usage, composition, lighting, digital processing, and presentation of images.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 10 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Manual camera use
Operate DSLR or mirrorless cameras manually, adjusting settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance to create visually compelling images.
Image composition and lighting
Apply design principles and use natural and artificial lighting effectively to compose images.
Digital image editing
Perform basic image editing and processing using Photoshop software.
What You're Signing Up For
The Certificate in Introductory Photography at UCOL is a Level 5 qualification that teaches foundational photography skills including camera equipment use, manual photography settings, composition principles, lighting techniques, digital image processing with Photoshop, and understanding contemporary photographic practices. Suitable for those wanting practical skills for professional photography, marketing, or social media, it prepares students for further study in photography.
Course Content
- Composition of images using design elements and principles such as texture, shape, form, space, shadow and colour
- Understanding camera types, usage and accessories
- Exposure, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focusing techniques
- Using natural and studio lighting
- Introduction to Photoshop image processing
- Influences on contemporary photographic practice
- Developing visual ideas from initial brief analysis
- Research and development from concept to resolution
What you need to know first
Open entry
Recommended literacy and numeracy at NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative Arts
Photography
Media
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry level professional photography roles
Marketing and social media content creation