The cutting-edge professional photography courses are written and directed by some of the best working photographers in their field. The aim of the courses is to provide you with the knowledge and skills required for a career as a professional photographer or as a keen hobbyist.
The Professional Photography Courses are delivered online and consist of 12 modules and 12 interactive assignments. You can study in your own time and at your own pace. Students studying the Diploma Course are provided up to 18 months to complete their studies. During this time you will be educated in all aspects of photography by our experienced authors and tutors; who are some of the top freelance photographers around. Their vast wealth of accumulated knowledge is provided to you, along with the ways to apply this knowledge to the areas of photography that most interest you.
The business of photography is not just about award-winning images. It can also be about the right picture at the right time. Newspapers, magazines, and websites worldwide are constantly on the lookout for new and interesting material. The opportunities are enormous and always growing.
The Photography Institute is owned and operated by Online Education Pty Ltd, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), enabling us to offer you the CUA50915 – Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging.
Below are some of the key components of our Diploma course:
Accredited with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) ASQA accreditation requires an extensive and thorough process to verify accredited courses are compliant with current government standards.
More In-depth The Diploma modules and their corresponding assignments meet ASQA criteria, are more in-depth (80% different) and better prepare you for entering the workforce at the end of the course.
Approved Assessors All of the Diploma tutors are ASQA approved assessors.
Units are integrated through a 12 module course The author has covered the knowledge and performance evidence for all of the units required to be covered by ASQA. The units covered in our Diploma course can be viewed here. These units have been integrated into our 12 module course in a unique and interactive way that allows the student a cohesive and enjoyable journey.
Get to know the authors, before they introduce you to the world of professional photography as it exists today. This module is an extensive look at the equipment you will use, covering cameras, how they function and when to take advantage of the broad range of lenses available to you.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAACD512 Work With Photomedia In Creative Practice CUAPHI501 Apply Visual Communication Theory to Photo Imaging Practice CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPPR501 Realise a Body of Creative Work CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques
Module Content:
Introduction To The Professional Photography Course
About The Authors
The Still Image
The Optical Process
The Digital Camera
Camera Overview
Amateur Cameras
Phone Cameras
Point and Shoot Cameras
Micro Four Third Cameras
Bridge and Super Zoom Cameras
Enthusiast VS Pro Cameras
Mirror-less or CSC Cameras
The DSLR
Recent Camera Developments
Which Camera Should I Buy?
Camera Features
Service and accessories
End Usage
Parts of a Camera
Camera Body
Digital Sensor
Lens
Shutter
Memory Card
Important Features of the Modern Camera
Megapixels
Sensor Size
Frames Per Second (Fps)
ISO
Colour Histograms
Recommendations Regarding Cameras
Some General Observations on Cameras
The Pro Camera
The Small Format Camera
The DSLR Camera
The Rangefinder Camera
A Friendly Caution
Recent Developments in Small Format Cameras
The Medium Format Camera
Small & Medium Format DSLR Features
Interchangeable Lenses
Adjustable ISO
Integrated Light Meters
Mirror Locking
Self-Timer
Digital Image Capture
Digital Sensors
CCD & CMOS Compared
In-Camera Controls & What to do With Them
RAW
Adobe 1998 RGB
sRGB
Greyscale
Saturation, Contrast & Sharpening
Lenses
Uncovering the Lens
Lens Overview
The Science of lenses
Focus
Focal Length
Aperture
Angle of View
Lens Types
The Normal Lens
Telephoto Lenses
Wide-Angle Lenses
Specialty Lenses & Attachments
Macro Lenses
Extension Rings, Tubes & Bellows
Zoom Lenses
Reflex Lenses
Tilt-Shift Lenses
Lens Faults & Flaws
Spherical Aberrations
Chromatic Aberration
Barrel & Pincushion Distortion
Flare & Vignetting
Advanced Features of Modern lenses
Multi-coating
Auto focus (AF)
Image stabilisation (IS) or Vibration Reduction (VR)
Learn how to control your camera and capture the images you have always imagined. You will learn all aspects of correct camera handling including an in-depth understanding of the settings on your camera and how to control the exposure to achieve the results you want, when you want, every time.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI501 Apply Visual Communication Theory to Photo Imaging Practice CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images
Quick and accurate Post-production plays a very important role in the photography workflow and this module explores in depth the use of post-production Programs focusing on Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. This will give the student a comprehensive experience using and applying these programs as in a professional manner as part of their workflow. This module also focuses on Digital art and expanding their knowledge of current industry practice.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends
Module Content:
Post-production Introduction
Capture And Editing Software
Capture One Software
Adobe Photoshop (Ps)
Adobe Lightroom (Lr)
Exposure Software
Other Image Editing & Retouching Tools
The Interesting Issue Of DPI & PPI
Image File Size… How Big Is Big Enough?
Computers & Monitors
Data Storage
Digital Video Disc – DVD’s
External Hard Drives
Raid Arrays
Solid State Drives – SSD’s
The Future Of File Storage
Future Proofing Your Files
Backing Up Your Photographs
The Graphics Tablet
Post-production
Why Lightroom?
Creative Cloud Overview
Lightroom Classic System Requirements
Lightroom Help
Adobe Lightroom
Lightroom Classic Vs Lightroom CC
Lightroom Classic Vs Photoshop CC
Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts
Introduction To Lightroom
Collections
Library Module Metadata & Intro To Tools And Adjustments
In this module we will be learning about light, the characteristics of light and how we, as photographers, harness the characteristics of light to good effect in our photographs. The ability to light our subjects well, gives us a unique selling proposition in our professional practice.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends
In this module we will explore a range of historical and contemporary sources of light. You will examine the theories of light and how you can prepare to shoot for a range of lighting techniques and situations. You will explore lighting with a range of subject and locations including interior and exterior locations. You will produce a series of photo images using appropriate lighting techniques and technologies to create an emotional response to the viewer. You will learn how to identify future work directions in contemporary industry and how to respond to the changes this creates.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI503 Explore the Descriptive and Emotive Nature of Photo Lighting CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends
In this module you will learn the advanced techniques of correct colour management. Colour management encompasses areas of capture, display and output in the imaging workflow and evaluates correct management of these spaces. We will identify and select appropriate calibration devices to create profiles for your system. You will then review this impact on your workflow and amend any areas that need consideration.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI513 Employ Colour Management in a Digital Imaging Workplace CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images
Module Content:
Introducing Colour
The Colour Spectrum
Colour Temperature
Early Colour Theory Development
Maxwell’s Triangle & Modern Colour Theory
Colour Spaces
Additive & Subtractive Colour Systems
The CIE & LAB Colour
Managing Colour & Digital White Balance
Custom White Balance
A Colour Reality Check
Seeing Like A Camera
Colour Perception
How do You See Colour?
Adobe Colour Wheel
Colour Management in Camera
Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB
ProPhoto RGB
Grey Spaces
Dynamic Range
Calibrating Your Camera
Using Your Data Colourchecker or Xrite Colour Checker
In this module you will identify current industry trends that impact on photo imaging and evaluate how these trends can impact on your professional practice. You will identify business opportunities associated with these trends and develop entrepreneurial strategies to develop within the marketplace. You will then focus on relevant employment opportunities within industry and maintain industry contacts. You will produce material about the services you provide and promote your business across a range of media outlets and online platforms. You will establish a clear and concise agreement with a client and agree on fees, schedules and expenses.
Units covered in this module:
CUAIND402 Provide Freelance Services CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAACD512 Work With Photomedia in Creative Practice CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPPR501 Realise a Body of Creative Work CUAPPR503 Present a Body of Own Creative Work CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images
Visual communication is part of our everyday life, we see it online, on the TV and in our geographical locations. The effective use of communicating visually is complex and includes requires the creative to correctly interpret a brief, develop conceptually concepts around the brief, be able to critique the idea and interpret the mode of delivery for the audience. In this module you will learn how to determine your intent of visual communication specific to your target audience for photo images.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI501 Apply Visual Communication Theory to Photo Imaging Practice CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images
In this module you will examine traditional and contemporary ways photomedia is used. You will identify appropriate digital, traditional and contemporary methods that can be applied to photomedia projects. You will develop a body of work using research as an underpinning requirement. You will achieve different effects and results within your photography practice and refine your ideas through a process of experimentation. You will review your work and finalise the images while applying safe work practices. Your final project for this module will be a body of work encompassing your research and experimentation that will inform your final images.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPPR501 Realise a Body of Creative Work CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAACD512 Work With Photomedia in Creative Practice CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images
Module Content:
Think Creatively
Research Contemporary Photography Sources
Research Historical Creative Photography
Timeline of Photography
The Genius of Photography
Traditional Process in Modern Creative Practice
Tim Gibbs
David Hockney
Craig Tuffin
Stephen McNally
Adrian Cook
Conceptualising the Potential of Photomedia in Your Own Work
Interview with George Byrne
Experimenting with Photomedia in Your Own Work
How A Body of Work Evolves
Experimenting Digitally
Developing Ideas From Experimentation
Tools of the Trade
Experiment With Tools
Refine Ideas Through a Process of Experimentation
Double Exposure
Cinemagraphs
Timelapse Photography
New Editing Software Solutions
Review Work in Progress
Evaluate Finished Work for Intended Purpose
Plan and Organise the Production of Creative Work
Steps in a Process
Planning & Collaboration Tools
Set up or Gain Access to an Appropriate Work Space
Develop a Realistic Timeframe for the Production of Work
Evaluate and Respond to Respond to Project Constraints
Monitor Project Workflow Against the Plan
Working With a Team
Budgeting
Intellectual Property Considerations
Principles and Rules of Copyright
Moral Rights
Copyright Resources
Create and Present a Body of Work
What is a Body of Work?
How to Create a Body of Work
Create and Present a Body of Work and a Portfolio
Soft Copy Portfolio
Hard Copy Portfolio
Books
Website Portfolio
Develop Your Own Presentation Style
Document Your Work From Initial Ideas to Project Completion
Evaluate Your Work
Review Work in Progress Against Personal, Professional and Artistic Objectives
In this module we will explore how to interpret a commercial photography brief you will learn how to research styles and conceptualise aesthetic approaches to specific job requirements. You will learn how to prepare job estimates and how to apply a creative fee for your time and effort. You will prepare terms and conditions, budgets and quote on shooting against your initial estimate. You will make an agreement and complete your contract. We will investigate codes of practice, licencing and permit requirements for commercial shoots. You will then also apply this knowledge to the stock photography industry and create a body of work for a stock agency.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAACD512 Work With Photomedia in Creative Practice CUAPPR501 Realise a Body of Creative Work CUAPPR503 Present a Body of Own Creative Work CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services
In this module you will be developing your own ideas and studying the work of others to stimulate your own conceptual and technical skills and consider intellectual property implications. You will explore and use technology to expand your own practice, identify industry networks and events to generate work opportunities and promote yourself as an artist. This will include considerations for an exhibition and all associated promotional material, artist statements and PR requirements. You will investigate and present a body of work using a range of visual communication modes and media to engage a target audience of your choosing and seek to evaluate how this theory impacts on your own creative practice.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPPR404 Develop Self as Artist CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI402 Apply Photo Imaging Lighting Techniques CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAPHI502 Research and Apply Photo Imaging Trends
Final Body of Work – Portfolio and Area of Specialisation
In this module you will be building your final body of work as a portfolio in your area of interest. You will combine everything you have learned so far to create an industry standard series of images. You will consider your target audience for this body of work and a variety of means of displaying you images online. This will include a website and social media considerations. You will investigate how visual communication engages your target audience and how you will apply visual communication theories to your photo images. You will explore presentation options for your portfolio and consult with relevant people when developing presentation options. You will develop your presentation concept using critical thinking skills. You will refine how the presentation will work and explore the production budget, timeframes and workflow plans with consideration to timeframe, objectives and copyright requirements. You may need to address technical challenges that arise during the process. You will then present your own creative work stylistically that suits your genre and seek feedback on your body of work. You will also develop systems to identify to future presentations and business opportunities.
Units covered in this module:
CUAPPR503 Present a Body of Own Creative Work CUADIG508 Refine Digital Art Techniques CUAPHI302 Capture Photographic Images CUAPHI505 Produce Commercial Photo Images CUAPHI506 Provide Photographic Portrait Services CUAPHI507 Produce Media Photo Images CUAPHI511 Make Illustrative Photo Images for Publication and Display CUAACD512 Work With Photomedia in Creative Practice CUAPHI403 Enhance, Manipulate and Output Photo Images
Module Content:
Introduction
Where do you want to pitch your business?
What do you want to do?
Where and How to Pitch
Presentation Options
Audience
Print
Portfolio boxes
Custom Portfolio Books
Printed Books
Online Options
Design
The Importance of Design
Researching Competitors
Your Corporate Identity
Your Style
Your Values
Your Target Market
Visual Style Guide
Layout
DIY Design
Outsourced Design
Bidding Sites
Contra-deals
Design Students
Budget Implications
Copyright Implications
Design Implementation
Scheduling
Budget
Image Selection
Image Layout
Image Flow
Proofing
Feedback
Industry Professionals
Mentors
Experienced Clients
Peers
Copyright Protection & Clearances
Presentation
Create Presentations
Present Work
Wedding and Portrait Photographer
Advertising, Commercial and Editorial Photographer
The Photography Institute offers you the most advanced and comprehensive online solution to learning available today. We offer the most thorough home study course in photography using the very latest online learning techniques. Our commitment to providing the highest quality training program has resulted in unique teaching and student support systems, which produce unparalleled results
THE AUTHORS
Know more about the authors.
GEORGE SEPER
George began his photographic career in New York City in the early 1970s and has gone on to forge an illustrious career where his work has appeared in countless publications worldwide.
YVETTE WORBOYS
Yvette Worboys has been authoring and teaching photography in the Australian VET sector since 2008 and has been published and exhibited over the last 15 years both nationally and internationally.
JULIAN WATT
Julian is an established, conceptual advertising photographer, that has won many international awards. Julian also has many years of experience authoring and tutoring materials in the Australian VET sector.
OUR TUTORS
Our handpicked tutors are not only great teachers, but experts in their fields.
YVETTE WORBOYS
Yvette has over 20 years of experience in both graphic design and photography with interests in the arts from an early age.
JUSTIN AITKEN
Justin has had his work published in many magazines, books, and websites. He has photographed international & local celebrities and acts, including Metallica, Santana, Dave Dobbyn, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Coldplay.
GEORGE SEPER
Internationally respected, George Seper has been photographing food for over 30 years
JULIAN WATT
Julian is an established, conceptual advertising photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Clients work with him because he’s versatile, a wizard with light, has never had to do a reshoot and always makes it look easy.
Accreditation
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The courses are designed to be self-paced. For the Diploma Course, you would expect to dedicate, as per AQF standards, approximately 16 hours per week of structured and non-structured training over an 18 month period. Students studying the Students studying the Diploma Course are provided up to 18 months to complete their studies.
All you need for the International Certificate course is a camera. A Digital SLR or Mirrorless (CSC) camera is best; but certainly not essential. We also recommend a recent version of Adobe Photoshop. However, you may use other photo editing programs.
To complete the first assignment of the Australian Accredited Diploma course, you will require access to the following:
A 35mm DSLR or Mirrorless (CSC) equivalent that has detachable lenses and can have accessories attached to it.
Lenses with 50mm focal length, or a zoom lens with 50mm zoom range for your sensor size.
A computer that is capable of running Adobe Software with a minimum of 16GBs of RAM.
Adobe Creative Cloud – Photographer’s package or stand-alone Lightroom and Photoshop programs.
Adobe Spark (Free with Creative Cloud).
To see a list of what is required to complete the entire Australian Accredited Diploma course, please click here and view the EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS section.
Our courses are compatible with both PC and MAC computers, tablet and smartphone devices.
You can contact your tutor at any time through our secure student site, which you will gain access to once you enrol. Your tutor’s role is to assess your assignments and provide you with feedback. They are also available to answer any questions you may have about the course.
As the course is provided online, you have the flexibility to start when and where it suits you. If you enrolled today, for example, you could start straight away
All the learning is done online in that when you enrol, you receive a username and password, which enables you to log onto our secure student site. From there, you can download your first module, which you could liken to your textbook as it contains all the information you will need to complete assignment one. Each module is approximately 90 pages in length and is full of detailed, technical information delivered in a friendly, conversational manner that is easy to understand. The concepts are further explained by way of diagrams, images and examples. Once you have completed your assignment (some are just theoretical, but the majority of assignments combine both theory and fun practical tasks), you then upload it onto our site for your tutor to mark. The tutors will give you a grade (out of 10) and a comprehensive evaluation of your work and ideas. Their feedback will help nurture and improve your skills each step of the way.-