HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (BTEC)
— British Academy
Expert
English
English
About This Course
In this comprehensive photography course, you will acquire the essential skills and diploma to excel as a professional photographer. The course for this diploma is structured around various modules that cover a wide range of topics and practical assignments to enhance your understanding and expertise.
Photographic Practices:
This module of this diploma focuses on mastering your camera in manual mode and understanding the significance of composition in achieving your desired image outcome. You will gain confidence in using camera settings to produce high-quality photographs with (BTEC). The module covers topics such as manual mode operation, composition principles, exposure settings (aperture, focal length, perspective, metering, selective focus, white balance, and exposure compensation), and using zoom lenses.
Lighting for Photography:
Here, you will explore different lighting techniques to enhance your photo shoots. By analyzing your creative intentions, you will learn to plan lighting processes and select appropriate equipment. The module covers studio lighting, flash photography, natural lighting, lighting layouts, and strategies for different settings and contexts.
Techniques & Processes:
This module equips you with the skills and processes necessary to handle photography projects from client meetings to final design presentations. You will learn to understand client briefs, develop creative ideas, employ techniques and processes to fulfill creative potential, and refine your post-production editing skills. Visual diaries for development and presentation purposes will also be emphasized.
Contextual Studies:
Understanding the historical context of photography is crucial for contemporary photographers. In this module, you will research and analyze key historical eras and movements, allowing you to comprehend the broader context of modern photography. Communication techniques, research methodologies, and critical analyses of visual and textual materials will be covered.
Studio Photography:
Explore the advantages and creative possibilities of working in a photographic studio. This module delves into studio photographic practices over time, including lighting techniques, sets, and equipment management. You will plan and execute studio-based photo shoots, apply post-production techniques, and create a portfolio of studio photographs. Printing, framing, and mounting photographs for presentation will also be covered.
Location Photography:
Location-based photography presents unique challenges. This module of (BTEC) focuses on techniques and processes involved in conducting successful location photo shoots. You will learn to analyze client briefs, undertake reconnaissance photography, manage permissions and risk assessments, plan and execute location shoots, and adhere to health and safety requirements. Presenting finished photographs to a defined audience will also be addressed.
Individual Project:
In this module, you will apply all the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course to work on an individual project based on a specific theme or topic. You will plan, develop, and review your project, exploring creative ideas and employing various techniques and processes. The module emphasizes the realization of creative potential and the development of personal visual language.
Professional Development:
Understanding the evolving photography profession is essential for your career growth. This module explores technological advancements, social and cultural changes, and their impact on the photography industry. You will assess your own knowledge and skills, identify areas for personal and professional development, define career goals, and create a personal development plan.
Advanced Photography Studies:
In this module, you will refine your photographic style and push the boundaries of your creativity. By exploring conceptual ideas and experimenting with techniques, you will complete a photography project that reflects your unique visual language and approach to photography. The module covers project management techniques, presenting work to communicate personal style, and evaluating audience responses.
Event Photography:
Develop skills specific to event photography, including planning, networking, and adhering to ethical guidelines. You will learn to create contracts based on client needs, employ event photography techniques and processes, undertake event photo shoots, use post-processing tools, and present collections of event images to gather audience feedback.
Photojournalism:
This module focuses on the value of photography in current affairs and the differences between photojournalism and documentary photography. You will develop a personal approach to photojournalism, considering equipment, ethics, subject interests, and research practices. The module covers identifying photojournalism story opportunities, producing narrative-driven photographs, exploring ethical issues, and presenting work suitable for various media platforms.
Commercial Photography:
Understanding the role of photography in commercial industries is essential for professional photographers. This module examines different types of commercial photography, including business-to-business and business-to-consumer photography. You will learn to develop commercial briefs, consider legal and ethical considerations, align commercial photography with branding strategies, employ relevant techniques and processes, and present portfolios that meet client needs.
Applied Practice - Collaborative Project:
Collaborative skills are crucial in the photography industry. In this module, you will plan, manage, and present a collaborative project based on current trends and industry practices. You will develop project plans, work creatively in a collaborative environment, present collaborative work, evaluate your own work and the work of others, and reflect on the collaborative experience.
Professional Practice:
The final module focuses on professional development and preparing for a career in photography. You will explore the evolution of the photography profession, assess your knowledge and skills, identify areas for personal and professional growth, define career goals, and create a comprehensive personal development plan.
Throughout the course, you will have access to a variety of learning resources, including instructional videos, written content, and assignments, all created by industry experts. Your tutors will provide ongoing support, feedback, and guidance through our Online Learning Centre, ensuring that you progress effectively and build an independent practice.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a professional photography career. With this diploma you will possess technical proficiency, a keen eye for composition, an understanding of lighting techniques, and the ability to plan, execute, and present photography projects effectively. By unleashing your creativity and refining your techniques, you will be well-equipped to pursue your passion for photography and achieve your career aspirations.
Acquired Knowledge
Level 5 on the RQF
Requirements
18 years old or over,Note: If English is not your first language, we recommend you have at least level 5
5 IELTS or equivalent
Or, have completed your last two years of schooling through English
