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- Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
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Overview
About this course
Strengthen your creativity and develop the technical skills you need to succeed as a professional photographer. Build your knowledge across a range of photography styles and learn from industry experts in state-of-the-art facilities.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
apply current photographic trends
use colour management in digital imaging
use visual communication principles and refine digital art techniques
build a portfolio to present your work
extend your Photoshop skills to an advanced level
build confidence in working with clients and preparing estimates.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
Experience setting up technical equipment and planning photo shoots.
The skills to operate DSLR cameras and lenses.
A sound understanding of digital software on Mac and PC, including post-production techniques.
The ability to apply correct work health and safety (WHS) procedures when doing photo shoots.
Confidence in following legal guidelines and copyright legislation.
A portfolio of your work, plus the skills and knowledge to start your own freelance business.
A strong pathway to further study.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
A portfolio of photography and digital imaging work that shows technical skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 or above.
Experience in photography and digital imaging. You’ll need to show your resume.
Completion requirements
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
successfully completed the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
excellent technical photography knowledge and proven photography skills
design thinking ability
access to a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure mode, capable of triggering studio flash lighting, plus at least one zoom lens and basic photographic and data‑storage equipment (including a memory card, card reader and portable hard drive)
access to studio lighting equipment or the ability to plan photo shoots in studio and location environments using studio lighting
experience working with computers, including image‑manipulation software
the ability to travel to off‑site locations.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: photographer, commercial photographer, media or events photographer, wedding photographer, technical photographer (museum or library), compositor and digital retoucher.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study2 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Units
Units taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 4 core and 13 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 4
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplaceCUAPHI523
Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practiceCUAPHI531
Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologiesCUAPHI532
Explore and apply photo lighting techniquesCUAPHI533
TAFE NSW services
Facilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community
Study options