National code: CUA41120

Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging

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Overview About this course

Enter the exciting world of professional photography as you learn technical skills and creative know-how. Develop your abilities to work with creative briefs and grow your portfolio of high-quality images.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Use and maintain your camera equipment

  • Process photo images to their final stages using industry-standard programs

  • Integrate colour theory and design

  • Work with clients and models

  • Understand the laws and regulations of the photography industry

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate IV level

  • Specialist skills to perform portfolio-based photography which can include location shoots, portraiture, landscape, commercial and collection management photography

  • Confidence in working with clients by responding to a creative brief

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in using digital and analogue technologies

  • Some knowledge of digital photography technology, including cameras and camera accessories

  • Experience working with computers, including using browsers, and opening, saving and being able to retrieve files

  • The ability to travel to off-site locations

  • Access to a digital SLR or mirrorless camera that offers a manual exposure mode and can trigger studio flash lighting equipment, at least one zoom lens, and related basic photographic and data storage equipment

  • Confidence in communicating with clients or models

  • Good organisational and self-presentation skills

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: photographer (freelance), photographer’s assistant (studio), compositor, digital retoucher and minilab retail assistant.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 4 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

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 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 7 core and 8 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 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.

  • Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge CUAPHI311

  • Process photo images CUAPHI313

  • Enhance, manipulate and output photo images CUAPHI403

  • Capture images in response to a brief CUAPHI411

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 Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.