National code: CUA50920

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

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Overview About this course

Strengthen your creativity and develop technical skills to help you excel 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:

Course outcomes

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

  • Experience setting up technical equipment for photo shoots

  • A sound understanding of digital software skills on Mac and PC

  • The skills to operate DSLR cameras, lenses and peripheral equipment

  • Understanding of correct work, health and safety protocols

  • Confidence working within legal guidelines and copyright legislation

  • A portfolio of your work

  • 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 demonstrating your photography and digital imaging work that demonstrates the application of technical skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 or above

  • A resume outlining your experience in photography and digital imaging

Entry recommendations

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

  • Completed the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging

  • Design thinking ability

  • Excellent technical photography knowledge

  • Proven photography skills

  • 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

  • Experience in working with computers, including using image manipulation software

  • The ability to travel to off-site locations

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, Commercial photographer, Media/events photographer, Technical photographer (medical), Technical photographer (museum/library), Compositor and Digital retoucher

Study pathways

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

Previous study 2 Courses

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

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

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

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 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 workplace CUAPHI523

  • Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice CUAPHI531

  • Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies CUAPHI532

  • Explore and apply photo lighting techniques CUAPHI533

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.