Photography Course

Do you have a passion for photography? Learn how to make the best use of your camera and take stunning images with our online photography courses. Our Diploma gives you the chance to turn your hobby into a successful career.

Developed in consultation with industry experts, our photography training course will help you to hone your skills and get a competitive advantage in this rewarding and engaging profession.

Explore our course breakdown below or enrol now to get started.

• Course Outline

  When you enrol on our online photography course, you will complete the following units of study:

  1	Introduction

  Introduction to photography

  2	The Camera

  Shutter speed Aperture

  Film speed

  3	Picture Building

  Composition Golden mean Colour Contrast

  Saturation Line Shape

  4

  Lighting

  Directional lighting Indoor

  Outdoor Silhouettes

  5	Advanced Composition

  Creating emphasis Texture

  Reflection Black and white

  6	Photographic Style

  Nature Abstract Still life

  Portrait Landscape and meaning

  7	Photojournalism

  Creating a visual language

  8	Photojournalism

  Promoting yourself as a photographer

• How Will You Benefit?

  
  There are many benefits associated with studying our photography courses online. For example, you will:

  • Fast track your photography career
  • Study a course that has been designed in collaboration with experts in the photography industry
  • Save time and money by learning remotely
  • Have your own personal tutor to provide advice and guidance
  • Set your own timetable to complete the course
  • Save 10% on your course fee by paying upfront, or choose our interest-free weekly payment plan

  Start reaping the benefits by enrolling on our photography course today!

• Career Prospects

  Working as a photographer can be a hugely varied career. There are many different areas that you can choose to specialise in, ranging from highly technical work to jobs that require creativity. As a photography graduate, you can enter fields such as:

  

  • Press photography (also known as news photojournalism)
  • Feature photography
  • Editorial photography
  • Commercial / industrial photography
  • Portrait / wedding photography
  • Advertising photography
  • Fashion photography
  • Digital photography
  • Nature and wildlife photography
  • Forensic photography
  • Freelancing photography

  You can take photographs for:
  Advertising Agencies Magazines Book Publishers Businesses (Small, Medium and Large) Clubs and Associations Christenings Engagements Family and Pet Portraits Galleries Graphic Designers International Magazines Journals	Regional Newspapers Shops and Restaurants Sports Organisations Stock Libraries Local Newspapers Travel and Tourism Industry Parties and Functions Web Designers and Web Sites Photo Libraries Weddings Postcard and Calendar Publishers 100s more!

  Reasons to choose a photography career

  As well as the variety it offers, there are many other reasons to start a career in photography. Here are some examples:

  1. A well-paid career

  Photography can be a well paid career. The minimum rates for freelance photographers, as approved by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, are as follows:

  Rate By Time		Rate By Photograph
  Per day	$800.00	Cover Photo	$750.00
  Half day (2/3 day rate)	$261.00	Full Page Photo	$400.00
  Per hour	$200.00	Half Page Photo	$273.00
  Research (per hour)	$152.00	Single Column Photo	$191.00

  2. A photography business has low start-up costs

  You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a photography business started. All you’ll require to begin with is a basic camera (film or digital) with manual controls. You may well already own this equipment and, if you don’t, you can hire it or buy it new or second hand. Darkrooms and studios are also available for hire if you need them, and you can bill these costs directly to your clients.

  3. You can work from home

  There is no need to operate from a commercial premises. Instead, many photographers work from home.

  4. You’ll be your own boss

  Many photographers are freelancers, meaning they get to set their own agendas and schedules. Being your own boss puts you in creative control and it means there is no limit to your income, other than how much time and effort you’re prepared to put into the business. You can choose your hours too, meaning you can work full-time, part-time or have a flexible schedule.

  

  5. Photographers are in high demand

  There is a huge market for good photographs worldwide. Companies often hire photographers for a range of projects, and consumers are always on the lookout for talented photographers to record events and provide original artwork.

  6. You’ll meet lots of interesting people

  Depending on the area of photography you decide to specialise in, you might have the chance to meet a range of fascinating people. Maybe you’ll get to work with the rich, famous and powerful, from actors and models to politicians and entrepreneurs. Imagine the stories you could share with friends and family!

  7. No two days are the same

  Unlike many jobs that involve considerable repetition, being a photographer is a hugely varied profession. No two days, or jobs, are the same. In the morning, you might be taking images of food for a restaurant or shop, while in the afternoon you’re photographing a sports event. And the next day, perhaps you’ll be taking shots at a wedding or other special function.

  8. You’ll enjoy respect and prestige

  As a photographer, people will have a high level of respect for your work. Photographers are celebrated for their technical skill and artistic prowess.

  9. Few barriers to success

  As long as you’re a talented photographer, there will be few barriers to achieving success. It doesn’t matter what background you have, including previous educational or career achievements; it’s being able to impress with your images that counts. There are no formal licensing requirements for opening a photography business. It’s open to anyone with ambition and a desire to be successful.

  10. It’s not as difficult as many people think

  It’s often assumed that to thrive as a photographer, you have to create flawless images. This isn’t true. Of course, your photos must be good, but they don’t have to be absolutely perfect for you to achieve professional success.

• Course Levels Explained

  Diploma

  This qualification recognises the graduate’s capacity for initiative and judgement across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organizing others in the workplace.

• Prerequisites

  There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into our photography course.

  So, if you want to showcase your skills behind a lens, simply enrol on our learning programme today.

• Course Length

  Students take an average of 24 weeks to complete their Diplomas.

  However, you can set your own pace for completing our online photography course. As with all ICI design courses, you have total flexibility when it comes to how quickly you complete the learning programme. If you want to fast track your studies, you can finish in a matter of months. Alternatively, you can take much longer. We allow up to three years to graduate.

• Study Mode: Online Learning

  Our photography courses are carried out entirely remotely via distance learning. Sometimes referred to as correspondence learning, this approach puts you in control. You can study whenever and wherever you like, anywhere in the world. This makes it easy to fit your studies around other commitments. It also means you avoid the stress and expense of having to physically attend classes.

  Throughout your course, you will have access to a personal tutor to offer guidance and answer questions. And thanks to the practical, engaging nature of our photography learning programmes, you won’t struggle to stay motivated throughout.

• Recognition & Accreditation

  
  Our photography course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC) and the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC). ICI courses are not NZQA qualifications. ICI is an independent global awarding body that develops and administers career-related curriculum and training programs. When you graduate from an ICI training program you join ICI graduates in over 150 countries around the world.

  It has been designed to take you far beyond the theory of photography and to offer you key practical insights that will help you to forge a successful career behind the camera.

• Already in the Profession or Industry?

  Already working in photography or a related creative field? This course is for you. It will help you to build on and expand your knowledge and skills, making you even better at your role. Signing up to our photography course is one of the most practical steps you can take to advance your career.

  It is important to note that course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the learning programme is sufficiently connected to your work activities.

• What Do I Get?

  All the materials you need to complete our photography course are included in the course fee. Once you enrol, you will receive:

  • All required study materials and course notes
  • Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
  • A tutor who will answer all of your course and career questions and provide guidance

  Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive:
  

  • A graduation certificate officially recognising your successful completion of studies and qualifications as a photographer
  • Transcripts indicating the units completed
  • A letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
  • Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification (for example: John Smith, DipPhotog)
  • Job search assistance: discover more about our Graduate Career Services Programme

• Cut Off Date

  Friday, 6th December 2024 is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

  Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish.

  Don’t miss out. Enrol today!

Course Investment & Payment Plans

How do I get started?