Digital Photography

Course Overview

You will be taught the basics of photo image capture, and then have the chance to hone your creative skills to learn how to manipulate digital images. Learn how to set up, use, dismantle and store photography equipment and digital materials and data properly. Examine digital photography techniques and gain an understanding of how photographic work is prepared, organised, carried out and concluded.

The course is split into two units. The first unit, Introduction to Image Capture, covers all about getting started with photographyand the different aspects of taking great images. The second unit, Digital Image Manipulation, covers editing your images on a computer using the supplied software.

Students will receive a FREE copy of Photoshop Elements 6 for PC (r.r.p. £79.99), as well as a CD containing full resolution images, as well as video tutorials to aid students in the use of Photoshop. Also included is a copy of the textbook Introduction to Photography by Michael Langford.

Studying Digital Photography by distance learning?

This course develops the basic skills and knowledge of Photo Imaging at Level 1. You’ll complete assignments to test your knowledge at the end of each unit to ensure you are correctly using your camera and equipment.  Each assignment consists of 2 parts: part 1 contains questions to check that you fully understand all the information in the unit and part 2 contains a practical element.

Once you have completed the course and attained at least 50% in both assignments you may submit a portfolio of your work for assessment to City & Guilds. You must also provide a written account. This should include:

• How the preparation was done
• How the equipment was used
• How the final images relate to the theme

Qualification

The course is accredited by City & Guilds and on completion of the course the students will receive a City and Guilds Level 1 Award in Photo Image Capture and Manipulation.

Support and Benefits

• Students will have access to the ICS Student Community where they can interact with other students and find out more information regarding their course and assessements.
• A copy of Photoshop Elements 6 is included, plus a CD containing full resolution images and tutorials aiding the use of Photoshop.
• A copy of the textbook Introduction to Photography by Michael Langford
• 6 Months tutor support with option to purchase further support

Key Topics

Unit One: Image Capture

• Equipment and Storage

Examine the different types of camera. Discover how the different camera components function – an understanding of how cameras operate will enable you to take better photos. Consider the effects of using different lenses.

• Camera Controls and Modes

Study the different camera controls and modes, and learn when each should be used.

• Exposure and Light

Explore exposure and consider occasions when overriding a camera’s automatic exposure choice could result in a better photo. Examine a variety of lighting conditions – from dull days to artificial lighting – and discover how to take the best photos in each condition, considering the appropriate use of flash.

• Subject and Composition

Learn the principles of composition, enabling you to create photos with impact and purpose. Discover how to shoot different subject types: people, places and objects.

Unit Two: Digital Image Manipulation

• Software & Equipment

 Explore methods of enhancing photos through the use of specialist digital imaging software, and gain an understanding of what is and what isn’t possible.

• Image Quality

• Controls, Tools, & Techniques

• Health Considerations

• Legal & Ethical Consideratons

Examine legal and ethical considerations, such as intellectual property rights.

Download an example of the study guide here

Course Code

D45

Hours of Study

60 Hours

Support Period

6 Months

Fees and Registration

A City and Guilds registration fee of £10.00 is payable upon enrolment; this fee has been included in the price above.

Students will also have to pay £10.00 per unit for submitting their portfolio to City and Guilds. This is only payable when students are ready to submit their portfolio for marking at the end of the relevant unit.

Assessment

Outline

You’ll complete four assessments during your course, posting each one to ICS on its completion.

Assessment Breakdown

Assessment 1: a mixture of written questions and practical activities

Assessment 2: you’ll produce a portfolio consisting of 6 themed photographs. You’ll also be required to provide some information on the processes involved in taking each photo, and to explain how each photo relates to your chosen theme.

Assessment 3: a mixture of written questions and practical activities

Assessment 4: you’ll produce a portfolio consisting of 4 themed photographs, each to be displayed both prior to and subsequent to image manipulation. You’ll also be required to provide some information on the processes involved in manipulating each photo, and to explain how each photo relates to your chosen theme.

Technical Requirements and Fees

You will require access to a 35mm compact camera or digital compact camera but a single lens reflex camera with manual and adjustable settings and changeable lenses is recommended. A 50mm lens is adequate but it’s useful to have a short zoom lens (e.g. 18-55mm) and a long lens (e.g. 55-200mm). It is also useful to have a tripod, cable/remote release and some type of flashgun.  The use of camera functions built into mobile phones is not recommended.

For the Digital Image Manipulation unit we have provided a copy of Photoshop elements and, where relevant, included walkthrough video demonstrations on the features of Photoshop elements for the more challenging parts of the course.

Specification for Photoshop 6 software:

• Intel® Pentium® 4, Pentium M, or Intel Centrino® 1.3GHz (or compatible) processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista®
• 256MB of RAM (512MB recommended)
• 1.5GB of available hard-disk space
• Color monitor with 16-bit color video card
• 1,024x768 monitor resolution at 96dpi or less
• Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible display driver
• CD-ROM drive
• Web features require Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, Netscape Navigator 7.0, or Mozilla Firefox 1.5