Course details

Summary

Develop knowledge and skills for a career in photography. Gain a good understanding of the techniques of image production in a range of genres, and develop your creativity.

Programme Overview

This one-year programme replaces the previous six-month practical and advanced certificates in photography. It provides a solid grounding in photographic technique and pathways into the second year of the Bachelor of Creativity (Visual Arts).

Programme Outline

This programme consists of seven courses, taught over one full-time year. Areas covered include:

Introduction to image-making

SLR Camera and lenses

Awareness of light

Basic image production skills

Origins

The history of photography

Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Aotearoa New Zealand context

Research and evaluation skills

The studio

Exploration of studio photography

Use of SLR cameras in the studio

Flash and tungsten lighting

Set-building, shot planning, and making/using props

Digital photographic processes

Digital image capture and file management

Use of software for image enhancement, manipulation and special effects

Colour management and output

Context in practice

Development of contextual thinking as part of working practice

Photographic experiments that use contextual elements

Intro to legal issues and business matters such as pricing

Illustrative photography

Development of creative skills in responding to a range of project briefs, using a range of photographic technologies

Managing project briefs

Professional behaviour and values

Photographic vision

A final portfolio of work that includes personal and professional exploration

Students are required to provide their own 35mm digital SLR fully manual camera, with specified lenses and a manually operable flash and wireless trigger.

Entry criteria

NCEA Level 3 qualification or equivalent skills and/or knowledge

International students

Proven equivalence to requirements plus International Entry IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0), or equivalent