Diploma in Photographic Imaging
Level: 5 – This programme is offered as a series of workshops, each based on a photographic genre or set of technical skills. In each workshop you will work on assignments tailored to your individual interests (where possible). Workshops and areas of study will include photographic design, digital imaging, colour management, colour technology, technical practice, available light (portrait and wedding photography), studio photography, photo journalism, image concepts, creative postproduction, contextual studies, physics, philosophy, new media studies, and professional practice.
Diploma in Professional Photography
Level: 6 – This programme is designed to help you develop specialist photographic skills and knowledge in an applied learning environment. Industry based skills are taught in the context of student elected photographic genres (eg studio/location portraiture, studio still life, photojournalism/documentary, fashion etc). All courses are compulsory and include digital postproduction/prepress, digital imaging, creative lighting, technical practice, interactive design, professional and business practice and a major project. Industry contact through membership in a professional association is also included. The programme puts equal emphasis on the development of technical skill, creativity and the understanding of design processes.
In addition you may choose to first complete the part time Photographic Folio Preparation Course. This course will help you assemble an application portfolio for tertiary photographic study, which best shows your artistic strengths. This course covers camera use, darkroom skills, developing a theme and folio presentation; and is limited to ten students.
Why should I take a CPIT Photography course?
Photography is the skill of using light to give expression to the world around us. Light is vibrant, beautiful, emotional and varied in its qualities. It is also one of the most effective carriers of information there is, and has the power to influence our perceptions.
A CPIT photography diploma will give you the opportunity to develop in-depth working knowledge of this exciting and powerful medium, as well as to develop the skills that you’ll need to succeed in occupations involving photography.
Photographic imaging forms an integral part of media such as 3D modelling and animation, film, video, television and computer graphic design.
CPIT ’s photography tutors have industry experience and work collaboratively with professional members of the School’s Photographic Advisory Board. They are therefore well placed to ensure that the standards required by the professional photography community and allied industries are met.
How much work will it be?
You’ll study full time over a 32-week year, divided into two semesters. This represents about 40 hours work each week, including lectures, tutorials, critiques and time spent undertaking independent learning.
Entry for domestic and international students is competitive, and you will need to prepare a portfolio of work as part of the application process.
Where will I study?
As a photography student, you’ll have access to industry standard software and hardware for complete in-house image production to professional standards. The studios are equipped with Bowens and Hensel lighting, and a range of medium format and 4 x 5 format cameras.
Extensive Mac-based computer labs allow for full post-production capabilities. A number of Nikon digital SLR cameras and lenses are also available for you where required.
Additionally, battery powered portable flashlights allow you to extend your creativity in field based photography. However, you must supply your own manually adjustable 35 mm film camera and lenses