FP102 – Digital Photography

COURSE OUTLINE:

This course is available as
(a) formal classes in Helderkruin (Roodepoort), Kenmare (Krugersdorp) and Fourways (Johannesburg), or
(b) distance learning anywhere in South Africa.

This course helps you to understand how the digital camera and associated photography hardware actually functions and teaches you the general techniques of photography. This will equip you with the necessary skills to produce better photographs, even if you don’t own or have access to professional photography equipment. The purpose of this course is not to teach you about one specific digital camera, but to equip you to use any digital camera more effectively.

Note: Some digital cameras may be inadequate for the more advanced concepts covered in the course, but you will still earn credits if you can explain why your photograph is inferior to the request in the assignments. We allow this to:

• teach you photography BEFORE you go and buy an expensive camera, and
• to SAVE YOU MONEY by equipping you to make an informed and educated choice when buying camera equipment.

The course starts from a novice level and takes you through to freelance level.

The following topics are covered:

• Theory and Terminology – This section discusses relevant photography terminology, the definition of a photograph, the reasons why we take photographs, as well as different formats of cameras. Digital workflow is also discussed. We also explore the concepts of vision and colour.
• Hardware – This section deals with types of lenses, and types of exposures. The function and use of photographic accessories like lamps, reflectors, filters, flashes, and tripods, among others, are also discussed.
• Techniques – This section explores the characteristics of a good photograph. Various techniques like portraiture photography, landscape photography, architectural photography, still life photography, and nature photography, etc. are discussed.
• Business – This section handles the testing of camera equipment, the home studio.
• Fun – camera clubs.
  

But be WARNED – This is an intense course with loads of information, which makes this course great value for money.

PREREQUISITES

• Prospective students must download and complete the course evaluation form  and submit it via in person at the class or via couriers to the following address:

Markus Leibbrandt
59 Boerneef Avenue,
Helderkruin,
Gauteng (South Africa)
1724

• Students must know where and how to set the different buttons on their cameras – mainly aperture,  shutter speed, ISO speed, white balance, focus sensor selections, to name the most basic buttons/controls.
• Click on the button to Register for this course:
  

• Students must own (or have access to) their own digital camera. You may use any digital camera you wish. Digital SLR (D-SLR) or mirrorless cameras with manual override functions are recommended.

• Students must bring the following:
  • Their own camera equipment
  • Spare accessories (e.g. batteries, chargers, memory cards, etc.)
  • Camera’s instruction manuals
  • Own notebook and writing instruments

COSTS

• Option A: (Recommended for both correspondence option and formal classes option)
  R3,600-00 per student. (includes registration, manuals, formal lecture fees, certificate)
  
• Option B: (Only available for the instructor-led option. By request only.)
  R2,800-00 per student. (includes registration and formal lecture fees only. Excludes manuals and certificate)
• Option C: Online option. (includes registration, online access, formal lecture fees, certificate)
  R3,500-00 per student.

EXTRA COSTS

Extra costs are for the student’s own account. These costs include, but are not limited to:

– Developing and Printing,

– Exam fees,

– Excursion fees, Model fees,

– Equipment insurance, etc.

Whenever possible, your instructor will inform you of any extra costs beforehand.

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

• English or Afrikaans (determined by the majority group preference in the class)
• Handbooks and notes are in English only.

COURSE DATES AND TIMES

Please see the Course Date Schedule. A correspondence option is also available.

You can also have your image displayed here where you hold your certificate.