Photography

What will the course Cover?

This course is designed for learners who already have a basic understanding of photography and want to build on their technical skills and creative practice. You will develop confidence using camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, while exploring composition, lighting and creative approaches to image-making. Throughout the course, you will learn how to plan and develop photographic ideas, work with studio photography techniques for both still life and portraiture and use post-production in Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance and manipulate images. You will produce a range of practical work and complete a final project or portfolio that demonstrates your technical ability and creative development.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for learners who have completed a Level 1 Photography course or who already have some photography experience and would like to develop their skills further. It is ideal for creative individuals wanting to strengthen their portfolio and progress towards a Level 3 qualification, further study or a career in photography or the creative media industries.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

To get the most out of this course, you should be familiar with the basics of photography—such as the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and know your camera’s manual functions. A little experience importing and organising your files, as well as a basic understanding of Adobe Lightroom is recommended. Literacy, numeracy and digital skills at an appropriate level are required.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

By the end of the course, you should be able to use your camera controls confidently to create well-exposed and technically competent photographs. You will be able to safely and independently set up professional studio equipment for various shoots. You will understand how to apply composition and lighting techniques creatively within studio photography and be able to plan and develop photographic ideas independently. You should also be able to edit and enhance images using post-production techniques both in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, present a body of photographic work professionally, and produce a final project or portfolio that demonstrates your technical skills and creative development.

How is the course organised?

The course combines hands-on practical sessions with guided instruction and reflective learning. Assessment is portfolio-based, with learners presenting a selection of their work alongside written reflections and evaluations. Google Classroom is used as a Virtual Learning Environment on this course. When you log on you will be able to access course material including, presentations, and handouts. You will be given joining details and support, at the beginning of the course.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

You will be set weekly tasks to complete at home. Your tutor will discuss these with you in a session when required.

How will my progress be assessed?

You will receive regular feedback throughout the course through individual tutorials, group discussions and practical tasks. The qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured through a portfolio of evidence, with no formal exams. You will be expected to record your work and development in both digital and non-digital formats. Assessment will be based on your photography projects, research and planning work, and written reflections, with a focus on your creative progress and your ability to apply the skills and techniques learned during the course.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

This qualification supports progression into further study, employment or apprenticeships within the creative industries. You will develop practical photography skills and transferable creative skills relevant to areas such as photography, art and design, media production, animation, and film and moving image. The course also provides a strong foundation for progressing to a Level 3 qualification in a creative subject.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

You will need access to a digital camera with manual controls for aperture and shutter speed. If you do not yet own a camera, a digital SLR will be provided for use during class sessions.

What support is available?

Help with literacy, numeracy or digital skills is available through the functional skills programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide, the Student Handbook or from teaching and reception staff.

Tutor - Estelle Vincent

Based in London, Estelle is a photographer and educator with over 15 years of experience in photography, education, and community arts. Estelle holds a BA (Hons) from UAL, Camberwell College of Arts, and graduated with distinction from Goldsmiths University with a Master’s degree in Sociology, focusing on Photography and Urban Cultures. Following her teacher training at the Institute of Education, she became the course leader for photography at Kingston College. In addition to her own practice, she teaches a broad range of photography courses for adults at both Morley College and UAL. https://www.estellevincent.com/