Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
In our Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging, you’ll learn about the commercial, artistic and technical aspects of photography.
Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), this course gives you practical hands-on training with a strong emphasis on innovation, presentation and technical proficiency in photography.
All of our teaching staff are practising industry professionals – so you’ll be learning from those who know what the market wants. (You could even be taught by a former NASA photographer, no joke!) Plus, it means a swathe of industry connections for you to reap the benefits of.
You could even deliver a real-world commercial photography project for a major shopping centre – all before you graduate. Imagine how that could look in your folio!
Gain exposure to a broad range of photography so you can find what you love and make it your own. You’ll study advertising, editorial, portraiture, wedding, documentary, fashion and fine art photography. Plus gain core skills in drone photography, videography, digital compositing and retouching, and design business practices so you can thrive in the digital age.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to pursue a career in photography and work in a number of professional capacities. You could work in creative agencies or marketing, as a freelancer, or at the helm of your own photography business.
The next intake for this course is March 2021.
Please note, there is no 2020 intake.
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Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (March) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
VTAC course code
- 3400271264
Hawthorn
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Student work
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Di
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Jaiden
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Sharon
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Alexandria
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Sahaf
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Paige
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Melbourne city as seen from above,
Daniel
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Punk fashion,
Josh
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Alice in her living room,
Sylvia
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Mallory
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Dancing in the moonlight by Kade
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging -
Contentment by Mia
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Tommy in collaboration with artist Trash Carter,
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging is designed to provide students who complete the course with the necessary skills to begin their own photography business or to progress on to bachelor studies at university.
Students learn both the practical and business sides of photography. Studies include colour management, commercial, artistic and technical photography, as well as contracts and legal aspects.
Our teachers are leading industry professionals who are passionate about equipping future practitioners with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
Course structure
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- exploit imaging trends
- understand colour management in digital imaging
- develop their own website
- identify marketing opportunities
- establish networks
- work on a freelance basis
- explore photo lighting
- produce images for commercial, media, wedding, artistic, technical and illustrative images for publication and display.
Graduate skills
- interpret photo imaging assignment briefs from a range of clients
- consult with clients to refine objectives of photo imaging assignments
- select appropriate technologies and workflows to capture images
- work from a studio or in a range of locations
- employ aesthetic, conceptual, compositional and technical skills to produce images.
Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Student success
HOW RACHEL LANDED HER PHOTO ON THE COVER OF A NEW YORK MAGAZINE
Rachel Canale made a name for herself in the photography world when a photo she took for a uni assignment made the cover of New York’s PROMO Magazine (pictured).
“Once I saw the outcome I knew I had to submit the images to a magazine, they were the best I had done before and they were unique,” says Rachel.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
Please note: The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $10,717. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Photography and Photo ImagingEstimated course fees for 2021* |
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|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $16,240 | $10,630 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $5,523 | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
This course is delivered with state government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 885.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging which will provide the following skills:
- being comfortable operating a digital SLR in manual mode, understanding how shutter speed and aperture can be used creatively, and how they affect image quality
- understanding lighting concepts and formal lighting styles such as short lighting, Rembrandt, butterfly lighting, etc.
- understanding white balance
It is expected that:
- students own their own SLR or mirrorless camera and have some different lenses (at least a 50mm lens recommended to begin with)
- students have a folio that demonstrates the ability to creatively make images in response to a range of situations and have a basic understanding of design concepts in photography, such as composition, tone and colour.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059