NQ Photography (Level 6)

Course description

If you love taking photographs and would like either to have a career in photography or to earn money from your hobby, this is the course for you.

In this course you’ll be taught by experienced and award winning professional photographers who will share their knowledge with you and help you develop professional level techniques. Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing: You’ll start by looking at basic photography techniques and camera features, including exposure, composition and framing. You’ll develop skills in portraiture, looking at lighting techniques and producing your own finished portraits in the studio and on location. You’ll develop skills in product photography, with an emphasis on lighting and composition techniques. You’ll look at studio photography, for both still life and portraits, focusing on lighting styles and camera settings. You’ll explore reportage photography, and how to use images to tell a story. You’ll choose your own theme then produce images for this. You’ll look at digital techniques, and develop skills to enhance, optimise and manipulate images using software such as Photoshop. You may also have the opportunity to: Take part in live briefs, such as providing photography for a local retailer or community projects. Go on location locally, such as Kilwinning Abbey, Scottish Maritime Museum or the beach. Go on trips to photography exhibitions and studios. Display your work in public exhibitions. Enter competitions judged by professional photographers. Hear top tips from guest speakers who work in professional photography. Take part in internal and external events, such as the Fashion Show and employer dinners. Work with other creative students, such as hair, beauty or make-up artistry students, with photography for their portfolios. Develop your own portfolio for higher level study or employment.

Learning outcome

In this course you will have built transferable Essential Skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving. When you successfully complete this course, you may have the choice of: Moving onto HNC Photography Exploring your future career options including: Social Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Press Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Corporate Photographer or Photo Editor. With additional qualifications, you may be able to progress to a degree programme in photography at e. g. Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow School of Art, Gray’s School of Art at Aberdeen, City of Glasgow College or Edinburgh College.