1 Year Diploma in Professional Photography

ONE YEAR PHOTOGRAPHY DIPLOMA COURSE SYLLABUS

  • Duration: 12 Months
  • Total Sessions: 196
  • Session Length: 3 hours per session
  • Course Fee: ₹168,000/- +18% GST
  • Certification: Certificate awarded upon successful completion

Designing a one-year professional photography diploma course requires a balanced blend of theory, practical skills, and hands-on experience. Here’s a suggested syllabus divided into four quarters (each quarter roughly 3 months long):

Quarter 1: Foundation of Photography

Module 1: Introduction to Photography

  • History and evolution of photography
  • Understanding different types of photography (portrait, landscape, fashion, product, etc.)
  • Introduction to photography equipment (cameras, lenses, tripods, etc.)
  • Camera settings: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and white balance

Module 2: Basics of Composition

  • Rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and patterns
  • Framing and perspective
  • Depth of field and focus techniques
  • Understanding color theory and its application in photography

Module 3: Lighting Techniques

  • Introduction to natural and artificial lighting
  • Working with ambient light, golden hour, and blue hour
  • Basic lighting setups for studio photography
  • Understanding shadows, highlights, and contrast

Module 4: Basic Photo Editing

  • Introduction to editing software (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop)
  • Basic adjustments: exposure, contrast, saturation, and cropping
  • Understanding RAW vs. JPEG formats
  • Introduction to color correction and white balance adjustment

Quarter 2: Intermediate Photography Skills

Module 5: Advanced Camera Techniques

  • Manual mode mastery: combining ISO, shutter speed, and aperture
  • Understanding metering and exposure compensation
  • Long exposure photography and working with low light
  • Action photography: capturing motion and fast-moving subjects

Module 6: Portrait Photography

  • Posing techniques and working with models
  • Studio lighting setups: 1-light, 2-light, and 3-light setups
  • Environmental and candid portrait photography
  • Retouching portraits: skin smoothing, blemish removal, and enhancing features

Module 7: Landscape and Nature Photography

  • Composition techniques specific to landscapes
  • Working with wide-angle lenses and filters
  • Capturing different weather conditions and times of day
  • Post-processing landscapes: enhancing skies, water, and natural features

Module 8: Street and Documentary Photography

  • Capturing candid moments and storytelling through photography
  • Ethical considerations in street photography
  • Techniques for shooting in urban environments
  • Developing a documentary project or photo essay

Quarter 3: Specialized Photography

Module 9: Product and Commercial Photography

  • Basics of product photography: lighting, backgrounds, and composition
  • Macro photography techniques for small objects
  • E-commerce photography: shooting for online stores
  • Post-processing for product photography: enhancing details, removing imperfections

Module 10: Fashion Photography

  • Introduction to fashion photography: trends, styles, and concepts
  • Working with models, stylists, and makeup artists
  • Studio and location fashion shoots
  • Retouching fashion images: color grading, skin tones, and enhancing clothing textures

Module 11: Wedding and Event Photography

  • Understanding the dynamics of wedding photography
  • Capturing candid and posed moments
  • Techniques for low-light and indoor event photography
  • Post-processing and album design for wedding photography

Module 12: Video Production Basics

  • Introduction to videography: understanding frame rates, resolution, and formats
  • Shooting video with DSLR/mirrorless cameras
  • Basics of video composition, lighting, and sound recording
  • Introduction to video editing: cutting, transitions, and basic effects

Quarter 4: Professional Development and Portfolio Building

Module 13: Business of Photography

  • Starting a photography business: branding, marketing, and networking
  • Pricing your services and creating packages
  • Legal considerations: contracts, copyrights, and licensing
  • Managing clients and building a professional reputation

Module 14: Portfolio Development

  • Selecting and organizing your best work
  • Creating a cohesive and professional portfolio
  • Online portfolios: building a website and using social media
  • Preparing for portfolio reviews and client presentations

Module 15: Advanced Photo Editing and Retouching

  • Advanced techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
  • High-end retouching: frequency separation, dodge and burn, and color grading
  • Creating composites and special effects
  • Workflow management and efficient editing practices

Module 16: Final Project and Exhibition

  • Developing a personal photography project from concept to execution
  • Regular critiques and feedback sessions with instructors
  • Preparing prints and digital presentations for a final exhibition
  • Hosting a final exhibition showcasing student work to industry professionals and peers

Additional Components

  • Workshops and Guest Lectures: Inviting industry professionals for specialized workshops and lectures.
  • Field Trips: Organized trips to various locations for practical experience (e.g., nature reserves, urban environments, studios).
  • Internships: Opportunities to intern with professional photographers or studios.
  • Examinations and Assessments: Regular tests and practical assessments to track progress.

This syllabus is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both the artistic and business sides of photography, preparing them for a professional career in the field.