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.