Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 120 credits. The course includes;

Photographic Practice 2A (30 Credits)
Develop advanced skills in photography as a medium to express creative ideas, and learn how to solves visual problems through idea generation, composition, lighting and using various equipment. This course will cover:
Advanced camera skills
Creative solutions to unfamiliar visual problems
Industry-appropriate lighting techniques
Industry-appropriate camera equipment and accessories (range may include but is not limited to, full-frame digital cameras, and medium format digital cameras)
Use of materials and techniques to enhance industry-relevant photographic communication (covering subjects which may include but not limited to, formal and informal portraiture, wedding, families, children, graduation, product lighting setups, architecture, food, landscape, editorial, corporate, advertising, creative)
Generate advanced visual ideas from research and analysis of the initial brief leading to digital capture and progressing to resolution (range may include but need not be limited to composition, digital manipulation, presentation and written component).
Digital Production 2A (15 Credits)
Gain advanced skills in communicating visual ideas, through understanding digital imaging technology. The course will cover:

Intermediate manipulation of RAW files
Advanced use of software relevant to the photographic industry
Imported images are selected, manipulated and combined to meet the specified purpose,
Advanced retouching techniques which may include but not limited to soft focus, skin smoothing, image detail replacement techniques, etc
Advanced tonal and colour control using adjustment layers and layer masks,
Advanced tools are used to produce a range of effects,
Advanced selection techniques
Advanced image compositing techniques may include but not limited to duplicate layers, local selections feathering, layer masks and channel masks, blending layers, etc.
Advanced digital image integration into design applications
The advanced application of design elements, principles and processes to solve visual imaging problems
The advanced use of relevant software to create, import and manipulate text, graphics and imagery
Creation of advanced computer-based design layouts
Advanced use of type (fonts, shape, point size, kerning, leading, weight, layout)
Communicating through type
Intermediate filming, lighting and camera techniques using DSLR cameras
Intermediate storyboarding and narrative visual communication
Framing and composition related to video
Intermediate video post-production techniques and editing software
Intermediate knowledge of specialist software in video and sound editing
Sound recordings including how to get clean audio with background noise
Photographic Practice 2B (30 Credits)
Develop specialised skills in photography as a medium to express creative ideas. Learn how to solve visual problems through idea generation, composition, lighting and using various equipment. Create a portfolio of photographic work at a professional standard relevant to the photographic imaging industry.

Digital Production 2B (15 Credits)
Gain specialised skills in communicating visual ideas, through understanding digital imaging technology.

Photographic Communication 2C (15 Credits)
Gain knowledge and understanding of theories and histories significant to photography and related media. Analyse and discuss, visual semiotics and the construction of meaning in photographic images. Gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of selected photographers in their respective historical, social, and cultural contexts. Identify, research, reflect and discuss the appropriate historical and theoretical contexts for your own work.

Photographic Industry & Business 2C (15 Credits)
Gain specialised knowledge of intellectual property law and the copyright act in relation to photography in a New Zealand context. Develop an understanding of business management, control systems and operations. Evaluate the current photographic marketplace and generate strategies for career development and self-promotion.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in entry-level professional photography practitioner roles or as self-employed/freelance practitioners.

Portrait photographer
Fashion photographer
Wedding photographer
Food photographer
Architectural photographer
Photo-journalist
Product photographer
Newspaper photographer
Photoshop retoucher
Videographer
Photographic assistant
Production manager
Studio manager
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Photographers, see careers.govt.nz