New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5)

Develop your photography skills with the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5). This introductory course will immerse you into the world of photography and help you develop essential skills for the industry or your hobby.

This diploma will provide the base that you need in digital photography and post-production to progress to advanced studies or employment in the photography industry.

You will learn:

• Introduction to Digital Photography
• Professional Practice
• Digital Imaging
• Photographic Design
• Digital Photographic Portfolio
• Auteur Studies
• Media and Imagery

Compulsory

NZDP100 Introduction to Digital Photography (15 credits)
This paper provides in introduction to digital camera operation and contemporary photographic practice. Students will explore core principles including; framing, composition, manual controls (exposure, aperture, ISO, and focus) and lighting, as well as introducing modern postproduction workflow tools and techniques.

NZDP101 Introduction to Digital Post Production (15 credits)
This paper introduces students to the use of industry standard software applications (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud suite) in the creation and manipulation of digital images.

NZDP102 Photographic Design (15 credits)
This paper introduces the fundamentals of design theory and enables students to explore the practical application of design principles across photographic media.

NZDP105 Digital Photography (15 credits)
(Macro lens or adaptor required)
This paper offers students the opportunity to refine their knowledge of digital photography, particularly with regard to the conscious incorporation of photographic tools, utilizing, advanced manual control, lens selection, and concepts such as narrative, and movement to tell the story of the image.

NZDP106 Digital Post Production (15 credits)
This paper explores the use of industry standard software applications (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud suite) in the correction and manipulation of digital images.

NZDP107 Professional Practice (15 credits)
This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge required to undertake professional photographic work with a focus on small photographic business operation, administration, understanding commercial photography genres (wedding, photojournalism, food, studio, and sports photography), and research of image production ethics, relevant legislation (e.g. Copyright Act, intellectual property) and principles (e.g. Treaty of Waitangi).

NZDP108 Digital Photography Portfolio (15 credits)
This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge to develop a unified portfolio of images that work creatively and within pre-defined boundaries.

Electives - choose one paper from the following                                                     

NZDP103 Auteur Studies (15 credits)
This paper explores seminal figures in the history of photography and provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of photographic aesthetics and techniques through research and re-creation.

NZDP104 Media and Imagery (15 credits)
This paper dives into the deep history of photographic imagery and aims to increase student awareness and ability to contextualize the images to which they are exposed, and understand the influence on the viewer. Students will investigate and critique existing works and engage in projects to apply this understanding.