- Which course should I do if want to do photography as a hobby?
- Which course should I do if want to practice photography as a profession?
- Should I learn part-time as a hobbyist or rather take photography more seriously?
- What equipment do I need to do the Intermediate course?
- Can I do the Intermediate or Advanced part-time courses with a digital camera?
- When do I need to make payment?
- Do I get a certificate on completion of the courses?
- What about accreditation?
- Do you offer video courses?
- Can I do the course if I am a complete novice?
- After doing the Intermediate course can I start taking pictures professionally?
- What equipment do I need to enrol on any of the eight intensive short programmes?
- Can I hold down a job while completing the eight intensive short learning programmes?
- What times are the classes held for the eight short learning programmes?
- Should I have a darkroom at home while doing the course?
- Can I do any of the eight short learning programmes with a digital camera?
- How much should I budget a month for consumables used?
- Is Photoshop part of the syllabus?
- Is Photography a lucrative career?
- What are the criteria for acceptance? (Eight short learning programmes)
Q 1: Which course should I do if want to do photography as a hobby?
Our part-time courses are designed for those students who wish to learn more about photography as a hobby.
An extensive range of courses, starting at beginner’s level, enables a student to learn at a pace that best suits them. Advanced programs covering multi-disciplines are presented throughout the year.
Programs are fun and packed with information.
Q 2: Which course should I do if want to practice photography as a profession?
Consider enrolling in our eight short intensive learning programmes offered over a twenty four month cycle. These programmes are structured as a series of eight blocks (roughly eight weeks each) that will teach you the principles and practice of professional photography in a practical manner.
Q 3: Should I learn part-time as a hobbyist or rather take photography more seriously?
First complete a few of the short, part-time courses. With guidance from your lecturer, you can then make a decision on what best suits you.
Many of our committed students have successfully completed the eight intensive, blocked, short learning programmes in sequence and are successfully practising photography today. We refer to the full set of eight short learning programmes as our “programme in professional photography” as many students have recognised the need to do all eight to acquire the full set of skills.
Part time courses
Q 4: What equipment do I need to do the Intermediate course?
A 35mm single lens reflex camera that has a manual mode setting and where the lenses are interchangeable. Digital is recommended.
Q 5: Can I do the Intermediate or Advanced part-time courses with a digital camera?
Yes, provided it is a Single lens Reflex digital camera with a full manual mode. NB. There is a special course for those who have compact digital cameras.
Q 6: When do I need to make payment?
Payment details must accompany the enrolment to ensure your place on the course. Payment can be made by Direct Deposit, Cheque, Credit Card (straight or budget plan) or cash.
Credit cards are billed 48 hours before the course commences. Cheques are banked seven working days before the course commences.
Banking details:
Account name: National College of Photography
- Bank: ABSA
- Account #: 40-6928-2601
- Branch Code: 33-11-55
Yes, but take note that the after hours, short part-time courses do not have assessments so certification is reflection of your attendance of the course and participation in the workshop and practical exercises and not a measure of competence. Each blocked intensive short learning programme will also be certified – your competence will however be measured and this will reflect on the certificate. We will also provide you with a more comprehensive certificate if you do all eight on the ‘programme’..
Q 8: What about accreditation?
The National College of Photography is now part of Vega The Brand Communications School which is a division of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd., Reg. no. 1987/004754/07, registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate no. 2007/HE07/002.
These short learning programmes are however not accredited qualifications – they are designed to impart specific skills in photography and enjoy extensive recognition in the field of professional photography.
Our relationship with Vega now enables us, through the Institute, to begin to design a qualification in photography for accreditation – this process is in its infancy though.
Q 9: Do you offer video courses?
No. The disciplines are quite different.
Q 10: Can I do the course if I am a complete novice?
Yes. The less you know the better! It is hard to change bad habits.
Q 11: After doing the Intermediate course can I start taking pictures professionally?
Definitely not, the Intermediate and Advanced part-time courses are structured to teach the enthusiast or serious hobbyist. This is quite different to charging for work done! Rather consider enrolling on our eight intensive short learning programmes if you wish to become a professional photographer.
Q 12: What equipment do I need to enrol on any of the eight intensive short programmes?
The requirements are very specific. There is a proliferation of makes and models available and many products, seemingly identical, that do not meet these requirements.
Please refer to the section on this web site that deals with the list of requirements and then call for +27 (12) 342 4770/1 for specifics.
Q 13: Can I hold down a job while completing the eight intensive short learning programmes?
The programme is very intensive and it will not be possible to hold down a day job if you intend to enrol for all eight courses back to back (which is what many people do).. An after-hours casual part-time job may be possible.
Q 14: What times are the classes held for the eight short learning programmes?
- Fundamentals and visual literacy (10:00 – 13:00)
- Mastering lighting (10:00 – 13:00)
- Photographic application and introduction to various disciplines (10:00 – 13:00)
- Introduction to digital photography and Photoshop basics (10:00 – 13:00)
- Advanced digital photography and advanced Photoshop (14:00 – 16:30)
- Graphic layout and design concepts (14:00 – 16:30)
- The Photographic industry (14:00 – 16:30)
- Photographic business skills and branding (14:00 – 16:30)
Q 15: Should I have a darkroom at home while doing the course?
It is not compulsory, but certainly will help.
Q 16: Can I do any of the eight short learning programmes with a digital camera?
A Silver halide (film) camera remains the preferred medium for teaching and learning purposes. Projects and assignments are viewed on slide film or prints. The requirements for the programme are both film and digital camera.
Q 17: How much should I budget a month for consumables used?
Between R1600 and R2000.00 per month.
Q18: Is Photoshop part of the syllabus?
Adobe ® Photoshop® is covered to a limited extent during the first four programmes whereas Adobe ® Photoshop® is covered comprehensively during the last four programmes.
Q 19: Is Photography a lucrative career?
Very, if you are talented, passionate and committed and are able to market your services properly. Sales and marketing techniques form part of the curriculum.
Q 20: What are the criteria for acceptance? (Eight intensive short learning programmes)
Entrance Requirements
Experience has taught that these (or a subset of them) are most likely to result in success
- A grade XII education or higher
- Mature status.
- Prior learning recognition
Acceptance
Acceptance is determined from information provided on the enrolment application and a personal interview or, if not possible, a telephonic interview. .
