Level 2 Certificate in Photography (NCFE)

Three units are covered on this course: -Unit 1 - Explore photographic equipment, techniques, materials and resources -Unit 2 - Develop and adapt photographic ideas -Unit 6 - Location photography Unit 1: Using a range of equipment, learners produce a series of photographs exploring different photographic techniques. These include the visual effects produced by the use of different lenses and shutter speeds. Following the capture of images, they use image processing software to produce and evaluate a series of test images. They also learn the basics of safe working practices and techniques for taking pictures in the studio and on location. Unite 2: In order to develop their own photographic ideas, learners research the work of other photographers, including the methods and visual language used by the chosen photographers, and use these as a foundation for their own photographic projects. Unit 6: Learners will be able to describe different applications of location photography. This includes any photographic work carried out away from a studio and could include landscape, fashion or photojournalism. Learners will understand the need to manage health and safety, and understand possible legal and ethical issues that may be encountered. They will plan, set up and carry out a location-based shoot. The images produced during this shoot will be presented for evaluation and review. Assessment is of a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates achievement of the criteria associated with each unit. You build this portfolio through a series of homework projects showing evidence that you have the knowledge required by the syllabus. The final portfolio will consist of a selection of images presented to a high standard as well as a workbook showing the development of their work throughout the course. Your portfolio will be internally and externally assessed and moderated to ensure that it meets the required standard. Grades are not awarded. There is no exam for this course. On successful completion, you achieve the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Photography. You can learn more about the qualification and its structure by visiting the awarding body's website at www.ncfe.org.uk. The course does require you to work outside of the classes, taking pictures and developing your skills. Please ensure that you can devote two or more hours per week to this work. Note that this is a vocational course - there is a syllabus that dictates the course content.You will learn from a mixture of theory and practical work, but the course will be essentially practical with as much 'hands on' as possible. Demonstrations, talks and discussions also feature. Practical work includes use of the well-equipped photography studio, computer suite and darkroom as well as some location work. You will be set homework projects to tackle outside the classes, and you are expected to build a workbook from your own experiments, experience, thoughts and observations, reading (of magazines, the internet, books) and self-evaluation. There is an extensive learning resources centre at the College, which is open during the day, whose facilities you can use throughout the course. Please note there are 4-hour Saturday classes, including location trips.