Level 1 Award in Photography (NCFE)

This is a two unit course: - Unit 1 - Use a camera to capture creative images. - Unit 2 - Digital image manipulation. The course looks at basic digital photography techniques including: - Basics of how a camera works and how to prepare a camera for use - Use of different camera controls such as shutter speed and aperture to capture different effects - Visual aesthetics, including composition, effects of using different lenses, and reviewing pictures - The wider context such as the work of other photographers and artists - Image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop CS5 on PCs - There is one week of using traditional techniques in the darkroom - Other equipment such as flash units, printers etc. You will learn how to use your camera and equipment effectively and safely and essentially take better photographs. You will develop a basic skill in photographic techniques and gain underpinning knowledge of the photographic process, making a sound foundation for further study. Assessment is of a portfolio of evidence which 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 b 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. There is no exam for this course. On successful completion, you achieve the NCFE Level 1 Award in Photography. You can learn more about the qualification and its structure by visiting the awarding body's website at www.ncfe.org.ukYou 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. Please note there is a 4 hour Saturday class once a month, although this is usually an opportunity to practise, or work on the final portfolio, rather than new material.