PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Diploma Course

I. MISSION AND OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive program designed to prepare the student to enter into any field of professional photography. The student will learn the techniques involved in handling professional photographic equipments including all formats from 35mm to large format cameras, studio lighting equipment, and the many tools used by professionals.

The student will be able to demonstrate his or her understanding of the aesthetics of the photographic image and how to apply this knowledge to the various areas of photography. Furthermore, the program will enable the student to build a comprehensive portfolio.

II. ADMISSION POLICY

To qualify for the program, a prospective student must at least provide a copy of a High School Diploma or its equivalent. An Interview will be conducted by the School’s Designee or the Photography Track Head to determine if the applicant is qualified. Screening of applicants will be as rigid as the Program being offered in order to ensure high caliber of graduates.

III. REQUIREMENTS

A 35mm camera with full manual control, a tripod, and lenses are the initial requirements. As the student progresses through the course, they will be required to purchase a hand-held meter and a strobe unit for in-camera flash. Students will shoulder all the required films, including cost of processing, and printing for color photography assignments. The school will provide chemicals and B&W photographic paper for darkroom works. The guidelines and policy concerning the use of laboratory such as, the Studio, Darkroom, and Computer Lab will be subject to the terms and conditions of the school.

IV. CREDIT FOR PRIOR TRAINING

Most students will be expected to start his or her studies with courses 1-4, which are the fundamentals of photography, and progresses sequentially through the required program course. Credit for previous training, like Short courses or seminars in Basic Photography, or experience in the field, can be granted by the School after an interview and portfolio review by the Photography Track Head. However, credit will only be granted for courses 1 up to 4, (Photography Fundamentals I&II) The Interviewer or School Designee will endorse such credits which will be governed by the policy and regulations of the school pertaining to course credits. A written record of this program alteration will be maintained by the School for review by the student or the School Administration.

V. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the diploma in Professional Photography, the student must satisfactorily complete 3 terms, or 504 hours of instruction with a grade of 85% or better. A student is also required a minimum attendance rate of 80% of the total program. Normally, the student will be in class 4x a week for 3 hours per session. The successful completion of all of the above requirements and the significant amount of work, both in School and outside, will enable a student to graduate from the course. Subsequently, all financial obligations must be met before a diploma will be issued.

VI. REQUIRED COURSES TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM

CODE COURSE TITLE Total Hours Lecture Hrs. Lab Hrs.

1st Term
1) PF01 Photography Fundamentals 1 42 42 0
2) PF02 Photography Fundamentals 2 42 42 0
3) BWD Black & White Photography-Darkroom 42 14 28
4) CC01 Creative Composition 1 42 42 0

2nd Term
5) PF03 Photography Fundamentals 3 42 21 21
6) PORT Portraiture/People Photography 42 14 28
7) DGPH Digital Photography 42 14 28
8) CC02 Creative Composition 2 42 42 0

3rd Term
9) DOCP Documentary Photography 42 42 0
10) COPH Commercial Photography 42 14 28
11) BOPH Business of Photography 42 42 0
12) PORP Portfolio 42 0 0
_________
Total Program Length 504 hours

VII. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FIRST TRIMESTER

1. (PF01) PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDAMENTALS 1
An introduction to the Basic Technical Aspect of the different camera formats, lenses, and camera metering, including hand-held meters will be thoroughly discussed and analyzed, from 135mm, 120mm to the 4x5 camera format.
Teaching Method: Classroom Lectures, Research and Hands-On Application

2. (PF02) PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDAMENTALS 2
An introduction to the Basic Technical aspect of all types of film formats, and filters used in professional photography, including thorough analysis on Exposure Control.
Teaching Method: Classroom Lectures, Research, and Hands-On Application

3. (BWD) BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY-DARKROOM
An introduction to the basic of darkroom works, such as Film Processing, Printing in RC and Fibre Based B&W paper, Filtration, and Contact Printing. Exposure in B&W photography and the Zone System will also be introduced.
Teaching Method: Darkroom Works, Lectures, and Hands-On Application

4. (CC01) CREATIVE COMPOSITION 1
An introduction to Seeing: Developing the Photographic Eye, an in-depth study of the basic elements of composition such as Shapes, Textures, Patterns, Lines, Colours in Nature or in Man Made structures, including the Rule of Thirds.
Teaching Method: Visual Presentation, Classroom Lectures, Outdoor Classes

SECOND TRIMESTER

5. (PF03) PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDAMENTALS 3
An In-depth study and analysis on the most important elements in Photography - LIGHT! It will cover Natural Light, Artificial Light, Available Light, and Studio Light.
Teaching Method: Outdoor and In-door Classes, Studio and Hands-On

6. (PORT) PORTRAITURE/PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Basic and advance lighting techniques in studio, on-location, and outdoor
Portraiture, including hands-on posing techniques, the use of colour gels for special effects, how to establish rapport with the subject, and more.
Teaching Method: Studio Works, Outdoor Classes, and Hands-On Application

7. (DGPH) DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The use of a digital camera and its software will be the focus of this course. All the technological aspect will be thoroughly discussed, including digital imaging applications in photo editing.
Teaching Method: Hands-On, Studio Works, and Computer Lab.

8. (CC02) CREATIVE COMPOSITION 2
A more advance study of the elements of creative composition in professional photography practice. The Lens as tool to composition, harmony and balance, and conceptual still-life compositional values.
Teaching Methods: Visual Presentation, Classroom Lectures, Studio Works

THIRD TRIMESTER

9. (DOCP) DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
Covers Photojournalism, Stock Photography, Wedding, Editorial, Corporate, Copying and Events documentation. This course will focus on the rudiments of professional photography documentation, the appropriate photographic gears, and the professional code of ethics in this line of field.
Teaching Methods: Classroom Lectures, Guest Lecturer, Research

10. (COPH) COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Covers Advertising, Still-Life, Architecture, Interior, Fashion, Glamour, Food, Products and extensive use of the 4x5 camera. This course will focus on the rudiments of the professional practice in commercial photography. Professionalism is the trademark of this course.
Teaching Methods: Studio Works, Hands-On

11. (BOPH) BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
This course covers the Marketing aspect, Management, Financial, Personnel, and Operational structure. It will also conduct an Industry Tour of the different types of Photography business. The highlight of this course is when students prepare their specific business plan.
Teaching Methods: Classroom Lectures, Industry Tour, Research

12. (PORP) PORTFOLIO
This is the final stuff. It’s a compilation of the student’s best work organized Professionally. The professional portfolio case will consist of original transparencies, Prints, (digital or film based) and CD portfolio. Business Resume is also included. Students will also work on their “Self-Assignment” --the style or interest that they want to pursue in professional photography.

VIII. PROGRAM COST

As per the School’s policy on tuition fees, lab fees, admission fees, and other fees.

IX. SCHOOL CALENDAR

The School is in session year-round, 3 terms per year on a 14 week period every term. There will be up to 3 Professional Photography Programs offered eachhotography Programs offered eacham in which classes are held from 10:00am – 1:00pm 4x a week, and evening classes from 6:00pm – 9:00pm 4x a week. Students enrolled in the day program can only take day classes, and students enrolled in the evening program only for evening classes. The Professional Photography Program can be completed in 1 year or equivalent to 3 terms. However, in cases where a student cannot finish the 1 year term, he is given 15 months or an additional 1 term to complete the Program.

Summer Breaks, Christmas breaks, Official Holidays, will be based on the School’s official schedules. In the event of suspension of classes due to weather, or other events, classes will be extended or adequate time will be provided for the completion of missed work at no additional cost to the student. The School will inform the students of its current methods of notification in case of suspension of classes due to inclement weather.

X. TUITION AND REFUND POLICY

As per the School’s current Policy.

XI. PLACEMENT

Throughout the program, the staff is always ready to assist and guide the student on his or her way to becoming successful in the photographic industry. And while we will do everything we can to help place our graduating students, No Guarantee Of Employment Or Placement can be given.

XII. QUALIFICATIONS OF FACULTY

The School will hire only those who have CURRENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THEIR FIELD OF EXPERTISE, and who are knowledgeable in industry practice.

XIII. FACILITIES

The School’s facilities and equipments is the best and current in industry standard. It is the policy of this program to adapt to evolving technologies through acquisition of professional equipments, in the pursuit of new knowledge and skills.