Advanced Certificate Home Study

Gain advanced photography skills and techniques to take your photography to the next level or to become a professional photographer.

Advanced Certificate

Home Study course

home study

Start Date

Can be started at any time

Price

$650 (Easy-pay plan available)

Duration

Approximately 6 months

Study Option: Home Study
Course Level: N/A
Entry Requirements: 18 years old or over
Assessment: 10 practical assignments
Recognition: The American Academy of Photography has earned recognition from the International Approval and Registrations Centre (IARC).

Completing this course will enable you to become a professional photographer by developing the skills to create, plan and manage your own photography projects as well as giving you a solid understanding of your camera.

Designed around 10 practical assignments, you will incrementally develop the techniques and an understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as a professional.

As a home study student you will have full access to our student area, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including: instructional videos, written content and assignments.

Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.

On average a student studying around 15 hours per week can complete the course in 12 months, a student studying around 30 hours a week can complete the course in 6 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

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Topics

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

- How the Camera Works
Experiment with your own camera’s manual settings. Learn the fundamentals of composition, focus, and light to create still life photographs. Learn about:
- Composition
- Aperture, focal length and perspective
- Light metering and white balance
- Exposure compensation
- Light & Lighting
Examine the importance of light in photography. Understand different lighting techniques and the importance of equipment and planning for a photoshoot. Learn how to:
- Experiment with different lighting styles and settings
- Develop lighting diagrams to plan a photoshoot
- Undertake studio and ‘on-location’ photoshoots
- Create studio portraits and environmental portraits
- Photographic Methods & The Design Cycle
Produce creative portraits for an album cover and learn about the stages of the design cycle - a structured approach to creative work from initial idea to completed photographs. Learn about:
- Interpreting a client brief
- Developing, selecting and testing ideas
- Developing plans for a photoshoot
- Post-production and editing techniques using industry software
- Evaluating client feedback
- Cultural Movements in Photography
Examine how society, history, technology, economics and culture influences photographic practice. Complete a research project to learn about key historical movements in photography. Learn how to:
- Use research methods
- Analyze key movements in history
- Develop key insights about contemporary influences on photography
- Present research findings professionally
- Photography in the Studio
Research the central role the studio has played in the development of photographic practice through history. Develop skills in studio practice that are used to create professional looking images. Produce a range of photographs in a studio setting in response to a client brief. Learn how to:
- Use appropriate studio lighting, equipment and sets
- Develop a plan for a studio-based photoshoot
- Take photographs in a studio setting using a range of techniques
- Use post-production to create finished photographs for an audience
- Present photos for print and online use

Tutors

All our tutors are photography professionals working in the industry.

Hugo Felix

Hugo Felix is a studio, portrait and landscape photographer. His work has been featured in many exhibitions and photographic magazines. He has a large catalogue in Micro Stock Photography and has over 30,000 images available on 10 different sites. Hugo has been teaching photography for a number of years and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with students.

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It’s been really valuable. I would highly recommend using the Academy to progress your photography skills.

Katherine Avey

Student

I chose to do it all online because I work full-time. It fits in with my lifestyle. I would recommend the course to others.

Crystal Baker

Student

Anybody that decides to take it up as a profession or a hobby, this is the kind of course that you need to do.

Peter Withiel

Student

I have to compliment the tutors and management. The assignments were well thought out.

Frederic Scott

Student

The American Academy of Photography

Our philosophy at the American Academy of Photography is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

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Our experienced team can answer any questions you have about our courses, general enquiries and payment options. Simply complete this form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

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Advanced Certificate Home Study