If you want to take great photos, you need to understand light and its properties. Lighting is fundamental to photography and is the most crucial element! So, whether you want to be a better hobby photographer or start a professional business, this course is ideal for you.
Certificate of Photographic Lighting is an online professional development program that will provide you with essential photography lighting techniques, knowledge and skills.
Throughout this photographic lighting course, you will learn how to manipulate light and camera settings to take professional-looking photographs.
You will also learn how filters create different lighting effects, how to compensate for imperfect lighting conditions, incorporate tone to perfect an image and distinguish between studio lighting and on-location photography lighting techniques.
On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use light to create professional photographs and gain professional development towards entry-level positions in the industry.
Course Structure
Unit - Photographic Lighting
Unit 1 – Light Characteristics and Lighting Concepts
- Properties of light
- Intensity
- Colour temperature
- Incident or reflected light
- Exposure readings
- Light management
- Planning ideas for photographs
- Learn from your experience
- Recording your work
- Colour and black and white film
- Learn from experience
- Adjusting light for digital or choosing film
- Curve control – software function
Unit 2 – Understanding Sensitometry and The Zone System
- Film sensitivity – sensitometry
- The subject
- Exposure
- Blackness of Image
- Transmission
- Opacity, density and scatter
- Callier coefficient
- Characteristic curve
- The Zone System
- Using the zone System
- Controlling contrast
- Equipment and film
- Exposing shadows
- Processing the highlights
Unit 3 – Light Sources
- Natural and artificial light sources
- Properties of light sources
- Colour temperature
- Power or brightness
- Copy lighting
- Flash photography
- Electronic flash (manual, computer, dedicated)
- Flash synchronisation
- Flash problems (eg. Red eye)
- Mixing flash & daylight
Unit 4 – Meters and Filters
- Measuring light (centre weighted system, Spot reading meter)
- Problems with different meters
- Spot and average meters
- Centre-weighted meters
- Backlit subjects
- Using filters
Unit 5 – Other Equipment for Lighting
- Reflectors
- Paraboloid aluminised reflectors
- Reflector attachments
- Problems with aluminised reflectors
- Diffusers
- Tripods and stands
- Specialised light sources
- Projection spots
- Cyclorama lights
- Par lights
- Painting with light and stroboscopic lights
- Ring lights)
- Backgrounds
- Digital cameras
Unit 6 – Contrast and Composition
- Contrast
- Subject contrast
- Lighting contrast
- Brightness range
- Exposure compensation
- Ways of assessing compensation
- Compensating for reflected glare
- Compensating for lens flare
Unit 7 – Studio Lighting
- Studio photography
- Portrait studio lighting
- Working with studio lights
- Common rules
- Creating lighting effects
- Background lighting
- Mixed lighting
- Basic studio requirements
- Additional lighting equipment
- Special techniques
- Fashion lighting,
- Butterfly lighting
- Lighting for food and still life objects
- Lighting cars and room sets
Unit 8 – On-Location Lighting
- Outdoor lighting effects
- Time of day
- Weather
- Excessive outdoor light
- Shooting into the sun
- Shooting reflections off water
- Shooting snows capes
- Not enough outdoor light
- Night photography
- Underwater photography
- Creating intense colours
- Using filters for outdoor photography
- Rainforest photography
- Photographing cars
- Special techniques (high speed, intermittent capture, etc)
- Lighting plants
- On location photo skills
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Painter
- Decorator
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