Hobby Photography Distance Learning CourseDISCOVER THE PHOTOGRAPHER IN YOU!
COURSE STRUCTURE
The content of each of the six lessons is as outlined below:‑
1. Origins of Photography
Image formation, how light works in photography, lenses, understanding photosensitive materials.
2. Understanding Film & Cameras
Parts of film: supercoat, emulsion, backing support, anti-halation layer; film sensitivity.
Camera Construction, shutter speed, f stop, ASA/ISO
3. The Camera and it's Use
Camera stability, ways of reducing camera movement, depth of field, filters, fault finding, etc.
4. More on using a camera
Flashes (electronic & manual), flash synchronisation, problems with flash photography (eg. red eyes), using a flash in daylight, special lenses, photo composition.
5. Photographic Techniques
Planning a photo session, Posing for photos, Snapshots, Water photography, The human form, Portraits, Animals, Action, Landscape & Still Life photography.
6. Developing your photographic style
What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
WHAT YOU NEED?
This course can be undertaken successfully without sophisticated camera equipment; however, you do need the use of a camera. An SLR camera is best, but any camera will do. Over the time you do the course, you will need to purchase a minimum of 5 rolls of film, and have them developed. (Cheap proof prints are acceptable, if you are restricted in your finances). All photos you take, and written work you submit will be returned to you.
Duration: 100 hours
Aims
Describe how light forms an image in a camera.
Describe how an image can be captured in a camera.
Discuss how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs.
Take photos under a range of more complex conditions.
Improve your technique for taking pictures.
Analyse your photographic skills and develop an increased consciousness of your own photographic style.
Extract from Course Notes
LENSES
One of the most significant developments in photographic history is the lens. Lenses may have originated when some distant ancestor happened to notice that a rounded crystal they were holding seemed to form an image of the sun on the ground, much the same as a magnifying glass.
The first practical lens for a camera obscura was designed in 1812. The first lens specifically made for photography was produced in 1840. Lenses operate on the principle called refraction: although light moves in straight lines, its rays can be bent (or rather turned onto a different angle), when it passes into a transparent material at an oblique angle.
Practical demonstration of refraction
Take a deep, clear bowl or plastic bucket and fill it with water. Place a long object (such as a knife or pencil) half in the water. You will notice, if you can view the object from other than overhead, that at the surface of the water, the object seems to be bending at the interface of water and air. It obviously is not bending though! ‑Pull it out of the water and you will see it is not bent.
What happens to make it look bent?
Light does not travel at the same speed through all transparent materials.
When light illuminating your pencil or knife enters the water, it changes speed (slows down). As it does so it bends, changing direction to a new, straight line course.
This leads to light being reflected from the object in the water being turned (or refracted), to a different angle before reaching your eyes, which makes the ruler or knife look bent.
The principle of refraction is the basis of all lens design.
The degree to which light bends is dependant on two factors:
1. The angle the light hits the surface of the new medium which it is being transmitted through (eg: Water, glass etc).
2. The type of material the light is entering.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
