Cape Town School of Photography offers a full-time course aimed at students working towards a career in photography. The first year is an intensive course suitable for both beginner and intermediate photographers. Students are taught both traditional film and digital photography processes. The first year includes four subjects: Practical Photography, Visual Literacy, Creative Process and History of Photography. The intention of the course it to build sound techinical understanding and experience, in addition to exposing students to working process, history of photography and how images shape our world.
The second year course builds on the skills acquired in the first year and encourages students to further develop their expertise and confidence in shooting to brief and producing a personal body of work. In addition to the short themed Modules and the Personal Project, Professional Practice is the third taught component to the course where students are exposed to the business of photography. Students are also required to job shadow or assist professional photographers as part of their engagement with the photographic industry.
The two year programme has a strong emphasis on hands-on and interactive learning which includes trips to photograph on location and ‘live briefs’ that are published in local print publications.
Course outcomes
In addition to the knowledge and experience students gain on the course, on completion of the full-time two year programme the student will leave with the following:
- A comprehensive portfolio of work
- Exposure to the business of photography
- Exhibition experience
- An online presence
- Experience in producing a personal body of work
Course duration
The course is a full-time two year programme. Students can choose to exit the programme on completion of the first year. Admission to the second year of study will be considered on submission of a portfolio.
Equipment Requirements
- 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera
- A professional tripod
- A Speedlight flash with manual and TTL functions (preferably with remote function as well)
- External hard drive (500 GIG)
- All printing and mounting costs during the course will be for the student’s account.