Higher Certificate in Photography

Purpose

The primary purpose is to equip learners with a basic level of knowledge and skills as well as a creative approach to enter the photography industry. This qualification promotes the objectives of the NQF by providing learners with the basic knowledge, cognitive tools such as critical thinking, and conceptual tools such as comprehending photography as a mode of visual communication at NQF Level 5 at the exit point.

The qualification provides sufficient opportunity to the learner to

• Develop initiative and responsibility right from the start, by requiring of them to make decisions and solve problems in executing a range of simulated workplace assignments where scientific processes and technological equipment play a central role.

Once qualified, the learner will be able to pursue a career such as a portrait photographer, wedding and events photographer or commercial photographer.

More specifically, this qualification is for learners who

• Wish to be equipped with basic knowledge and skills to pursue a career in photography.
• Wish to combine interpersonal skills, technology and art/creative abilities.
• Have worked as photographers in industry for many years but have no formal qualification, which limits job promotion and security of income.
• Wish to acquire an entry level qualification that will enable them to continue with a further qualification at a higher level on the NQF.

Rationale

This qualification can be categorised as a vocational education and training qualification, because it is directly relevant to the needs in industry. There is a need for entry level photographers within the rapidly developing communication industry, e.g. in the publication, and marketing/advertising sector. There is also a need for wider access to media science learning opportunities by learners who do not meet entry qualifications into the University programme. The introduction of this qualification will provide for this specific need.

This is a career-orientated qualification; a balance is maintained between theory and skills development in terms of being able to apply new knowledge in a work context. Since strong emphasis is on the development of a variety of photographic skills using the latest cameras and image manipulation equipment, this qualification will add educational value for enrolled learners. Complementary to this, the qualification offers opportunities for learning through exposure to the photography industry.

It is assumed that the learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Candidates may gain credit for certain modules successfully completed elsewhere, or in a relevant qualification previously completed at this institution. Recognition of Prior Learning candidates must demonstrate competence in respect of certain specified knowledge, skills and/or attitudes pertaining to this qualification.

The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of Recognition of Prior Learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills. Part of the requirements in case of application for Recognition of Prior Learning is that the candidate must fill out a questionnaire accompanied by a portfolio of evidence of prior learning.

Access to the Qualification

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Certificate: Vocational (NCV).

Or

• Prior learning demonstrating an appropriate level of competence.

In order to be credited with this qualification, candidates are required to achieve all the modules totalling 120 Credits. All the modules are at NQF Level 5.

Modules

• Photography Theory 112, 15 Credits.
• Applied Photography 123, 45 Credits.
• Professional Practice 122, 15 Credits.
• Visual Communication and Design 122, 15 Credits.
• Image Creation and Composition 121, 15 Credits.
• Image Organising and Enhancement 121, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning (Industry Experience), 5 Credits.

1. Explain the origin and historical development of photography.
2. Explain the work environment of a professional photographer.
3. Discuss the technical features and operations of professional photographic equipment.
4. Apply knowledge of different areas of photography in an integrated manner.
5. Demonstrate understanding of career opportunities, marketing strategies and personal selling in the photographic business environment.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes applicable to this qualification are dealt with throughout the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the history of photography, including the common styles and related approaches to photographic imaging.
• Differentiate between amateur, independent and professional photography.
• List and discuss a range of career options available to professional photographers, locally and globally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Display a basic understanding of the professional photography work environment, including the photographic studio and photography equipment used today.
• Describe the legislative framework of health and safety legislation pertaining to health and safety representatives and committees and the effect on the duties as a health and safety representative.
• Demonstrate understanding of the business operations and window of opportunities of professional photography, including the costing, planning and execution of photographic assignments/accounts.
• Demonstrate understanding and take effective steps to address and prevent safety risks related to photography practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Display a high level of knowledge of the technical features and operations of basic professional photographic equipment, including digital cameras and electronic image manipulation equipment.
• Display an understanding of effective communication by means of the photographic and electronic imaging.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Plan, produce and present photographs on a variety of photographic themes in monotone and full colour.
• Demonstrate a personal photographic style.
• Display a basic understanding of professional practice in the photographic industry.
• Capture, organise, manipulate and export various types of images on an electronic operations platform.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate understanding of the purpose and function of marketing in business, and the marketing process.
• Compile a business plan for establishing a photography business enterprise.
• Demonstrate understanding of factors that drive buyer behaviour and its application to personal selling.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted throughout the duration of the qualification as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify areas for remedial intervention, or give guidance to individual learners towards further learning (formative assessment). This is complemented by summative assessment to evaluate competence in terms of achieving all outcomes at the end of each module and the qualification as a whole.

A combination of appropriate formative and summative assessment methods is used at fundamental, intermediate as well as advanced level. These include orals, written tests, examinations and practical assignments. In addition, the learning progress of learners will be assessed by way of individual presentations during group seminars and one-to-one consultations between a learner and the lecturer.