Level 3 Digital and Traditional Photography

The course is designed around professionalism, industry practice and deadlines. You will have the opportunity to be creative, experimental and work with the latest digital equipment in the college studio resources. The learners are encouraged to explore all areas of photography with a number of vocational trips to enhance the learners development and professional experience of working in a studio and outdoors. Topics covered include: Lighting, Studio Practice, Composition, Portraiture, Landscape, Glamour, Fashion and Architectural imagery.

All Level 3 students will have the opportunity to undertake a range of live projects in using photography for graphics, fashion design as well as numerous competitions. We have our own in-house design agency that will give you the opportunity to pitch for jobs and gain that all important industry experience. INDUSTRY INFORMATION Hours Hours of work can vary and may often include evenings and weekends. As a self-employed photographer, you would need to be flexible about when you worked. Part-time work may be possible. Your working environment could also vary. You would often work in photographic studios, or you could work in various indoor or outdoor locations, depending on the job (assignment). Some jobs involve climbing ladders or working at heights, and you may sometimes need to lift and carry heavy equipment. You would spend a lot of time travelling to assignments, which could be in your local area, around the UK or possibly abroad. Income Starting salaries for assistant photographers can be between £12,000 and £17,000 a year. Full-time photographers can earn between £18,000 and £50,000 a year. Freelance photographers are normally paid a fee for each job, or an hourly or daily rate. Rates can vary widely depending on experience and reputation, the type of assignment and the budget available. Figures are intended as a guideline only. Key facts: Around 44,000 people work in the industry. Just under half of the workforce is based in the South of England. There are nearly 14,000 companies in the industry, of which: 58% are photography 35% are retail, laboratories or image production companies 5% are picture libraries and agencies 3% are manufacturers or support services companies Almost half of companies are sole traders or freelance photographers. 93% of companies employ 5 people or less. More than two fifths have a degree and over a fifth have a technical qualification, including a quarter of all photographers. Jobs in the industry can be divided into: Photography - Advertising and Editorial Photographer, General Practice (Social) Photographer, Press Photographer or Photojournalist, Fashion Photographer, Scientific Photographer, Corporate Photographer, Forensic Photographer, Medical Photographer, Assistant Photographer, Staff Photographer Photographic Laboratories and Image Producers - Minilab Operator, Print Finishing Technician, Digital Imaging Specialist Photo Retail - Photo Retail Manager, Minilab Operator Photo Retail Picture Libraries - Picture Researcher, Picture Library Manager Manufacturers - Field Service Technician, Marketing Executive Equipment Support Services - Product Repair Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, Product Returns Management Technician. Nearly 5,000 people work in the industry in the South West and over half of these are photographers. Larger employers in the region include Harrier LLC (Truprint) in Newton Abbot and Tempest in St Ives. Transmedia, an Approved training provider, have a training facility in Bristol to complement their main base in Greenwich.

5 GCSE A*-C (or more) with English or Maths. Or equivalent/relevant vocational qualification at level 2 with a merit or higher grade with all functional skills in English or Maths at Level 2. and Successful Interview and Excellent reports.

After successful completion of the course with merits/distinctions learners can progress to the Level 4/5 \hnc/HND in Creative Practice at Gloucestershire College or This will enable them to make informed choices with regard to a career in the creative media sector. You will need to receive an outstanding report from your tutor and achieve all targets set as progression to the next level is not guaranteed.

STUDENT CASE STUDY NATHON MILISIC, 42 Course: Photography Level 3 Nathon is a mature student who produced excellent work throughout the year and took part in photographing events such as Cheltenham Fashion Week and The Gold Cup at Cheltenham Racecourse. Nathon is progressing onto the new HND Creative Practice to specialise in photography. Well done Nathon!

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details