University of Cape Town
Digital Photography
Learn how to capture and edit high-quality digital photographs for business or personal purposes.
Start date
09 September 2021
Enroll by 03 September 2021
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of marketers who say visual images are the single most important form of content for their business.
Social Media Examiner (2018).
A focus on vertical shots is one of 10 key movements shaping photography currently.
Design Shack (2019).
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Images are a powerful way to immortalise moments and tell compelling stories. Whether you plan to draw on photography in a personal or professional capacity, these skills are a valuable addition to your repertoire of competencies.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Digital Photography online short course introduces you to the features and functionalities of digital SLR cameras, and teaches you how to use different settings to take high-quality images under a range of conditions. You’ll also discover the principles of composition, and learn basic photo-editing techniques.
During the course, you’ll apply what you learn practically to produce a range of images, and you’ll benefit from ongoing constructive feedback from your head tutor, professional photographer Roberta Crumplin.
Is this course for you?
This course covers foundational digital photography terms and techniques. It’s therefore suited to both hobbyists and aspiring or self-taught photographers wanting to build or refine a practical skill set. Similarly, the content will appeal to professionals looking to develop digital photography skills for application in marketing, journalism, and other business contexts. In order to complete this course, students need access to their own digital SLR camera.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Images are a powerful way to immortalise moments and tell compelling stories. Whether you plan to draw on photography in a personal or professional capacity, these skills are a valuable addition to your repertoire of competencies.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Digital Photography online short course introduces you to the features and functionalities of digital SLR cameras, and teaches you how to use different settings to take high-quality images under a range of conditions. You’ll also discover the principles of composition, and learn basic photo-editing techniques.
During the course, you’ll apply what you learn practically to produce a range of images, and you’ll benefit from ongoing constructive feedback from your head tutor, professional photographer Roberta Crumplin.
Is this course for you?
This course covers foundational digital photography terms and techniques. It’s therefore suited to both hobbyists and aspiring or self-taught photographers wanting to build or refine a practical skill set. Similarly, the content will appeal to professionals looking to develop digital photography skills for application in marketing, journalism, and other business contexts. In order to complete this course, students need access to their own digital SLR camera.
What will set you apart
An understanding of key photographic concepts, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and how they impact image quality.
The ability to use light to your advantage, and the knowledge to construct appealing compositions.
The skills to digitally edit photographs and apply a range of visual effects.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Getting to know your camera
Module 2
Aperture
Module 3
Shutter speed
Module 4
ISO
Module 5
How your camera understands light
Module 6
How to make use of your flash
Module 7
Composition
Module 8
Portraits
Module 9
Landscape
Module 10
Basic photo editing techniques
Get course prospectus
Course Convenor
Dr Ian-Malcolm Rijsdijk
Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Film and Media Studies and Director of the African Cinema Unit, UCT
About the certificate
Develop digital photography skills and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get a course brochure
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
