Digital Photography - Advanced (UC09Z13A)

Course overview

The course will cover a set of core themes which students will be able to explore through a variety of photography genres of their choice. The aim of the course will be to develop student's creativity, technical knowledge and awareness of the broad creative scope photography has to offer by engaging with a range of photographic practitioners, both historic and contemporary.

You will be encouraged to build on the knowledge and technical skills acquired in the intermediate level courses, you will be challenged to achieve even more by seeking to become increasingly inventive and progressive in your execution. The course is creatively driven as opposed to technically driven but full technical support will be given to polish existing skills and new techniques taught to support student's specific projects.

We would like to make you aware that we are expecting to return to face to face teaching on Tuesday afternoons at Uckfield Civic Centre in the New Year. Please check our website for regular updates.

Where This is an online course.

When Tuesday, 12:30pm - 2:30pm from 29th September 2020 until 8th December 2020 for 10 weeks.

27th October (Half term)

Cost The full fee is £172.00.

What you already need to know

Ideally, you will have completed the intermediate photography courses. However, if you are a technically proficient photographer confident using the manual mode, who wants to increase your creativity and learn how to develop photography projects and create folios, then this is the course for you. A good understanding of camera function and confidence shooting in manual mode is a must.

What you will learn

The advanced level courses are project lead, each built around core photographic themes, reflecting different kinds of photography and using different photography skills.

For example, a core theme may be light and shadow. The tutor will take students through different interpretations of this theme by photographers, representing different genres, the still lives of Paul Strand, the landscapes of Don McCullin and the portraits of Irving Penn. Students will then develop their own project engaging with these themes in whichever genre that inspires them. Full technical support will be given throughout to facilitate the students chosen direction. Each class will develop skills to help students realise their project goals, and encourage further exploration of the creative potential of photography!

By the end of the course, you will have completed three projects exploring diverse themes and techniques, and be more informed about taking an initial idea or inspiration to a final folio of photographs.

You may wish to continue learning with Toby to explore more genres and grow your skills further by enrolling on the next Digital photography - Advanced course starting 12th January 2021. Please see the 'next steps' section below.

How you will learn it

This is an online class taught in real-time allowing you to learn directly from your tutor as well as through presentations, videos, online resources and group discussion.

The tutor, Toby, will introduce you to the core themes of each project and you will be encouraged to engage with these themes through a variety of chosen genres. This course is a great opportunity to either develop your own specific interest in a type of photography or challenge yourself to try new ways of making images.

Toby will be available throughout the course to offer full technical support, tailored to you and your project's individual needs

Each week a specific class challenge will be set to encourage you to explore the themes of the lesson in greater depth. You will receive full support to ensure you are confident in undertaking any tasks assigned.

Students will share their images in a secure online forum and benefit from tutor and peer to peer support and formative feedback.

Bring to the first session

ACRES' online courses will be taught in real time using the video platform Google Meet, supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time.

You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or phone) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though it is not essential, you may choose to create a separate email account for your online learning (preferably Gmail which is most compatible with Google Meet). This will give you the added security to allow you to share your email address with your tutor and other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

At the start of the course and before each lesson your tutor will send you an invitation with a link to join the class and any further information including resources and equipment you will need for the lesson.


Materials and items you will need to do the course

• DSLR camera
• A tripod is also useful however please do not purchase one before the course as the tutor will be able to advise you on models

To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials or items until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

By enrolling on this course you agree to take responsibility for the safety, security and insurance of your own equipment. ACRES does not accept liability for any damage or loss caused by accident, or through the downloading or viewing of any malicious or illegal software or content whilst using the Internet, email, transferring of files to and from your DSLR camera, laptop and/or desktop computer or any other activity undertaken whilst on this course. If you have any questions regarding this please speak to your tutor or contact the ACRES office on 01825 761820.

Extra study or practice

This course is project-based, so you will be expected to work outside of class to develop your photo projects. Project progress will be reviewed and constructive feedback given by the tutor and peers each week in class to support ongoing personal development and encourage critical thinking.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

Student feedback from Toby's previous Digital Photography courses (all levels)

What did you achieve coming on this course?

• Huge improvement in confidence using camera and related techniques.
• I learnt a lot more about photographers and techniques and acquired more camera skills.
• Learning how to use the camera proficiently and confidently in Manual, and learning how to see images more photographically
• Had fun learning new photographic techniques
• Confidence in photography and use of digital cameras.

What were the best/most enjoyable things about the course?

• Excellent tutor and really inspiring classmates.
• The tasks set by Toby and discussions afterwards about the results
• The critical feedback on uploaded images and the between-class tasks
• Being able to continue with the course during the lockdown. Inspiration to do more advanced techniques which is easier at home. Communication with Toby and other students. Pushing my boundaries. Still life!
• Learning as part of a group and using live feedback to add to the enjoyment and the challenges set.

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

If you would like to continue learning with Toby, the next Advanced 10-week course will start Tuesday 12th January 2021.

ACRES will continue offering online courses in 2021 but we are hoping to also be able to offer face to face courses in venues in Uckfield and Heathfield from January 2021. Please check our website or sign up to our mailing list for updates.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.