Digital Photography - Intermediate (HE09Z44A)

A real-time online course ideal for those technically confident photographers that want to move beyond the basics and start exploring in greater depth the broad creative scope of photography.

Course overview

The aim of this course is to help you develop your creativity by building on the technical knowledge and skills learnt during the beginners' courses. You will explore a variety of new exciting photography genres and find inspiration by studying the work of some of the best historic and contemporary photographic practitioners.

We would like to make you aware that we are expecting to return to face to face teaching on Wednesday afternoons at Five Ashes Village Hall in the New Year. Please check our website for regular updates.
Where This is an online course.
When Wednesday, 12:30pm - 2:30pm from 30th September 2020 until 9th December 2020 for 10 weeks.

28th October (Half Term)
Cost The full fee is £172.00.

What you already need to know

Ideally, you will have completed the beginners' photography courses. However, if you are a technically confident photographer who wants to develop your creativity and get more than just competent snapshots from your photography, then this is the course for you.

Camera functions and photography techniques will be taught during the course but a good foundation of camera knowledge is an advantage.

What you will learn

During the intermediate course, you will undertake creative projects reflecting different kinds of photography, giving you the opportunity to learn and practise different photography skills and to explore your own personal interests.

The course will be based around core themes and techniques and students will be introduced to some great photographers working in different genres who exemplify these techniques or themes.

For example, a core technique could be depth of field, and students would look at how photographers have used this technique in different genres such as landscape, still life or portraits. Students would then engage in which-ever chosen genre inspires and use this to develop a series of great depth of field images. Students will be able to work on styles of photography they are already interested in or experience new genres of photography to broaden their creativity.

Techniques covered will include advanced exposure control and the creative potential of camera filters. A beginner's set can be purchased for around 15 pounds, and the tutor will give advice during the course, so do not purchase if not already owned.


After completing this course to continue learning with Toby, explore more themes and techniques, and grow your skills further by enrolling on the next Digital photography - Intermediate course starting 13th 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


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?

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

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

If you would like to continue learning with Toby, the next Intermediate 10-week course will start Wednesday 13th 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.