professional practice
I used the UCAS website to research and select a range of possible progression courses.The courses I found are mainly photography based, however I also looked for film and media courses as well.
University of Lincoln - Photography
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Lincoln (Main Site)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ introduces students to visual communication and how it plays a role in society. Students have the chance to learn processes and methods for both photography and moving images.
Year 2 ~ students will develop a specialism, meaning they can plan an artistic trajectory and engage with professional practice in the creative industries.
Year 3 ~ students produce a major body of work in a chosen area demonstrating a thorough understanding of medium and style, as well as working towards a final exhibition and portfolio or show-reel.
University of Huddersfield - Photography
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Huddersfield (Main Site)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ students will learn photography process and workflow 1, photographic theory and practice, and Digital Media Design Foundation Studio practice.
Year 2 ~ they will follow on to focus on Digital Media Design Intermediate studio, audiences and contexts, and photography process and workflow 2.
Year 3 ~ then they will learn research and development for photography, theory for photography, then finish by making a major photography project.
University of Leeds - Film, Photography and Media
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Leeds (Main Site)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ lays the foundation of the course by helping to develop academic and practice-based skills. Students will be introduced to screenwriting as well as camera, editing and photographic practices. These will then be put into context and students will build critical skills with modules on the history and theory of film and communications, as well as learning more about research in communication and media that can help inform practice.
Year 2 ~ the following year expands and enhances skills as students work on a short film project and take further core modules in photography and cinema. Students will also being to specialise in topics that suit their career plans and abilities, with optional modules that range from motion graphics to issue of genre in cinema and the role of technology in communication and the media.
Year 3 ~ students will be in a position to work on a major project from their own interest. They can work on a script, compile a photography portfolio, make a short film (group), develop a moving image project or complete a written dissertation on a topic in communication and media.
Blackpool and the Fylde College - Photography
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Blackpool (University Centre)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ students will explore the fundamental principles of photography.
Year 2 ~development of skills through a wide variety of live, professional briefs.
Year 3 ~brings together the students creative journey and culminates with a major exhibition in a high profile gallery.
University of Salford - Photography
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Salford (Main Site)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ this part of the course is about gaining skills, knowledge and confidence to enable creative play while exploring contemporary photographic practices. Students will study a combination of practical and academic/contextual based modules which develop knowledge, understanding and a critical reflective approach towards photographic practice and their own work. From this base of practice and theory, they will begin to develop an informed understanding of photographic languages.
Year 2 ~ enhances understanding of professional contexts and contemporary photographic theory and practice. They will continue to develop their own photographic practice and critical skills through a series of projects, folio development, written assignments and research presentations. Professional skills and understanding are developed in relation to areas such as still and moving image, experimental image making, exhibiting, and industry awareness.
Year 3 ~ further develops an independent approach to photography. Students will define an area they wish to explore from both artistic and professional standpoints. They will focus on realising their creative potential by undertaking a major self-directed project.
Keele University - Film Studies and Media
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Keele (Main Site)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ approaching film, the history and theory.
Year 2 ~ Hollywood and Beyond: Global Popular Cinemas.
Year 3 ~ in the final year, students can choose to specialised within Film Studies or Media.
Birmingham City University - Photography
Qualification ~ Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Location ~ Birmingham (Parkside Building Campus)
Duration ~ 3 years (Full-time)
Course Structure ~
Year 1 ~ gain confidence as they develop creative and technical photography skills. Students will be introduced to visual communication principles before focusing on photography, and explore theories about creative practice.
Year 2 ~ contextualises work within contemporary practice. Live projects, industry links and competitions are a key part within this year. Students can opt for a collaborative practice module, working with students from other visual communication.
Year 3 ~ students will focus on their area of specialism, working in smaller groups, supported by seminars from industry expert practitioners, exploring areas such as networking, freelance practice, entrepreneurship, self-promotion and introductory media. Students will develop a sustained and individual portfolio of work, contextualised by dissertation.
professions
photographer
Average salary (a year) ~ (starter) £14,00 to (experienced) £50,000
Typical hours (a week) ~ 39 to 41
How to become a photographer
To get into a photography job, I can get in through;
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a university course - a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in photography.
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a college course - could take a photography course like a Level 3 Diploma in Photography.
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an apprenticeship - an advances apprenticeship in photo imaging or creative digital media.
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working towards the role - could start as a photographer's assistant and work the way up.
What it takes
I will need;
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customer service skills
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excellent verbal communication skills
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the ability to sell products and services
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to be thorough and pay attention to detail
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the ability to work well with others
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to be flexible and open to change
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patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
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the ability to work well with your hands
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expected to use a computer confidently as part of the job
What I'll do
Daily tasks may include;
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discussing the project with the client and agreeing the 'brief'
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finding and preparing the location for the photo session
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choosing the right equipment and setting up lighting
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composing and taking photos
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using industry software to edit and process images
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checking accurate colour match and image quality
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choosing the best images for the client to use online or in print
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promoting and running your business
Career path and progression
Many photographers are freelance and I could do a mixture of contract work and following my own interests. I can extend the range into other areas of photography like product, property or corporate work. I can also work as a press or police officer, with training.
With specialist qualifications, there are opportunities to find employment in medical photography or illustration.
I can also become self-employed and set up my own business. Photography is very competitive, so I will need creativity and technical skills to make money. I will also need finance for equipment, a space to work in, and some business and admin skills.
Brad Heaton
Brad Heaton is an Ohio-based concert photographer.He has taken photos of a range of artists, such as Hoodie Allen, Beartooth, and my personal favourite, twenty one pilots.
Brad is one of my biggest inspirations. The way he grew and managed to become so successful is aspiring. The execution of his shots are incredible and really give a new experience to the photos.
Brad would love for the world to recognise concert photography as an artistic representation rather than documenting an experience.
He got started in photography during baseball tournaments as a teen. He ended up watching the photographers in the dugout, instead of his games.While he may have broken in to the concert photography scene the way many do, Heaton has separated himself from the pack by realising that he could pick his point-of-view
and apply interesting, varied shooting styles.
