What is Photography?
Photography is an art of capturing or creating real images by recording light, colour and scenes. A photograph is recreated with the help of ‘image sensor’ or photographic film in a camera. Starting since its inception, the concept of the camera had undergone a sea of changes which have ultimately led to the discovery of modern ‘digital camera’. The camera contains a lens which is focused upon the light emitting from the object and the real image of the object is captured on the light-sensitive surface inside the camera within a fixed time. Nowadays, cameras are fitted with an electronic image sensor which produces an ‘electric charge at certain pixel’ and processes the image electronically.Â
Everyone loves to take photographs but to excel in the field of photography; one must learn the various modes, settings and the working of a camera. There are courses specially designed for photography. Be it a diploma course in photography, or pursuing a course in BJMC, BMM, Shiksha lists how a student can make their dreams come true.
Eligibility Criteria to be a Photographer
Photography is a vocational course which lays emphasis on theory, with plenty of hands-on training. To excel in the field of photography, aspirants will have to devote hours in practical work. A candidate who has passed 10+2 Board examination is eligible for a diploma course, which is usually a one-year course, in which candidates receive theoretical knowledge of the basics of photography along with practical training to hone their skills as photographers.
Required Skills to be a Professional Photographer
To be a successful photographer, one must thoroughly grasp the technique and nuances of photography. Besides, the person must possess a creative frame of mind an eye for perfection. He should have immense patience and interpersonal skill. Shiksha lists the skills required to be a professional photographer:
| Knowledge of photography |
Must know the technique and nuances of photography |
| Creativity |
Should have a creative mind, who can draw the best from the viewed object |
| An eye for details and perfection |
Must possess a keen eye to observe things and capture them in the lenses |
| Patience and Concentration |
Must possess immense patience to watch and observe things with rapt attention |
| Interpersonal skill |
Should have a strong power of communication |
| Team Working skill |
Must have the quality to work in a team |
Admission Procedure and Fee
In India, there are several renowned institutes which conduct diploma course in photography. Admission to these institutes is done either on the basis of the result in the 10+2 Board examination or through merit in the entrance examination, conducted by the institutes. Some entrances tests are as follows:Â
Photography Course Structure
A pursuant has to study theory as well as devote time in the field to achieve expertise in the subject. They have to acquire knowledge of the activity, strategy, process, and art of creating and inventing still photographs and video photographs. The topics included in the curriculum are listed below:Â
-
History of Photography
-
Introduction to Image-Making
-
Basics of Digital Photography
-
Basics of Photoshop
-
Basics of Printing
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Street Photography andÂ
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Photojournalism
Students are taught about the basics of documentary photography, studio lighting for portraiture, studio lighting for still life, typography etc. They are also given exposure to the industry through internship programmes.
Photography Course Curriculum
The entire course of 1-year duration has been divided into three modules. The syllabus has been framed to make the aspirants acquire sufficient knowledge and skills of photography. In the table below, we have endeavoured to provide a glimpse of the photography curriculum:
| Part I |
Part II |
Part III |
|---|---|---|
| Theory |
Digital Imaging |
Depth of Field Exercises (Practical) |
| History of Photography: early experiments and later developments |
Sensors |
Photographing a subject with different lenses |
| Films cameras & Processing |
Lightroom, Photoshop |
Preparing full and ¼ portraits under different lighting conditions |
| Photographic optics: a) Light? character, |
Photo Tools |
Photograph, use of bounce and reflected lights |
| Cameras? old and new: a) Different parts of a camera |
Photo Corrections |
Group photos and arrangements |
| Types of Lenses? wide, zoom, tele, macro, fisheye |
Portrait Photography? basic lighting systems |
Use of Colour Filters-Lighting and Effects |
| Aperture: Functions |
Studio lighting? 1/2/3 lights? soft-boxes, snoot, barn doors |
Selection of Shots |
| Shutters: Functions |
Photographing headshots, ¼, ½, ¾ |
 Colour Filters –Different Kinds |
| Focusing: Spot, Matrix |
Wildlife, fashion, and photojournalism |
 Photographic light sources? natural and artificial. |
| International Standard Organization (ISO) |
Photographing in available light |
 Composition? rules of composition |
| Exposures? exposure meter? functions. |
Close up: Accessories and techniques |
 Flash |
Job and Career Opportunities of a Photographer
In an age of ‘media explosion’, the need for photographers are on high demand. After completing the course of photography, students may receive plenty of opportunities to work on. They may work as photojournalists in the print media, digital media, fashion photographer for magazines, video photographer for digital media etc. They may also work as freelance photographers. Initially, a photographer may earn Rs 3 lakh per annum as a photographer gains experience with work to show in the portfolio, the demand initially rises.Â
Here, we have prepared a table to provide some idea about the average annual salary of different types of photographers:
| Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fashion Photographer |
Rs. 3-5 lakhs |
| Photojournalist |
Rs. 5-6 lakhs |
| Still Life Photographer |
Rs. 3-5 lakhs |
| Photo Editor |
Rs. 3-4 lakhs |
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Popular Photography Colleges in India
Take One School of Mass Communication
East Of Kailash, DelhiBharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies (BVBFTS)
Kasturba Gandhi Marg, DelhiSJC Bangalore - St. Joseph's College
Lalbagh Rd., BangalorePopular Private Photography Colleges in India
Frameboxx 2.0 Animation and Visual Effects, FC Road
Fergusson College Road, PunePearl Academy, Rajouri Garden
Rajouri Garden, DelhiSeamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Bangalore
Banasavadi, BangalorePearl Academy, Mumbai
Andheri East, MumbaiTop Rated Courses
Courses
- M.Voc in Design & Entrepreneurship (Interior Design)Arch College of Design and Business
- B.Tech. in CSE (Gaming Technology) with IBMFaculty of Engineering and Technology, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)Amity University, Mumbai
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)LPU - Lovely Professional University
- BSc/ BA in FilmmakingWhistling Woods International Institute of Film, Communication and Creative Arts
- B.A. in Multimedia-Screen WritingRamesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment
- BFA in Applied ArtMIT School of Fine Art & Applied Art, MIT-ADT UNIVERSITY
- B.Sc. in Graphics, UI/UX, Illustration and Web DesignLISAA School of Design, Bangalore
- Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music + Diploma in Music ProductionAAFT - Asian Academy of Film And Television
- Diploma in Commercial PhotographySeamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Pune
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