Introduction to Photography


Whether you’re passionate about capturing beautiful images as a hobby or pursuing photography as a career, then this course is for you.

This course covers photography basics and digital image manipulation using Photoshop. You’ll learn how to optimize camera settings, achieve consistent exposures and enhance your creative vision. Whether you want to refine your techniques or start a professional journey, this course provides the essential tools for success.

  • Employing a camera to capture inventive images
  • Executing digital image manipulation
  • Mastering lighting techniques for photography
  • Utilizing a camera proficiently and securely for photography

Assessment

You’ll undergo ongoing assessments through various methods such as practical tasks, observations, assignments, presentations, and portfolio assignments.

During the duration of the course, you’ll create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your work. Advancing from Level 1 to Level 2 will focus on enhancing your photography skills and integrating them with business opportunities.

You can progress to Level 2 Photography which will build on your photography skills and introduce business skills for gaining self employment.

There are no formal entry requirements, but you must have the physical capability to complete assessments independently after training, along with literacy skills to access course materials.

Please note: This course is a condensed program designed exclusively for adults. Alternatively, learners aged 16-18 have the option to pursue UAL Level 3 in Creative Practice (Photography pathway).

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for funding help and have to pay for course, you could pay a 25% deposit and four consecutive monthly standing order payments for the balance. The course fee must be over £100 to qualify.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246 [email protected] or via Live Chat.

If this is a Level 3 qualification and you may qualify for free course fees and there may be grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances. If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 or over you can pay the fee in full upfront and receive a 10% discount. Or you can apply for an Adult Advanced Learner Loan, a low interest loan with no upfront fees that you pay back in installments once you’re earning. For more information, come along to an Enrolment Event, call 0191 490 4627 or email [email protected]

Those aged under 18 years old are not eligible to study this course as it is a part time programme.

This is a 12 week part-time course taught one evening per week at our Baltic Campus.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026