How to become a professional photographer

About this course

The course examines the workflow of commercial photography, from planning and making a studio-flash portrait shoot through to managing files and producing finished images. Participants work with colour management, print production and finishing, using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for processing and advanced retouching techniques. Teaching combines demonstrations, supported software exercises, individual guidance, group feedback and a practical photographic shoot. The course also addresses the paperwork involved in working efficiently as a commercial photographer.

What you'll learn

• Light and photograph a person using studio flash
• Interact with and pose a photographic subject
• Apply colour management from image capture through to output
• Process images for web and print using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
• Retouch skin blemishes using advanced Photoshop techniques

Is this course right for you?

This advanced course is intended for photographers who already have full control of their camera’s manual settings, good computer skills and basic experience with image manipulation software. It is not suitable for beginners. Participants should be able to follow written and verbal instruction, take part in group discussion, and use simple measurements and calculations.

• Not suitable for beginners
• Requires confident use of manual camera controls
• Includes group discussion and feedback
• Involves working on Apple Mac computers

Before you go

• Participants should bring a manual camera.
• A notebook and pen may be useful.
• A memory stick or portable hard drive may be useful for file storage; PC-formatted drives can be read but not written to by Apple Macs.
• Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, tripods and lenses are available during class hours.