The comprehensive Diploma in Photography Course including 15 units on image editing and composition will increase your confidence as a photographer and improve your skills. Includes 15 units, 14 unit tests and 13 practice assignments.
- 15 in-depth units giving you the essential photography knowledge in easy to manage sections
- 13 Practice Assignments (11 marked)
- Membership of the IOP Camera Club forums for help, support and feedback
- 2 hours of dedicated tutor chat every week
- Unlimited time to complete the course*
- CPD Accredited Diploma in Photography pdf certificate
* You have lifetime access to the course but you must log in at least once every 12 months to keep your account active
Each units consists of different types of learning materials to appeal to all students and will be made up of study materials labelled READ, PRACTICE, WATCH, INTERACT.
Unit 1: An introduction to digital photography
This unit provides an essential introduction to digital photography. From equipment to camera types, this unit is a great refresher or the perfect starting place for beginners. Unit comprises:
READ » Unit 1: Introduction to digital photography
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Camera lens assessment
INTERACT » Unit 1 Test Questions
Unit 2: Understanding the technology of digital photography
A good understanding of the technology of digital photography giving you the knowledge you will need to get off the Auto setting and to gain much more control over your camera.
READ » Unit 2: Understanding the technology of digital photography
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Digital SLR simulator
WATCH » Crop factor video
READ » Quick Start Guide to Metering Modes
INTERACT » Unit 2 test questions
Unit 3: Controlling light with apertures
Improve your photography instantly by learning about aperture settings, depth of field and exposure.
READ » Unit 3: Controlling light with apertures
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
READ » A useful chart
INTERACT » Unit 3 test questions
Unit 4: Mastering shutter speeds
The choice of shutter speed has a profound effect on the way that moving subjects are recorded. Discover how to create silky water and how to freeze action shots as well as how to create impressive effects.
READ » Unit 4: Mastering shutter speeds
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
READ » Quick Start Guide to Shutter Speed DOWNLOADABLE
INTERACT » Unit 4 test questions
Unit 5: Cracking composition
In this unit, we look at how to compose a beautiful photograph. You will learn about leading lines, shapes and how to use colour in composition. This unit alone will change the way you take photographs forever.
READ » Unit 5: Cracking composition
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
WATCH » IOP Instructional Video on COMPOSITION
INTERACT » Unit 5 test questions
Unit 6: Advanced composition skills
Learn the fundamentals of advanced composition skills from using colour to create a mood to using unusual perspectives.
READ » Unit 6: Advanced composition skills
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
WATCH » IOP Instructional Video on ADVANCED COMPOSITION
INTERACT » Unit 6 test questions
Unit 7: Using light effectively
All the fundamental principles of photography are linked to use of light. This is one of our most in-depth and detailed units.
READ » Unit 7: Using light effectively
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
WATCH » IOP Instructional Video THE HISTOGRAM
INTERACT » Unit 7 test questions
Unit 8: Holiday and travel photography
Make your travel shots memorable with this helpful unit. We look at planning the perfect travel shot and encourage you to consider different perspectives when shooting abroad.
READ » Unit 8: Holiday and travel photography
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Unit 8 test questions
Unit 9: Landscape photography
Take stunning landscape imagery. Learn how to use depth and light to create a professional landscape picture.
READ » Unit 9 : Landscape photography
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
READ » Quick Start Guide to Lens-Mounted Filters
WATCH » LEE Filters ND Standard Filters (Neutral Density Standards)
WATCH » LEE Filters ND Grads (Neutral Density Graduated Filters)
WATCH » The Big Stopper from LEE Filters
INTERACT » Unit 9 test questions
Unit 10: Landscape photography – special projects
Take your outdoor photography skills a step further learning how to shoot panoramas. We also introduce HDR photography to help you produce a perfect exposure.
READ » Unit 10 : Landscapes special projects
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
READ » Quick Start Guide to Dynamic Range DOWNLOADABLE
WATCH » Time-lapse movie examples
INTERACT » Unit 10 test questions
Unit 11: Black and white photography skills
Producing beautiful black and white shots is an art form and takes knowledge and practice. Learn to ‘see’ in mono and take black and white shots to be proud of.
READ » Unit 11 : Black and white photography skills
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Unit 11 test questions
Unit 12: Perfect portrait photography
Take a perfect portrait in any situation. Once you have perfected this technique, expect to be on call for every family event!
READ » Unit 12 : Perfect portrait photography
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Unit 12 test questions
Unit 13: Image editing techniques
Image editing techniques and skills are key to becoming a competent photographer. This unit addresses these key skills and offers comprehensive advice on essential editing techniques.
READ » Unit 13 : Image editing techniques
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
INTERACT » Unit 13 test questions
Unit 14: Make money from photography
We give you hints and tips on how to make money from photography. This unit also includes a tutorial on how to make a photography website from scratch worth up to £2000.
READ » Unit 14 : Making money from photography
READ » Wedding photography 10 point plan
PRACTICE » Share your practice assignment with a tutor and peers for feedback
WATCH » Make your own photography website
INTERACT » Unit 14 test questions
Unit 15: Certificate and feedback
In this unit we ask you to tell us what you thought of the course and provide you with your Diploma in Photography certificate as well as your member badge.
The Diploma in Photography is suitable for all levels.
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Beginners
Perfect for those who are completely new to photography, it starts with the complete basics and develops at an easy pace into more complex photographic concepts.
Intermediate & Advanced
Although you may find some of the concepts simple to begin with, many experienced photographers find it is useful to re-visit the basics. Along with this, there is the opportunity for you to tailor the course to your needs, using the tutor support and assignments.
Camera
Any digital camera that allows you to control the manual settings is perfect for this course. Even the most basic compact cameras offer that functionality these days. Look at your camera manual – can you change the aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings? If so, your camera is fine for the course.
Equipment
Any PC, Mac, laptop, tablet or smartphone is suitable for viewing the course and course videos.
A reasonable broadband internet connection (2mb and above).
Non-essential equipment
The following items would be worth investing in, perhaps in the future and as you work through the course, developing your skills.
They are not essential for the course.
