| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course Overview
Our Certificate in Photography is perfect if you have a passion for photography, with any level of experience.
We offer a broad introduction to photographic practices and studies, including knowledge of basic camera skills and photo techniques, working on location and studio practices, coupled with health and safety and best practice in relation to workflow and post-production. Skills are developed in the areas such as the use of shooting manually, developing industry-standard software, research, learning and presenting skills.
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Why Study Photography at Griffith College?
Our Certificate in Photography combines the theoretical with the practical to give you a complete comprehension of photography.
analogue and digital photography
– confidence with an analogue camera and developing prints in the darkroom will enhance your digital technique.experience with studio lighting
, which is key for portraiture, fashion and still life advertising shoots.Small class sizes
ensure that you get the one-on-one attention needed to perfect your technical and creative skills.lecturers are professional photographers
, actively working within the industry. They have extensive experience in many genres of photography, including portrait, commercial, fashion and editorial photography.option to progress
into Year 2 of the BA in Photographic Media, with the Certificate as a foundation and building block.
Course Highlights
Equipment
We provide a range of equipment for students to avail of in order to complete their course work. We have a suite of kit including both Canon and Nikon kit, a number of full frame DSLR’s, two large format professional Stylus Pro 4900 Epson printers) and a professional Flextight scanner.
In stage II students make full use of large format cameras, which can be used in our studios or taken out for location shoots. We also have flashes, lenses, portable studio light kits, medium format cameras and tripods available for loan.
Intake Dates
We run two intakes for this course, commencing as follows:
Are you applying through the CAO?
Read our CAO Guide for everything you need to know about applying through the CAO!
Course Code
What our students say
As a mature student returning to full time education I was naturally somewhat apprehensive about both the workload and the age difference between me and the other students. I needn’t have worried on either count. From the first day all the students and staff made me feel right at home and treated me no differently than anyone else.
While the course load is intensive the professionalism and approachability of all of the Lecturers and Technicians made it a pleasure to participate in. When I look back at the year I can hardly believe the difference in the way I approach and execute any photographic task, either Digitally or Film, all thanks to the skill set I’ve gained over the last academic year.
I originally only signed up for the Cert but have enjoyed the experience so much that am now going to continue to the 2nd year of the BA in Photographic Media
Derek Emerson
Certificate in Photography
What our students say
Students supporting and inspiring each other, academic staff support beyond the course, feeling part of a community – these are the things which sets a Griffith College Photography course apart from the others. In one year, I have gone from nervously snapping in auto mode on an entry-level DSLR to confidently directing studio shoots and operating complex equipment. The course enables you to try diverse areas of photography, allowing you to explore the many career paths it has to offer and to fall in love with your chosen field. Initially, I thought I wanted to be wedding photographer - and now I am starting my business plan to enter the commercial photography product industry! They give you a thorough understanding of the options available out there, which is so important to new photographers trying to find their direction. Griffith has accommodated my career choices for the future by allowing me to continue on a modular-basis alongside my full-time job. Griffith College has something special here – the time and effort invested in you is priceless.
Georgina O'Brien
Cert in Photography
Before embarking on this course, I did not feel confident in utilising manual camera controls and still had a very limited understanding of photography. This excellent course changed all that. The curriculum is very well put together; the staff are very skilled, supportive and, above all, patient.
The atmosphere is great but the very best compared to other courses is the excellent practical facilities. I particularly loved the developing of the black and white negatives. All the darkroom equipment was in excellent working order and breakages are immediately repaired. There was never any queueing for resources and we had great guidance in the practical sessions.
I got an incredible amount of understanding and knowledge of this course and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Odile Henriks, M.Ed, M.Sc, M.Phil, M.A.
Cert in Photography
Related Courses
BA in Photographic Media Digital Photography MA in Journalism & Media Communications
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Course Details
Modules
This module facilitates learners’ competence in the technical and aesthetic aspects of the medium whilst concentrating on the conceptually developed research based approach to project development. Learners develop and advance studio lighting skills and demonstrate control over artificial and/or ambient lighting conditions. Learners further develop consideration of important aspects of designing a photograph.
This module concentrates on visual media within the context of the history of photography and art. It educates learners in the relationship of photography within the visual arts, including film. It in stills in learners critical and analytical appraisal of photography and encourages them to express and qualify their own opinions in relation to visual media.
This module runs over two semesters. It’s the technical foundations and building blocks for learners to apply the learning throughout all practical modules on the programme. This module takes learners through camera and exposure basics and beyond. Learners gain knowledge in the camera and its workings, the lens and B and W darkroom controls and studio techniques, from lighting for still life and lighting for portraiture.
This module covers the practical aspects of applying photographic theory with an emphasis on the visual and communicative qualities of the photographic image increasing learners' competence in the technical and aesthetic aspects of analogue photography.
All aspects of the black and white darkroom, from processing film to printing images are covered. This module encourages learners to consider important aspects of designing a photograph and demonstrate how to communicate visually.
This module aims to develop learners’ writing skills in the areas of punctuation, grammar, structure, syntax and Harvard referencing so that they can produce well-written academic essays. The module has the objective of developing learners’ research skills, and cultivating learners’ presentation skills, their confidence in presenting, capacity to develop and critique an argument, and their capacity to prepare well for proposal presentations using appropriate software and application of research skills. The module also aims to nurture and enhance learners’ note-taking and study skills, online and offline research skills, and to cultivate an informed awareness of contemporary photographic culture and practice with a view to being able to collate an artist statement for exhibition purposes.
The photographic image is a powerful communicative tool and it is important that learners understand its significance and practical use. Throughout this module, learners engage through lectures and discussion based learning, how to interpret and evaluate images from a social, historical, and cultural perspective. This critical engagement is essential for learners to understand how photographs operate as tools for communicating and conveying ideas and concepts.
This module is designed to enable learners to explore the basic principles of digital photography serving as an overall introduction to the principles of digital photography including understanding input and output devices; workflow and post production using the digital darkroom. Learners gain an understanding of the effective use of industry standard image manipulation software and the processes from image capture to manipulation and output.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College. Holders of the certificate can enter Year 2 of the BA in Photographic Media. A number of graduates have successfully set up their own studios and are actively gaining work in the commercial and social and PR genres of the industry, whilst most prefer to continue their studies and benefit from gaining a recognised qualification after one year.
You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.
Career Progression
Our graduates develop careers in photography and related visual media industries including freelance practice and assisting jobs. Through the Certificate of Photography, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
Griffith College
Overview:
Griffith College is a private higher education institution with campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on providing students with a flexible and supportive learning environment.
Services Offered:
Flexible Study Modes:
Griffith College offers a variety of study modes, including full-time, part-time, blended, and online learning options.City Centre Campuses:
Students can benefit from the convenience of studying in the heart of Dublin, Cork, and Limerick.Global Community:
Griffith College boasts a large alumni network, connecting graduates across the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small Class Sizes:
Griffith College prides itself on its low lecturer-to-student ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support.Diverse Course Options:
Students have a wide selection of courses to choose from, with over 200 programs available.City Centre Locations:
The college's campuses offer easy access to city amenities and cultural experiences.Academic Programs:
Faculties:
Griffith College offers programs across various faculties, including Business, Arts, Science, and Technology.Springboard+:
The college provides Springboard+ programs, which are government-funded upskilling and reskilling initiatives.Postgraduate Programs:
Griffith College offers a range of postgraduate programs, including Masters and PhD degrees.Other:
Open Days:
Griffith College hosts open days to allow prospective students to explore the campuses and learn more about the institution.News & Events:
The college regularly updates its website with news and events, showcasing student achievements and highlighting key developments.Grade average of 78 inthefinalyear results
OR successful completion of a recognised
pre-tertiary or foundation program OR
successful completion of one year study
at a recognised tertiary orhigher education
institution is required in addition to the
completion of High School studies.
