PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES OVERVIEW
FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE FOR YOU
We’ve never lived in a more visual society and despite the remarks we so often hear that “everyone is a photographer now”, we at DPC believe that there is, in fact, a growing need for skilled photographers and image creators. With the sheer volume of visual content that drives social media, which is required to keep large and small businesses afloat, photography has become an essential skill. To be competitive in a fast-changing world, having photography skills will give you an edge. Whether you want to be a full-time professional photographer or just an image creator, our photography courses will assist you to conceptualise, create, and stay up to date with advancing visual technologies.
FUNDAMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES
If you’re a complete beginner or have little experience with photography, we recommend you start with our Basic to Intermediate Photography Course, which has also been adapted into a photography course for teens. After the basic course, we strongly recommend the Lightroom Course which is the starting point for managing your photos and basic editing thereof. Going beyond the basics, we recommend the Basic Photoshop and Beginner Wildlife courses. The final fundamental course, the Advanced Photography Course, opens a whole new world of creative possibilities and is the perfect crossover into the world of advanced photography.
BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Basic to Intermediate Photography Course
Part Time – 10 Sessions
Master the fundamental aspects of photography and so much more. Learn how to see with a camera and use the advanced program modes to creatively capture photos. Take part in three practical outings where we shoot Portraits, Landscapes and Nightscapes. (Photography 101)
LIGHTROOM COURSE
Lightroom Classic Course
2-Day Weekend Workshops
Learn how to use Lightroom Classic, top to bottom. We cover all the most important aspects of digital workflow and portfolio management, from importing, sorting, managing and retouching to exporting images for print and online applications. Retouch different types of images, from portraits, landscapes, architecture, food, wildlife, etc. (Adobe Lightroom 101)
BASIC PHOTOSHOP
Basic Photoshop Course
2-Day Weekend Workshop
Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop for photographers. Covering all the most important aspects of creative retouching; from basic retouching tools to advanced retouching tools; including working with selections, layers and masks. (Adobe Photoshop 101)
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
Mobile Photography
1-Day Weekend Workshop
This course will teach you how to take amazing smartphone photos that you are proud to share to Instagram or print for your walls at home. In this course, you will learn how to optimise your smartphone’s camera with the use of apps and accessories. To make sure you get the most value out of this course, we end the day with a fun practical street photography outing. (Mobile 101)
BASIC VIDEO COURSE
Basic Videography Course
Part Time – 08 Sessions
Content creation has become the latest buzzword among creatives. Many still-photographers, therefore, are adding Videography to their skillsets and product offerings. In this course, we teach you to use your mirrorless or DSLR camera to shoot video and introduce you to video editing and workflow. (Videography 101)
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
Advanced Photography Course [Online]
Part Time – 13 Sessions
This course is ideal if you already understand the basic aspects of your camera and want to step up your technical skills and master your camera completely. We go beyond the basics; focus on complex camera techniques and processes, as well as creative and visual aspects. (Photography 102)
EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Digital photography requires solid technical skills, visual mastery, and computer skills. To become a complete photographer, you have to master all three of these rapidly evolving fields. To stand out in a competitive world where everyone who has a mobile phone is a photographer of some sorts, requires serious inspiration, hard work, and specialised training. Once you’ve mastered the basics, sign up for more specialised photography workshops. These highly practical classes go beyond the fundamental aspects and zero in on expert topics, which is vital for the budding photographer or someone who wants to earn money from photography.
HOW TO START A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
How to start a Photography Business
4-Day Online Zoom Class
The A-Z to becoming a professional photographer! Looking to turn your love for photography into a lucrative career? Our live Zoom course, presented over four engaging evenings, is just what you need to turn your passion for photography into a thriving business.
ON-LOCATION LIGHTING
On-Location Lighting Course
2-Day Weekend Workshop
Learn how to use reflectors, speedlights and portable strobes as an extension to your camera and vision when shooting portraits on location. Covering all the important aspects pertaining to speedlights like TTL and manual flash settings for on-camera and off-camera shooting. (On-Location Lighting 101)
STUDIO LIGHTING
Studio Lighting Course
2-Day Weekend Workshop
This practical hands-on course is ideal for photographers who would like to learn how to shoot portraits in the studio. Covering all the most important aspects of the studio environment, camera settings and lighting equipment. You will personally get the opportunity to set up the lights, direct, and shoot a model under the guidance of a pro. (Studio Lighting 101)
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Photography Course
6-Day Weekend Workshop
This extensive course is presented by two of SA’s top wedding photographers. Focusing on the business, creative, and digital aspects of wedding photography to set you on your way to becoming a successful wedding photographer. (Wedding Photography 101)
PORTRAIT POSING
Portrait Posing Course
1-Day Weekend Workshop
Posing is perhaps one of the most neglected and challenging skills any portrait photographer could have. Improving your posing skills and finding a posing system that works will improve your self-confidence dramatically when directing a model, or a couple. (Posing 101)
CONCEPTUAL PORTRAITS
Conceptual Portrait Photography Course
2-Day Weekend Workshop
This course will leave you with a clear understanding of what is required to become a conceptual photographer; from conceptualisation steps to finalising your masterpiece. (Conceptual Portraits 101)
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Newborn Photography Course
2-Day Weekend Workshop
Newborn photography and working with tiny brand-new humans can easily become overwhelming and intimidating for beginners and even for some intermediate photographers too. This workshop will help you understand all the key elements needed, as well as tips and tricks you should know to successfully create beautiful images that you and your clients will love and treasure (Newborn Photography 101)
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Food Photography
2-Day Weekend Workshop
With the help of food photographer and keen foodie, Winifred Harms, we have created a 2-day foundational food photography workshop, We cover creative aspects, including food styling, composition, storytelling and more. (Food Photography 101)
ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Architecture and Interior Photography Course
5-Day Weekend Workshop
Learn to shoot Commercial Properties and Real Estate. Covering all the important aspects of planning your shoots, specialist equipment, lighting techniques, composition, digital workflow, and retouching. The highlight of the course is two days on location, shooting Architecture and Interior Spaces. (Architecture Photography 101)
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Macro Photography Course
1-Day Weekend Workshop
We will help you understand the terminology, equipment and accessories involved in shooting macro and close-up images. We cover everything from advanced shooting techniques and lighting through to post-processing including a practical session at the end of the day. (Macro Photography 101)
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wildlife Photography Courses
Various Half-Day Excursions and Safari Game Drives
These excursions are for wildlife enthusiasts who would like to make the most of their time in the wild and turn their snapshots into great shots. We cover the most important creative and technical aspects related to wildlife and avian photography.
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY
Product Photography
2-Day Weekend Workshop
This practical hands-on course is ideal for photographers who would like to learn how to shoot products in the studio and on location. We cover the most important aspects of Product Photography, from styling to execution, and bringing the product to life. (Marketing 101)
CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAMME
Our creative programme is designed for people who want to discover the multiplicity of styles and approaches in the world of photography. This course consists of four separate modules that focus on artistic photography. Throughout these creative photography classes, we emphasise design principles, visual language and storytelling principles. Through a series of visually inspiring classes, we teach our students how to create photos that evoke feeling and imagination. The course culminates in a solid presentation on photography projects and how to best present your work online, or in print. The programme consists of separate modules which can be completed separately, or you can opt to book for the complete Creative Programme in advance and save 25%!
DEVELOPING A VISUAL VOCABULARY
Developing a Visual Vocabulary
2-Part Evening Classes
Danie Bester covers the foundational aspects of expanding your vision, visual composition, and developing a visual vocabulary. In the process of dissecting a series of eye-opening photos created by some of the world’s most renowned photographers, he shows how we can drastically improve our own photos by following similar principles and processes. (Creative Photography 101)
VISUAL STORYTELLING
Visual Language and Storytelling Concepts
3-Part Evening Classes
This series elaborates on aspects briefly introduced in the “Expanding your Vision” series. It will enable photographers to tell better stories through thoughtfully applying the key principles of visual language and communication. It takes you beyond the mere aspects of visual composition and will help you to get your intended message across to the viewer and create images with impact and feeling. (Creative Photography 102)
DEVELOPING A PERSONAL STYLE
Developing a Personal Style and Photography Projects
2-Part Evening Classes
Danie Bester covers the aspects of conceptualising a personal photography style. He elaborates on how to use photography projects as the vehicle to create a unique visual style. A highlight of the series is a set of sophisticated tests, which are completed afterwards and will help each student to discover and fine-tune their personal styles. (Creative Photography 103)
PORTFOLIO, PRINTING, PRESENTATION
Photography Portfolios, Printing and Presentation
2-Part Evening Classes
John Onderstall resumes where the Developing a Personal Style series ended, with an in-depth coverage of the photography portfolio. He discusses the principles and philosophy of photography portfolios while showing actual samples, including creative ways to show off your work. (Creative Photography 104)
Get 25% off
Book in advance for the complete Creative Photography Programme and save!
INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
We offer private photography classes for individuals and small groups. These are ideal for novices who cannot attend the group classes, or for more experienced photographers who would like to get special, in-depth training in specific areas.