Course Overview
Turn your passion for photography into a professional skillset with this hands-on beginner’s course. Whether you're looking to support your career, grow a small business, or explore new creative opportunities, this course will give you the confidence and practical skills to create professional-quality images.
Learn the fundamentals of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, master the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO), and discover how composition and lighting can transform your photographs. You'll also gain an introduction to photo editing techniques to enhance and refine your work.
Throughout the course, you'll apply your learning in real-world projects and build a portfolio of 5–10 professionally edited images that showcase your growing skills and creativity.
By the end of the course, you'll have developed the knowledge and technical skills to respond to opportunities or challenges related to employment, small business marketing, or career transition—while creating a portfolio that demonstrates a strong foundation in commercial digital photography.
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Aug 2026 View more details |
| Study options |
part-time |
| Total credits | N/A |
| Indicative Fees | No tuition fee for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Topic Overview
- DSLR and mirrorless camera fundamentals
- Understanding the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
- Essential composition techniques for impactful images
- Natural and artificial lighting basics
- Introduction to photographic editing and image enhancement
- Practical skills for commercial photography applications
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | No tuition fee for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Fee Help
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course does NOT meet the requirements for student loan or allowance applications through StudyLink.
Find out more at studylink.govt.nz
Course Entry Information
Entry Criteria
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English Language Requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 7 Aug 2026 | |
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 31 Aug 2026 |
Course Unavailable in Your Location?
Register your interest and we'll be in touch with available options.
