In the SPI forums there are many posts from potential students (and I count myself as one of these) who are confused about which course to undertake. Reading through these posts the common problem seems to be that there is a little in every course that is relevant, but not a single course that would seem to cover an all-round photographic eductaion.

In my own case, I would seem to need a combination of both the Foundation in Photography and Diploma in Digital Photography courses. The problem for me here is that the courses cannot be done in isolation - there needs to be a structured "mixing" of these courses.

As an exercise I have pulled together the contents of the two courses into a single course that would provide me (and I believe a lot of other students) with an all-round training. Some of the elements can be optional, and I have also added some additional areas that would complement the overall completeness of what I am looking to achieve. So for those of you who are interested here is my "ideal" Diploma in Digital Photography course..........

STAGE 1 – CAMERA CONTROLS

DIGITAL IMAGES
How digital images are created and how that relates to the way we control them. File types are discussed, as is compression, RAW modes and the pros and cons of in-camera processing.

CAMERA PROGRAM MODES
Match shooting mode to your subject for real control over how your pictures look.

EXTREME MEASURES
We then go on to look at ways of working with contrast, both in-camera and in software, to avoid losing image detail, especially in highlight and shadow areas.

TONAL PLACEMENT
You will learn how to recognise tones and how to meter to optimise the dynamic range of your camera, as well as to recognise when only certain sections of the image need adjusting.

WHITE BALANCE
We show you how to get a grip of colours; learning how to control them in the camera, working with different types of lighting and creating unique white balance settings.

STAGE 2 – TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS

COMPOSITION
Learn how viewpoint and composition can be used to give your pictures more impact.

LENS POWER
Master the power of your zoom and get to grips with framing and perspective in your images.

COLOUR & SHAPES
Using colour and shapes for impact, effect and atmosphere. Seeing graphically and using line and form to lead the eye around the picture.

PEOPLE (Optional)
Getting the best from your portrait subjects - either in the studio or on location. Bringing personality into your photos. Choosing appropriate angles, lighting and lenses. How to take candids, groups and children.

LANDSCAPES (Optional)
From rolling hills to cityscapes, industrial sites to seascapes, you will be shown how to create depth and interest in your landscape photography. Creating atmosphere with lighting, camera angles and the best lens for the job.

NATURE (Optional)
Techniques on photographing nature and wildlife. Capturing wildlife shots unobserved. How to photograph flowers close-up (macro photography).

STILL LIFE (Optional)
Photographing still objects both in the studio and on location. Mastering the use of daylight. Controlling flash and using reflectors.

BUILDINGS & ARCHITECTURE (Optional)
Shooting exteriors and interiors. Choosing the right time of day and the weather most appropriate for your subject. Going in for detail and placing your subject in the context of its surroundings, as well as converging verticals and tricks to avoid them.

SPORT & ACTION (Optional)
Coping with high speed shots, being prepared and anticipating the moment. Absorbing the atmosphere of the event into your photography.

STAGE 3 – POST PRODUCTION

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT & STORAGE
Setting up the computer and calibrating your monitor. How to transfer images from camera to computer. Available software and their uses. How best to organize your digital post-processing workflow, including RAW. Organising a filing system - filing and naming, captioning and making and filing back-ups.

SCANNING FILM (Optional)
Types of scanners – their pros and cons. How to set up and use a scanner. Setting up scanner profiles for different types of film.

COLOUR CONTROL IN SOFTWARE
We look at how software can alter colours, and how colours are used creatively to enhance atmosphere. Measuring colour. Altering colour with levels, hue and saturation. Working with curves.

STRUCTURAL CORRECTION
You will learn how to retouch your images to remove blemishes, how to straighten horizons and good working practices to ensure nothing gets missed. Creating panoramas and 360o panoramas and correcting converging verticals.

ADVANCED SOFTWARE CONTROLS (Optional)
Enlarging and reducing images, combining layers and selecting and adding objects. Brushwork and enhancing colours. Changing shapes and surrealist images.

IMAGE SHARPENING
We then study ways of sharpening images and ways to reduce the destructive impact of sharpening tools.

BLACK & WHITE
Life in colour is nice, but black and white is just as exciting and full of opportunities. You will see just how many ways there are to create beautiful black and white images from one-click to the complexities of colour’s influence on contrast. We also deal with toning and staining images to create a range of effects.

END USE
Getting your pictures into print. Calibrating your printer and setting up printer profiles. Printing with different paper types and sizes (including panoramas) and inks. How to display your photographs on the web.

Any ideas on how I can actually do this course!!!!!

Regards,

Mark