The Photography Institute Online Learning Experience

Absolutely. Our online photography courses offer a comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and flexibility that can rival traditional in-person education. You gain access to industry insights, practical skills, and a global community of like-minded photographers, all of which are invaluable assets for your photography journey.

The best course for you depends on your goals, experience level, and personal preferences. Our courses are meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, tailored to your needs.

The courses are designed to be self-paced. For the Certificate Course, you would expect to be dedicating on average about 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks. For the Diploma Course, you would expect to dedicate, as per AQF standards, approximately 16 hours per week of structured and non-structured training over an 18 month period. Students studying the Certificate Course are provided up to 12 months to complete their studies. Students studying the Diploma Course are provided up to 18 months to complete their studies.

Our courses are entirely self-paced, allowing you to learn when it's most convenient for you. Whether you have a full-time job, family commitments, or other responsibilities, you can tailor your learning schedule to accommodate your life.

Staying motivated in online learning requires setting goals, staying organised, and participating actively in discussions and assignments. The vibrant community and practical nature of our courses also keep you engaged and excited about your progress.

You can contact your tutor at any time through our secure student site, which you will gain access to once you enrol. Your tutor's role is to assess your assignments and provide you with feedback. They are also available to answer any questions you may have about the course.

The courses are completed online. This means there are no classes to attend. You can study in your own time and at your own pace.

As the courses are provided online, you have the flexibility to start when and where suits you. If you enrolled today, for example, you could start straight away.

If you need more time, you can purchase one of our affordable extensions. We currently offer 3, 6 and 12 month extensions. Alternatively, you can purchase an Advanced Module, which will come with a 6 month extension.

Self-paced learning empowers you to set your own rhythm and dive deep into the material without time constraints. You have the flexibility to revisit concepts, engage in hands-on practice, and truly absorb the content at your pace.

Absolutely. Photography knows no age limits, and neither does our online education platform. Whether you're a young enthusiast, a mid-career explorer, or a retiree seeking creative fulfilment, our courses cater to learners of all age groups.

Absolutely. Our courses foster interaction and engagement. You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate with fellow students and instructors, creating a supportive and enriching learning environment. We have a dedicated student Facebook group which allows you to connect with other like-minded photographers where you can discuss your assignments, the course and all things creative.

Yes, online certifications and degrees are increasingly recognised by employers as valid indicators of skills and knowledge. Our certificate course is recognised globally by various bodies, including IARC, BAC, UKRLP, and BBB.

No. When you purchase one of our courses, the Advanced Modules will not be included. Our Advanced Modules are short courses and are optional for those who wish to further their studies. They will be available to purchase for students who are enrolled in one of our courses and have completed the first two modules. They are comprised of one module and one assignment and you are mentored by a specialist in the topic selected.

No. Unfortunately, we do not offer our Advanced Modules to the public. Only students enrolled in our course can purchase them.

No, all course materials are provided digitally. As soon as you join The Photography Institute, you will gain access to our online student site. From there, you can download the course materials as you progress through each module. The modules are provided in PDF format, allowing you to keep them for future reference and print them if desired. We are committed to providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly learning experience.

All you need for the Certificate course is a camera. A Digital SLR or Mirrorless (CSC) camera is best; but certainly not essential. We also recommend a recent version of Adobe Photoshop. However, you may use other photo editing programs.

To complete the first assignment of the Diploma course, you will require access to the following:
– DSLR or Mirrorless, Full Frame or Crop sensor that has detachable lenses and can have accessories attached to it.
– Lenses with 50mm focal length, or a zoom lens with 50mm zoom range for your sensor size.
– A computer that is capable of running Adobe Software with a minimum of 16GBs of RAM.
– Adobe Creative Cloud - Photographer’s package or stand-alone Lightroom and Photoshop programs.
– Adobe Spark (Free with Creative Cloud).

To see a list of what is required to complete the entire Diploma course, please click here and view the EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS section.

Our courses are compatible with both PC and MAC computers, tablet and smartphone devices.

Yes. We offer a credit transfer to any applicant who provides suitable evidence that they have successfully completed a unit of competency at any Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

No formal qualifications are necessary to start your photography journey. Our courses are designed to cater to beginners as well as those with some prior experience. All you need is a passion for photography and a willingness to learn and grow.

An online photography course offers a flexible and interactive learning experience. Through a combination of engaging content and practical assignments, you'll learn essential photography skills, receive personalised feedback, and connect with a community of fellow learners, all at your own pace and convenience.

We provide a range of convenient payment options, both upfront and through instalment plans, to suit your preferences. You can enrol using credit cards, PayPal or Afterpay (Certificate course only). We also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the course risk-free.

To get started, simply click here to choose your preferred payment method and complete the enrolment process in just a few simple steps.

While self-teaching is possible, formal education offers structure, guidance, and access to industry insights that can accelerate your learning curve and help you develop a well-rounded skill set.

Becoming a photographer in Australia involves building your skills, creating a portfolio, and networking within the industry. Our courses provide a solid foundation for pursuing a photography career in Australia or anywhere else.