Digital Photographer

ITI Digital Photographer Trade Syllabus

The ITI "Digital Photographer" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in capturing high-quality photographs using digital cameras, editing images with software, and managing photography assignments. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical photography skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as digital photographers, photo editors, or studio assistants in media, advertising, or freelance photography.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent)
• Objective: To train individuals in professional digital photography, image processing, and studio operations to meet industry standards.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in digital photography and image editing.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Photography
    
    • History and evolution of photography: film to digital.
    • Role of a digital photographer in various fields (media, events, fashion).
    • Types of photography: portrait, landscape, wildlife, product.
  • Camera Basics
    
    • Types of digital cameras: DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot.
    • Camera components: lens, sensor, shutter, aperture, ISO.
    • Accessories: tripods, filters, flash units, memory cards.
  • Photography Fundamentals
    
    • Exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings.
    • Composition rules: rule of thirds, framing, leading lines.
    • Lighting basics: natural light, artificial light, diffusers.
  • Computer and Software Basics
    
    • Introduction to computers: hardware, file management.
    • Image editing software: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom basics.
    • File formats: JPEG, RAW, TIFF, PNG.
  • Safety and Maintenance
    
    • Safe handling of cameras and accessories.
    • Cleaning and maintaining camera equipment: lenses, sensors.
    • Workplace safety: avoiding electrical hazards, tripod stability.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Photography Techniques
    
    • Studio photography: setting up lights, backdrops, reflectors.
    • Macro photography: close-up shots, depth of field.
    • Event photography: weddings, sports, concerts.
  • Image Editing and Processing
    
    • Advanced Photoshop: layers, masks, retouching, color correction.
    • Lightroom: batch processing, presets, photo organization.
    • Preparing images for print and web: resolution, cropping.
  • Lighting and Studio Management
    
    • Types of studio lights: softbox, umbrella, continuous, strobe.
    • Light modifiers: reflectors, diffusers, gels.
    • Studio setup: managing space, equipment, and props.
  • Digital Workflow and Output
    
    • Workflow: shooting, importing, editing, exporting images.
    • Printing technology: photo printers, paper types, color calibration.
    • Portfolio creation: online galleries, physical prints.
  • Professional Skills
    
    • Client interaction: understanding photography briefs, delivering work.
    • Time management: meeting deadlines for shoots and edits.
    • Business basics: pricing, marketing photography services.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical photography and editing skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Camera Handling
    
    • Operating a digital camera: adjusting settings (ISO, aperture, shutter).
    • Using tripods, filters, and external flash units.
    • Changing lenses and formatting memory cards.
  • Photography Practice
    
    • Capturing photos: portraits, landscapes, still life.
    • Applying composition rules: rule of thirds, symmetry.
    • Shooting in different lighting conditions: daylight, indoors.
  • Basic Editing
    
    • Importing photos to a computer and organizing files.
    • Basic Photoshop edits: cropping, brightness, contrast adjustments.
    • Converting images between file formats (JPEG, RAW).
  • Project Work
    
    • Creating a small photo series (e.g., nature or portraits).
    • Preparing a basic edited photo set for review.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Photography
    
    • Setting up a studio shoot: lighting, backdrops, subject posing.
    • Capturing macro shots and event photos (e.g., mock events).
    • Using advanced camera modes: manual, aperture priority.
  • Image Editing
    
    • Advanced Photoshop edits: retouching skin, removing objects.
    • Using Lightroom for batch editing and applying presets.
    • Preparing images for print: resizing, sharpening, color correction.
  • Studio Operations
    
    • Setting up and adjusting studio lights and modifiers.
    • Managing a mock studio session with props and models.
    • Packing and storing equipment safely post-shoot.
  • Project Work
    
    • Completing a professional photo shoot (e.g., product or portrait).
    • Creating a digital and printed portfolio of edited images.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for photography tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Basic arithmetic: calculating exposure settings, focal length.
  • Measurements: lens distances, image resolution (DPI).
  • Physics: light behavior, reflection, refraction in lenses.
• Semester 2
  
  • Calculations: depth of field, shutter speed for motion capture.
  • Geometry: angles for composition and lighting setup.
  • Science: color theory, light spectrum for editing and printing.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing for studio and lighting plans.

• Semester 1: Sketching basic camera setups and lighting positions.
• Semester 2: Preparing detailed studio layout diagrams.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: discussing shoot requirements with clients.
  • Time management: scheduling shoots and edits.
  • Basic IT skills: using editing software effectively.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: starting a freelance photography business.
  • Resume writing and interview preparation for photography jobs.
  • Teamwork: collaborating with assistants or editors.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on photography quality, editing skills, theoretical knowledge, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Digital photographer, photo editor, studio assistant in media houses, advertising agencies, or event management firms.
• Self-Employment: Freelance photography, wedding or product photography services.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Photography, Cinematography, or Graphic Design.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.