Photographer

ITI Photographer Syllabus (English)

Course Overview

  • Trade Name: Photographer
  • Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
  • NSQF Level: Level 4
  • Eligibility: 10th Grade Pass
  • Objective: To train candidates in photography techniques, camera handling, lighting, and image editing, equipping them for roles as studio photographers, photojournalists, or event photographers in studios, media houses, or advertising agencies, or for self-employment as freelance photographers.
  • Certification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) by NCVT

Detailed Syllabus

Semester 1

Trade Theory

  • Introduction to Photography: History, types (portrait, landscape, wildlife), role of photographers.
  • Safety Practices: Handling cameras, tripods, electrical equipment; studio safety, eye protection.
  • Camera Fundamentals: Types (DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot), parts (lens, shutter, sensor), operation.
  • Optics and Lenses: Focal length, aperture, depth of field; lens types (prime, zoom, macro).
  • Exposure Basics: Shutter speed, ISO, aperture; exposure triangle, metering modes.
  • Composition: Rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, balance; creating visually appealing images.
  • Computer Basics: File formats (JPEG, RAW), storage, basic photo editing software (Photoshop, Lightroom).

Trade Practical

  • Safety Drills: Setting up tripods safely, handling camera batteries, checking studio wiring.
  • Camera Handling: Operating DSLRs, adjusting settings (ISO, shutter speed), changing lenses.
  • Exposure Practice: Capturing images in manual mode, balancing exposure for different lighting.
  • Composition Tasks: Shooting portraits and landscapes, applying rule of thirds and framing.
  • Basic Editing: Importing photos to Photoshop, cropping, adjusting brightness/contrast.
  • Studio Setup: Arranging backdrops, positioning subjects, testing camera angles.
  • Project Work: Creating a portfolio of 10 images (portrait, nature) with proper exposure and composition.

Hours: Theory: 160 hours | Practical: 240 hours


Semester 2

Trade Theory

  • Lighting Techniques: Natural vs. artificial light, softboxes, reflectors, three-point lighting.
  • Advanced Photography: Portrait, fashion, product, event, wildlife; specialized techniques.
  • Digital Editing: Layers, masks, filters in Photoshop; color correction, retouching.
  • Videography Basics: Video modes in cameras, frame rates, basic video editing (Premiere Pro).
  • Studio Management: Equipment maintenance, client interaction, pricing photography services.
  • Media Ethics: Copyright laws, model releases, ethical considerations in photojournalism.
  • Entrepreneurship: Starting a photography business, marketing, social media branding.

Trade Practical

  • Lighting Practice: Setting up softboxes, using reflectors, creating dramatic lighting for portraits.
  • Specialized Shoots: Capturing product photos, event coverage, or fashion shoots with props.
  • Advanced Editing: Retouching portraits, applying filters, creating composite images in Photoshop.
  • Videography Tasks: Recording short clips, editing videos with transitions and music.
  • Studio Operations: Maintaining cameras/lenses, organizing shoots, managing client bookings.
  • Portfolio Development: Building a professional portfolio with diverse genres (event, product, portrait).
  • Project Work: Conducting a full photoshoot (e.g., wedding or product) with lighting, editing, and client presentation.

Hours: Theory: 160 hours | Practical: 240 hours


Additional Components
  • Workshop Calculation and Science
    • Calculations: Focal length calculations, exposure settings, studio budget estimation.
    • Science: Light properties (reflection, refraction), color temperature, optics principles.
    • Hours: 80 hours/year
  • Engineering Drawing
    • Drawings: Studio lighting diagrams, lens schematics, composition sketches.
    • Hours: 80 hours/year
  • Employability Skills
    • Communication: Client consultations, pitching portfolios, teamwork.
    • IT Literacy: Using editing software, cloud storage, online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance).
    • Soft Skills: Time management, resume writing, interview preparation.
    • Hours: 60 hours/year

Assessment and Certification

  • Exams:
    • Theory: Written exams per semester (MCQs, descriptive questions).
    • Practical: Tasks like photoshoots, lighting setups, image editing, portfolio creation.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Image quality, composition, editing skills, client-ready deliverables.
  • Certification: NCVT National Trade Certificate (NTC) upon passing both semesters, globally recognized.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: Studio photographer, photojournalist, event photographer in studios, media houses, or advertising agencies.
  • Self-Employment: Freelance photography, wedding/portrait studios, stock photography.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Photography, certifications in cinematography or advanced editing.