Frequently asked questions about our courses

Which photography course should I study first?

Your study path must begin with two stage 1 courses: Introduction to Photography: Beginners and Introduction to Photography: Intermediate. Both courses can be undertaken using either 35mm SLR or a digital camera with manual controls.

Following Introduction to Photography: Beginners & Intermediate, we advise students to take a stage 2 course, either a darkroom course, Black & White or Colour Photography, or Advanced Digital Photography if a digital route is chosen.

Stage 3 courses can be undertaken in either a conventional photographic, or digital medium.

Stage 4 courses will be available from Autumn 2010.

Please note, students studying Stage 3 courses using a digital medium, must have access to their own digital equipment, as no computer support can be offered for these courses.

STAGE 1 PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Introduction to Photography: Beginners
Introduction to Digital Photography: Intermediate

STAGE 2 PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Colour Photography, Black and White Photography, Advanced Digital Photography

STAGE 3 PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Photographing People, Landscape Photography, Documentary Photography, Constructed Images

STAGE 4 DIPLOMA COURSES

• Photography and Place
• Photography and Technology
• Photography and Narrative
• Photography and Society

Is it essential to complete an Introduction course before undertaking other photography courses?

In most cases we do recommend beginning with our Introduction courses. They are ideal for absolute beginners, but they are also essential courses for those who would like to learn how to process and print their own black & white images, brush up their skills, or digitally process their work using Adobe Photoshop.

The Beginners course will teach you about camera functions, placing focus, capturing movement and demystify all those menus. As well as technical input, both courses will introduce you to the creative side of photography by examining the work of other photographers, understanding composition and using different lighting conditions. The Intermediate course will introduce you to the basics of film processing and printing techniques in the darkroom and provide an introduction to Adobe Photoshop to process your images.

On completion of the Introduction to Photography courses, you will be able to continue your photographic work by undertaking further courses or becoming a Member of Ffotogallery and using the drop-in darkroom facilities.

The Introduction courses are recommended for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. For more information or to discuss the required prerequisite knowledge, please contact the Ffotogallery education team on 029 2066 8695 or email education @ ffotogallery.org

Do I need to have a camera before the course starts?

For Introduction to Photography Beginners & Intermediate, you will need a basic 35mm SLR camera or any model of digital camera with manual functions. We do not recommend particular models, but you should try to get a camera with as many fully manual functions as possible, such as manual focus and manual exposure control.

If you are unsure about the camera you have or have questions regarding purchasing a camera, you can wait until the course starts and ask your tutor for advice.

How many places are on each course?

We enrol 12 students per course. This small number ensures a friendly environment and plenty of time for discussion with your tutor.

What do I need to bring to the first session?

Always bring a pen and notebook, as every session will be full of interesting information. If you have a camera please bring that along too. If you don't own a camera and would like guidance about what to get, your tutor will be happy to advise you. After the first session, the tutor will advise as to what materials you will need for the rest of the course.

What do you supply?

Ffotogallery supplies all the chemicals and equipment required for film/digital processing and printing.

As a student you will be asked to provide film (film courses only) and printing paper. You will also be asked to keep a workbook full of notes and exercises. Please don't provide any of this on the first session, as your tutor will advise you about the specifications and most cost effective materials to purchase.

Accessibility

If you have any queries or requirements, please contact Ffotogallery on (029) 20 34 1667.

How do I book a place?

If you would like to book a place on any of our accredited courses you will need an enrolment form, downloadable from Ffotogallery’s website or it can be requested by emailing education @ ffotogallery.org. We recommend early booking, as classes are limited to 12 participants. Please note that Ffotogallery cannot reserve places without full payment.

We recommend early booking, as classes are limited to 12 participants.

Accreditation

The UWIC Continuing Education Award is awarded to those who gain 60 credits in their studies - that is, completed and passed 3 photography courses.  This can include any 3 of the following courses:

Introduction to Photography 1
Introduction to Photography 2

 

Colour Photography
Black & White Photography
Advanced Digital Photography

Landscape Photography
Documentary Photography
Photographing People
Constructed Images

We are currently developing a Certificate & Diploma in Higher Education qualification with UWIC which your Continuing Education Credits will accumulate towards.

Certificates

After successful completion of each of our courses, UWIC will send those students an acknowledgement of credits gained. Once students have achieved sufficient credits, UWIC will send out the relevant certificate automatically.

If you have achieved previous credits with Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning, and are due to receive a certificate please get in touch with Ffotogallery, who will explain the procedure for obtaining your certificate.

Cancellations and refunds

The information provided is correct at the time of printing. However, changes may occasionally be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. If there are insufficient numbers of students for the course to run prior to the start of the course, Ffotogallery reserve the right to cancel the course and a full refund will be given. However, Ffotogallery are not liable for any consequential loss. In the event of the course already being full when you apply, Ffotogallery will return your payment to you.

If you decide not to attend the course prior to its start but have already paid for it, written notification must be received at least 10 working days prior to the beginning of the course and Ffotogallery will then organise a refund. Please note that it might take up to 6 weeks to process.

If you decide to cancel your place on the course within 10 working days of the course start date Ffotogallery will not be able to issue a refund. If you leave the course once it has started, Ffotogallery are not able to issue a refund.

Upon completion of the enrolment form you are agreeing to the above-mentioned terms and conditions.