Image - Roman Nerush
CUA41120
Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
It all begins here. Grow from a beginner to a pro in the most comprehensive foundation curriculum we could create. Start with learning how your camera works, then become a well rounded sharp shooter with studio lighting, Lightroom and Photoshop, darkroom work, conceptual and portfolio development, and more. We over both online and in-person study options for a majority of classes, making it even easier to find a study path that works for you.
What you will learn
Pricing yourself for professional work and creating to a commercial or artistic brief.
Conceptual development and portfolio building.
Commercial and artistic photographic work.
Composition and design of your photographs.
Critical technical skills in using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, studio lighting,
Lightroom, Photoshop, darkroom, 35mm film photography and “natural” light.
Historical and contemporary photographic practice.
Various genres of photography to broaden your skills.
To complete a Certificate IV you will study seven core subjects and two electives
Classes are subject to scheduling and may not run every term, please check our class schedule for further details.
Image - Chris Holmes (Lecturer)
Your Learning Pathway
(It’s basically what you looked at above. It looks complicated, don’t worry! It’s super easy, we will talk you through it)
How long will it take?
Part Time Study
Part time study is one to two subjects per term. At one subject per term the qualification will take just over two years to complete.
Full Time Study
Full time study is three subjects per term. At three subjects per term it will take nine months to complete the Certificate IV.
Change it up as you go
You are never locked in to full time, part time or face to face study. Changing your subject load each term is as simple as enrolling in more or fewer classes, or choosing between our online or face-to-face study options.
What you will need
You will need your own entry-level digital SLR or mirrorless camera with memory cards and lenses. It doesn’t need to be fancy! So long as it has manual controls and a removable lens, you have all the kit you need. Call us if you have any questions. For further requirements check each individual course as you enrol.
Fees and Pricing
We work a little bit differently to typical schools. Basically you pay for your certificate class by class. Meaning you don’t need to fork out upfront for your entire Certificate IV in one hit.
In 2024 classes are $995 each, except for Introduction to Photography which is $895. You will need to take nine of our accredited nine week classes to complete your Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging - seven core courses and two elective courses.
Worried about the cost? Yeah we get it. We have payment plans available on each course so you can easily pay it off over time. Call us on 8354 0839 if you want to talk to us about it - we are here to help
We understand that finding the funds for study isn’t always easy. Thanks to generous donations from The Malcolm and Margaret Carbins and ADFAS Adelaide we are able to offer two partial and one full scholarship each year.
Check your eligibility and apply today by clicking the link below.
Ready to start?
Hit the button below to fill out an enrolment form. This form can be used to enrol in any course (click here for enrolment in VET courses), workshops, and master classes. Multiple courses can be added within the one submission. Hard copy forms are also available from the CCP. Enrolments can be made for later terms to secure your place - confirmation of enrolment will only be issued on receipt of payment.
Image - Ai Quan Van
Term 2 Monday 27 April - 22 June 2026
7:00PM - 10:00PM
Online only.
This is the ultimate Introduction to Photography course for beginners. Learn from real life professional photographers in this hands-on fundamentals of Digital SLR and Mirrorless camera course.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI312 - Capture photographic images (60 nominal hours)
CUAPPR403 - Store and maintain finished creative work (30 nominal hours)
Class prerequisites: there are no formal prerequisites, but students should have a basic level of computer literacy.