This qualification reflects the role of individuals who apply a broad range of skills in photo imaging, including lighting, image capture, enhancement, manipulation, and output. Vocational outcomes at this level are predominantly digital, which is reflected in the training and assessment practices for this qualification.
Welcome to the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging, Semester 1, 2026
Thank you for your enquiry into the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging at Ultimo TAFE. We hope this page helps answer some of the questions you may have with the course.
Feel free to reach out to Rose or Dario if you have any further questions.
Dario Gardiman | Head Teacher | Photography | TAFE | Ultimo dario.gardiman1@tafensw.edu.au
Rose Mousavi | Education Administration Support | Photography rose.mousavi@tafensw.edu.au
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your classes are taught by industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge into the classroom. This knowledge and experience ensures you are trained to meet industry standards.
Our facilities are first class with dedicated Apple Macintosh computer labs and 2 fully equiped studios with Broncolor and Profoto lighting systems.
CLASSES and TIMETABLE
We offer a flexible timetable, with classes available at various times throughout the week. Simply select the classes that best suit your schedule, this will form your timetable for the semester.
Most classes are delivered face-to-face on campus, with some subjects available online.
UNITS OF STUDY
The course comprises of 7 core units and 8 elective units, grouped into clusters to streamline assessment requirements. In total, you will complete 15 units, delivered across 7 subject areas. The clusters, along with their corresponding units, are as follows:
INDUSTRY - Process
In these subjects, you’ll learn how to process and adjust your images using industry-standard software such as Adobe Lightroom. You’ll develop the skills to apply a range of editing techniques to meet the requirements of a creative brief. You'll also gain important knowledge about organising, storing, and archiving your digital files to ensure your creative work is maintained and easily accessible.
- CUAPHI313 - Process photo images
- CUAPPR403 - Store and maintain finished creative work
INDUSTRY - Enhance
Using industry based software, this topic will teach you about professional photography practices including image manipulation & enhancement and developing and applying industry knowledge.
- CUAPHI403 - Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
- CUAPHI311 - Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge
CAPTURE on Location
In this subject, you’ll learn how to operate your camera using manual settings and apply a range of photographic techniques to suit different situations. You’ll also develop your ability to interpret a client brief—planning, capturing, and preparing images that meet specific creative requirements.
- CUAPHI312 - Capture photographic images
- CUADIG303 - Produce and prepare photo images
- CUADES412 - Interpret and respond to a design brief
COLOUR and Design
This subject will introduce you to colour theory, design principles, and design processes, and show you how to apply these concepts within your photography practice to communicate ideas effectively. Through a series of practical tasks, you’ll have opportunities to experiment and refine your techniques, and reflect on your progress.
- CUADES301 - Explore the use of colour
- CUAACD411 - Integrate colour theory and design processes
CREATIVE Process and Communication
This subject will teach you about effective collaboration within the creative process, as well as how to investigate and discuss ideas for your own creative work. You will develop your research and analysis skills, as well as the ability to take part in critical and informed discussions with others. You will also learn to evaluate the themes and ideas from significant periods throughout the history of photography, in order to inform and enrich your own photography practice.
- CUARES403 - Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
- CUAPPR415 - Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work
- CUAPPR314 - Participate in collaborative creative projects
LIGHTING and Studio
Light is one of the most powerful tools in photography and in this class you will gain greater creative control to elevate your visual emotional impact. In this subject, you will explore the core fundamentals of light and its properties. You’ll learn how to safely assemble, adjust, meter, and control light to shape your images and create specific moods.
- CUAPHI411 - Capture images in response to a brief
- CUAPHI412 - Apply photo imaging lighting techniques
WHS
This topic will teach you about work, health and safety in our society in general. Your teachers will contextualise this unit and make it specifically relatable to the photography industry during the studio classes.
- CUAWHS312 - Apply work health and safety practices
The Certificate IV is offered Full time for 6 months and Part time for 12 months.
As a FULL-TIME student, you will complete all 7 clusters of units. As a PART-TIME student, you will complete INDUSTRY - Process, INDUSTRY - Enhance and CAPTURE in your first semester, then complete the remaining clusters after the semester break.
OUT OF CLASS TIME: In order to make the most of your studies it is expected that you practice in your own time. As a guide you should set aside a minimum of 10 hours per week to review content and practice new skills.
STUDY PATHWAYS
- Diploma of Photography and Photo imaging
- Bachelor of visual arts
- Bachelor of creative practice
CAREER PATHWAYS
- Photographer
- Photographer’s assistant
- Photo lab technician
- Photo store specialist
- Studio assistant
- Digital operator
Below is a link to THE PHOTO COLLECTIVE - TAFE NSW CERTIFICATE IV OF PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL IMAGING ONLINE EXHIBITION - Semester 2, 2025, featuring work by students of the Certificate IV in Photography & Digital Imaging. This is a collaborative task which students complete at the end of the course in Subject 3: COLOUR DESIGN & COMMUNICATION
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Please contact:
Dario Gardiman | Head Teacher | Photography | TAFE | Ultimo dario.gardiman1@tafensw.edu.au
Rose Mousavi | Education Administration Support | Photography rose.mousavi@tafensw.edu.au
TO ENROL
We look forward to seeing you on campus.
Credits:
Created with an image by Jiri Hera - "Professional camera with lens."