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Photography Portfolio for 15 - 17 Year Olds

  • Level(s) of Study: Short course
  • Start Date(s): July and August 2024
  • Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
  • Study Mode(s): Short course
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Capture the world through a lens on this exciting and immersive photography course.

Unlock your creative potential; from learning camera techniques to editing and printing your final images, you’ll cover everything you need to know to become an accomplished photographer of the future.

You’ll learn the art of DSLR photography for those crisp, high-definition shots, and discover the charm of analogue photography and film.

  • You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
  • With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio.
  • Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
  • On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

Here's what our previous attendees said:

'I now have the ability to take well thought out and meaningful photos with the correct camera controls. I learnt how to properly use my camera too and used this opportunity towards completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Residential Award'

'I developed my photography and have a better understanding in constructing photos. Really enjoyed the film photography'

'Photography has been a hobby of mine for a few years, I wanted to learn more and also work towards my Duke of Edinburgh Residential Gold Award, which I did whilst learning the importance of framing in photos and experimenting'

'I enjoyed working with film cameras and I got a greater understanding of photography and what makes a good photograph'

'It was all so good. I met new people and learnt more about photography'

'It was all great. I have recently taken up photography and wanted to develop my skills and try out different styles. I got a better understanding of my camera settings and compositions of photographs'

'Brilliant course, our tutor George was very good, would definitely recommend'

What you’ll study

From framing and composition to experimenting with lighting and colour, this course allows your unique perspective to shine as you explore various photography styles.

In a world dominated by visual storytelling, the ability to capture and convey moments through photography is a valuable skill.

Whether you're considering a career in the arts, media, or just want a chance to explore a form of self-expression, this course will equip you with the tools to make engaging images.

During this course, you will:

  • explore the city through photography using digital and analogue cameras
  • elevate your images to the next level and learn to tell a story through your photos
  • learn how to edit your photographs using Photoshop
  • unleash your creativity in a supportive environment
  • make a short zine of your work.

So, grab your camera and join us on a journey into the vibrant world of visual storytelling that's all about exploring the exciting possibilities that photography holds.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course.

Hit the streets armed with digital cameras, capturing the heartbeat of the city for the morning.

Back on campus in the afternoon, you’ll delve into Adobe Creative Cloud, transforming your snapshots. Download, edit, and bring your vision to life as you print contact sheets, giving you something tangible form day's visual storytelling journey.

Spend the day immersed in our full-size photography studios and unleash your creativity in a professional setting.

Learn the art of studio lighting techniques, capturing subjects in a whole new dimension.

After the shoot you’ll download, edit, and print your studio masterpieces.

Embark on a digital detox and discover the allure of analogue photography.

Armed with classic black and white film, you’ll hit the city streets to capture the raw essence of moments. Experience the tactile joy of film photography as you frame, shoot, and savour the anticipation of what each exposure holds. This day is all about embracing the timeless charm of analogue creativity.

Venture into the world of the black and white darkroom as we process and print your captured negatives.

Immerse yourself in traditional and experimental printing techniques, creating your very own black and white prints. Feel the excitement as your images emerge in the developer, giving life to the moments you've frozen in time. This is a day of hands-on magic as you craft tangible memories.

Finish off the week by editing, selecting, and sequencing your best shots to create a personalized zine using InDesign.

Your zine isn't just a compilation of images; it's a storytelling masterpiece.

This final project can be a standout piece in your portfolio, showcasing your unique perspective and newfound skills. Share your visual narrative with the world and take the first step towards your future photography career.

Further information on what you'll study

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’re competent in photography and editing your work.

You’ll also have a set of images and photo zine to enhance your portfolio.

Social events

We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.

How you’re taught

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.

You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.

Tutor Profile: George Miles

George Miles is a senior lecturer in the photography department at NTU.

He enjoys seeing and understanding the world through a camera.

He's is interested in working with students that wish to engage with the process of making pictures to ask questions about the world, themselves, and the medium itself.

George has published numerous photobooks including 'Occasional Picture Stories' with Fall Line Press, 'King's Landing' with Outlaw Books, 'Serendib' with Hemlock Stone Press and 'Where Druids Died' with Antler Press, as well as self-publishing over 15 titles.

He's exhibited in group and solo shows at London Photography Festival, Format International Photo Festival, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Tarpey Gallery, the Photo Parlour, Quad Gallery, and exhibited internationally including a group show in Atlanta.

His work is held in permanent and private collections worldwide.

Careers and employability

The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.

Discover the potential career paths within the photography industry. From freelance gigs to social media influencers and professional photographers, we'll explore how your passion for photography can shape your future. Get insights from professionals, learn about educational paths, and gain valuable tips for building your portfolio.

On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

Campus and facilities

You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You’ll find full-size photography studios and comprehensive Mac editing suites with software for photography editing, including Adobe Creative Cloud.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Entry requirements

Level: Open to all.

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for photography and the arts, and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills. Analogue (film) photography experience is not necessary and an understanding of Photoshop or editing skills is useful but not essential.

You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Level: Open to all.

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for photography and the arts, and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills. Analogue (film) photography experience is not necessary and an understanding of Photoshop or editing skills is useful but not essential.

You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £525.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

Secure your place with a deposit:

If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

You will also need to bring with you:

  • a digital camera (that has manual settings) or a Digital SLR camera, with its cables (if you don’t have a camera try to borrow one to begin with rather than buying expensive kit that’s not quite right. There will be plenty of advice during the course about what to buy and where to buy it)
  • an analogue camera if you have one (or we have plenty you can borrow)
  • a notepad and pen
  • a 5 GB memory stick.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

The fee for this course is £525.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

Secure your place with a deposit:

If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

You will also need to bring with you:

  • a digital camera (that has manual settings) or a Digital SLR camera, with its cables (if you don’t have a camera try to borrow one to begin with rather than buying expensive kit that’s not quite right. There will be plenty of advice during the course about what to buy and where to buy it)
  • an analogue camera if you have one (or we have plenty you can borrow)
  • a notepad and pen
  • a 5 GB memory stick.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

How to apply