Both students decided to pursue formal study to strengthen their skills and broaden their horizons. Jordan realised in Year 11 that photography could be more than a hobby – it could be a career. Jolie, who already runs a commercial photography business, saw the value in backing up her experience with a formal qualification. “I wanted to learn the skills behind photography to help me with my business,” Jolie says.

Mastering the art of photography

A standout feature of course is the diversity of skills students develop. From studio lighting to image enhancement, they’re exposed to various techniques that help build a versatile skill set. Jordan especially appreciates the variety the course offers. “At CIT, we get to do everything from studio to product photography to video work. It’s an opportunity to try everything.”

Jolie, who focuses on animal and equestrian photography, found aspects of the course challenging, particularly when branching into unfamiliar areas like street and landscape photography. “The teachers have been so helpful in guiding me through these new areas and building my skills,” Jolie reflects.

Both students have also benefited from collaborative learning. In a recent team project, they created camera obscura’s, simple devices that demonstrate the principles of how a camera works. The students used them to capture images, blending traditional techniques with modern processing methods.

“The exhibition was a result of three months of teamwork and collaboration,” Jordan explains.

“It’s not just about the images but about the effort we put in as a group.” Jolie adds, “The process of working together as a class has been rewarding. We’ve all contributed from taking photos and creating posters to ensuring everything was up to date.”