The communication landscape has undergone a profound transformation – a surge in visual content - both photography and video. In this evolving reality, there is a surging need for talent, proficient in both photography and video and capable of creating exceptional communication pieces. Recognizing this demand, Light & Life Academy has crafted a course aligned with current industry expectations.
Graduates of this course will go beyond creating high-end professional images and will be capable of creating an entire gamet of visual assets for different mediums, from videos for social media to still images for various platforms.
This course is meticulously structured and is designed to optimise time and resources with a faster turnaround. It is totally immersive. The schedule is densely packed. It is assumed that the student will be very passionate, highly motivated and totally committed to getting the best out of this course.
The course begins with an in-depth study of the fundamentals involved in creating an image.
Understanding the Camera: Technical Aspects, Creative Possibilities and Limitations
Aesthetics of Photography: A study of colour and composition and how it impacts an image
History of Photography: How the process of creating images has evolved over the years and along with it the aesthetics. (An appreciation session)
Natural Light: An in-depth study of natural light and its qualities. The many different ways in which light adds mood and dimension to an image
Moonlight & Astrophotography: A study of how images can be made in moonlight and how the night sky can be captured through photographs
Filters: The use of filters & their applications in manipulating images captured by the camera
Post Production Part 1: Essentials of processing RAW files and image editing
Every area of study will be covered through lectures, slideshows, and demos (Wherever required), followed by time-bound assignments with critique (Individual/Group) and grading.
This section will give students an in-depth and conceptual understanding of artificial light sources and their applications.
Portable Flash (Basic and Advanced): Exploring the technical and creative possibilities with portable flash.
Studio Part 1 (Introduction): Understanding technical aspects and usage of Studio Lights, Light Modifying Accessories & Grip Equipment.
Studio Part 2 (Advanced): An in-depth exploration of lighting concepts used in still life, product and people photography.
Studio Part 3 (Conceptual Photography): Conceptualising and executing images, keeping the brand/narrative in mind.
Post Production Part 2: Image editing, compositing and basics of retouching. Every topic (above) will be covered through lectures, visual presentations, and demos, followed by time-bound assignments with critique and grading.
Medium format cameras: Understanding the possibilities and limitations offered by medium format cameras through hands-on experience.
Tilt-Shift lenses: Understanding the different movements possible with tilt-shift lenses and their applications in various areas of photography. (A workshop)
Aerial & Drone Photography: Understanding the techniques of photographing subjects from an aerial point of view. (A workshop)
The observation and appreciation of nature is an essential part of the ethos of Light & Life Academy. The belief is that every single image made is knowingly or unknowingly inspired by nature.
Cultivating the habit of observing nature in terms of shape, form, colour, texture and very critically, light - is therefore a very important component of the course.
The lectures will cover Landscapes & seascapes, nature close-ups and macro photography.
There will be time-bound assignments with critique and grading.
Whether it is to market a product/service, cover an event or document a story, understanding how to communicate effectively is essential. This section will help you find the right path.
Understanding the Concept of Communication & Design
The section will cover the following areas:
Conceptualising and creating communication pieces for Social Media :
Building on what you learned in the professional photography course, you will explore how to create short-form video content with a DSLR / Mirrorless camera.
Each session will be conducted in a workshop format. The topics will be covered through lectures and case studies. There will be time-bound practical exercises with critique and grading.
Once students become proficient in handling assignments in Sections A, B & C, they can pursue further study in any one of the following Groups of specialisation, building on all the concepts learnt.
Group A: - Architecture and Interior Photography - Food and Beverage Photography
Group B: - Advanced Studio and Location Portraiture Photography - Fashion Photography (Studio and Location)
Lectures, slide shows, demos and informal corridor conversations with the faculty help students understand, analyse and explore how best to capture the chosen subject. Every subject has its time-bound assignments and submissions with critique and grading. In this phase, they will explore all that they learned in Sections A, B, C & D and build on it.
The assignments will involve creating digital assets for a variety of platforms, including photographs as well as videos.
The foremost objective of practising any visual art form is to fulfil the desire for creative self-expression. This module is designed to realise that objective.
Building on all the previous sections, this module will instil in students an understanding of what it takes to create a fine art image. It will cover different photographic processes and techniques to help create an image that can be exhibited and sold.
An in-depth study of Digital Black and White Photography and how to manipulate it creatively in post-production will be an important part of this module.
There will be emphasis on the process of coming up with themes based on individual areas of interest to put together a cohesive body of work.
Workshops in Automobile Photography, Underwater Photography and Wildlife will be offered subject to a minimum number of students opting for the workshops. These workshops are offered at an extra cost.
Light & Life Academy believes that it is important for the student to be exposed to inputs of different kinds, beyond their core area of study, which will help broaden their horizons and enrich their journey as artists and communicators.
It could be photo walks, short workshops or seminars depending on the content of the session and the presenter. Some examples of sessions that have been conducted over the years include Visual Music. Theatre workshop. Transcreativity. Pottery. Art Appreciation.
Sessions will be planned based on the interest, attitude and commitment shown by the batch so that they will be meaningful and sought-after.
Portfolios are mirrors of talent, exposure and experiences. Students create them using all that they have learned, seen, heard, and experienced throughout the course. A detailed brief will be given before the students start working on their portfolios. Having a good portfolio to present will be the first entry point into the industry, hence it is a very important component of the course.
On submission of a portfolio that meets Light & Life standards, they will be eligible for the award of the Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Photography and Creative Communication.
Evaluation is done on a continuous basis, on assignments submitted and tests administered. The students are expected to clear every single assignment/test with a minimum score of 70%. Light & Life Academy believes that every student can make the grade, and the student is given enough opportunities and assistance from the faculty to achieve the minimum grade for every assignment.
Note: The policy of the Academy is to update the course content constantly. This is based on developments in the field/industry (technical, aesthetic & communication). The course content, schedules and methodology are therefore subject to change even as the course is in progress.
Photographers can get assignments in several fields:
Section A to C: Rs. 5,30,000 (+ 18% GST) Section D to G:Rs. 1,90,000 (+ 18% GST) Total: Rs. 7,20,000 (+ 18% GST) + Rs. 30,000 (Refundable Security Deposit)
Payable in three instalments Instalment 1: Rs. 50,000 Registration fee on confirmation of admission. Instalment 2: Rs. 4,80,000 + Rs. 30,000 (Refundable Security Deposit). Instalment 3: Rs. 1,90,000 GST as applicable will be payable on the fee. Current rate: 18%.
The course fee includes:
Additional Expenses to be borne by the students:
Admission is open to any graduate (with a minimum of 15 years of formal education), who is over 20 years of age. In rare cases, exceptions will be made at the discretion of management, for those who have not completed a UG degree but have substantial work experience.
If you have any queries regarding eligibility call us at +91 7598287370 or write to us at admissions@llacademy.org
The course requires candidates to have their own DSLR/Mirrorless camera with lenses ranging from wide to tele, portable flash, tripod, filters, and laptops. A specific equipment list will be provided once the candidate is accepted.
Light and Life Academy does not provide hostel facilities. However, assistance will be provided by the academy in finding appropriate accommodation.
Admission Process
Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis and involves a three-step process:
Online Application Process
Note: Once the application process has been initiated, the form can be accessed by using the unique URL sent to your email ID.
Step 2: Complete online payment of the application fee.
Upon payment of Rs.1500/- + GST, the application process is complete.
Once step 1 & step 2 are completed, you will be informed about the next step within 3 working days.
You can reach out to us in case you have any doubts/clarifications. Call: +91 75982 87370 Email: admissions@llacademy.org
Step 1: Fill the online application form.
The following documents are needed during the application process. All files uploaded to be under 1 MB.
a. Profile Picture: Digital file of a recent passport size photograph against a plain background (Note: ‘Selfies’ not accepted) b. Digital copies(PDF/Jpeg) of Educational certificates. c. Reference letters (Optional): The candidate may upload any reference letters.d. Portfolio: 20 images made by the candidate using any camera. Note: Once the application process has been initiated, the form can be accessed by using the unique URL sent to the candidate’s email.
Step 2: Complete online payment of application fee.
Upon payment of Rs.1000/- + GST, the application process is complete.
Light & Life Academy will send the candidate an email with the future steps within 3 working days.
Light & Life currently offers 2 PG Diploma Courses.
The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interviews.
Note: Applications are currently open for Batch 2024-2025.
Candidates can apply from the course page link: https://llacademy.org/courses/
Light & Life Academy offers 2 PG Diploma Courses:
PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Production: https://llacademy.org/courses/pg-diploma-in-professional-photography-digital-production/
PG Diploma in Documentary & Corporate Filmmaking: https://llacademy.org/courses/pg-diploma-in-documentary-corporate-filmmaking/
9 months + Portfolio for the PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Production
3 months + Portfolio for the PG Diploma in Documentary & Corporate Filmmaking
For all the PG Diploma Courses offered by Light & Life Academy, students are required to be present in-person, live in Ooty for the whole duration of the course.
Light & Life Academy-Online offers a 10 week online course, Get Creative with Photography, available in 10 languages, for those interested in improving their skills as a serious amateur.
LLA courses do not have recognition from any government body, but are recognised by the Photography Industry.