The communication landscape has undergone a profound transformation – a surge in visual content - both photography and videography. In this evolving reality, there is a growing need for talent, proficient in both photography and video and capable of creating exceptional communication pieces. Recognising 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 gamut of visual assets for different mediums, from still images for various platforms to videos for social media.
Duration: 1 Year
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:
▪ Concept of Design in Visuals
▪ Principles and Elements of Design
▪ Communication Concepts
▪ Developing a Creative Strategy
▪ Working on a Creative Brief
Conceptualising and creating communication pieces for Social Media :
Building on what you learnt in the professional photography course, you will explore how to create short-form video content with a DSLR / Mirrorless camera.
▪ Understanding how to shoot videos with DSLR/Mirrorless Camera
▪ Conceptualising for Social Media Content
▪ Editing Basics
▪ Selection of music and sound effects
▪ Title Design
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 learnt 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.
▪ Travel Photography
▪ Photojournalism & Documentary Photography
▪ Wedding & Event Photography
▪ Business Aspects of Photography
▪ Exploring AI in Photography
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 and commitment shown by the batch.
Portfolios showcase a student's talent, exposure, and experiences, built from everything they learn during the course. 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. A detailed brief will be given before the students start working on their portfolios.
On submission of a portfolio that meets Light & Life Academy standards, they will be eligible for the award of the Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Photography Digital Production.
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:
▪ As Advertising Photographers for Advertising agencies
▪ Working with independent clients, depending on area(s) of interest. In the corporate sector and especially MSMEs, small-scale units
▪ Working with professionals, like architects, interior designers, fashion designers, etc.
▪ As Photographers for specialised publications (Print & Digital) and portals
▪ Assignments with Advertising and Digital Media Agencies as content creators, both still and films
▪ Art Directors & Visualisers in Advertising agencies
▪ Assignments with e-commerce platforms
▪ Stock Photography for stock agencies
▪ Photographers could also choose to focus exclusively on fine art photography, exhibit their work, put up a website and sell their images as art
▪ Some may want to explore the possibility of teaching at Visual Communication and Mass Communication institutions, even as they pursue their passion for photography
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:
▪ Use of lighting equipment, light modifying accessories and grip equipment within the Academy Campus only.
▪ A selection of props and backgrounds for use in LLA Studios (to be returned in original condition after use).
▪ Models, stylists, make-up artists/hair stylists, food stylists, faculty and other professionals for demo sessions only, based on the requirements of different areas of study.
▪ Transport from Ooty (designated pick-up point) to Academy and back on days when the student is required to be on campus.
▪ Lunch, tea/coffee on days when the student is required to be on campus
Additional Expenses to be borne by the students:
▪ Personal equipment as specified by the Academy
▪ Personal equipment maintenance/repairs/insurance, books/stationery
▪ Personal expenses on accommodation, food, personal travel, etc.
▪ Expenses for travel and stay at locations where assignment shots are to be done
▪ Expenses involved while working on specialisation projects. On models, stylists, make-up artists/hair stylists and other professionals based on the requirements of different areas of study.
▪ Cost of making archival prints, in case of exhibition on campus or at locations off-campus
▪ Overnight field trips.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Admission Process
Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis and involves a two-step process:
The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interviews.
Online Application Process
Step 1: Fill out the online application form. The following documents are needed during the application process. All files uploaded are 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). d. Portfolio: 20 images made by the candidate. 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
Equipment
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.
Accommodation
Light and Life Academy does not provide hostel facilities. However, assistance will be provided by the academy in finding appropriate accommodation.
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.
We all know what we learn is important, but I’m sure from whom we learn and where we learn it is more important. The time I spent in light and life academy would be the best learning experience of my life so far, the place never misses a chance in giving you the best options in photography. If you’re looking for a place to passionately learn photography and gain a lot of experience doing so then this is it, look nowhere else.
– Priyanka Rozario, Alumnus, Batch 17
The course content is comprehensive – ranging from enhancement of my observation skills, enhancing compositions, fundamentals, to advanced techniques and finally a choice from a spectrum of specializations. The course itself is packed with practical hands-on training. Coming from a world of finance to the world of fine arts, I feel that the gap could only have been bridged by Light and Life Academy.
– Faiz Ahmad, Alumnus, Batch 19
The session about visual art was so interesting, especially connecting the compositions of paintings with photography. It gave a totally new perspective to observe art, whatever kind it is. How various artists with their crazy passion played an important part in the evolution of art. I never expected I would learn something related to paintings or other visual art form in a photography college! And this session was really wonderful!
– Faiyaz Hawawala, Alumnus, Batch 12
1. Complete the Online application process: Fill in the application form with all the required details. If your application has been shortlisted, you will be called for a personal interview at the LLA Campus
2. Personal Interview: This will be held on campus. It is a half-day process. Details will be shared via email.
3. Offer of Admission: After the personal interview, if you have been selected, the offer of admission letter will be handed over. Our student affairs manager will take you through the process in detail.
Evaluation is done on a continuous basis, on assignments submitted and tests administered. The students are expected to clear every single assignment 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.
Light & Life Academy expects 100 percent attendance for all classes, demos, critique sessions and shoots in the studio. This is to ensure that the learning is thorough and every single concept that Light & Life has to teach is understood.
LLA is a gurukul, which means every concept taught has an assignment that has to be photographed and every assignment has to be cleared, evaluation is on a continuous basis. Every student needs a hundred percent pass to graduate. The minimum grade is set at 70 %, to ensure that learning is of a high standard. The academy is committed to working with every individual student's learning curve to help them make the grade.
To enroll in our programme, being familiar with the use of DSLR/Mirrorless cameras is a prerequisite. You could borrow or rent a DSLR/Mirrorless camera and take pictures, which you can submit with your application.Once you are offered admission, you will need a DSLR/Mirrorless camera to do the course.
Light & Life Academy has 14 studios equipped with strobe lights, light modifiers and grip equipment required to work on all assignments to be done on campus Apart from this, lights and accessories required for the Digital Filmmaking section will be provided by the Academy.
Over the last 2 decades, students who have completed their photography education from Light & Life Academy, have gone on to have careers as freelance photographers, photo editors, cinematographers, creative directors and in other roles among allied fields. Check out the Alumni Gallery to see their work.
Please refer to our FAQ page for detailed answers to all questions related to the admission and application process.
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