Module 11: Develop Yourself Artistically

This module focuses on helping you define a clear professional direction within photography by exploring a wide range of speciality areas, from fashion, portraiture, and weddings to photojournalism, architecture, food, commercial, and fine art practice. Through this overview, you will examine the creative, technical, and business expectations of each field, gaining insight into where your interests, strengths, and career ambitions align.

Beyond specialisation, the module emphasises long-term professional development. You will learn how to plan strategies to improve your practice through continuing education, mentoring, networking, industry events, and peer engagement, while remaining open to unforeseen opportunities that can shape a career. Developing your own visual style and critically evaluating your work are central to building a sustainable and distinctive photographic practice.

The module also prepares you to pursue work opportunities with confidence by introducing essential professional tools, including artist statements, resumes and CVs, freelance profiles, and promotional materials such as press releases. By the end of the module, you will have a clearer sense of direction, a framework for growth, and the foundations needed to present yourself professionally within the photographic industry.

Module 11 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

This module helps you identify your professional direction, develop a sustainable growth strategy, and present yourself confidently for real-world opportunities within the photography industry. In Module 11, you'll:

Clarify your photographic speciality and career direction.
Create professional growth mechanisms through learning, mentoring, and networking.
Prepare yourself to pursue work with professional strategies and promotional tools.
Develop and refine a distinctive personal style that allows you to differentiate yourself in a competitive industry.

What You’ll Learn

Speciality Area & Career Goals
Evaluate photographic fields and identify the areas that suit your goals and abilities.
Professional Growth Strategies
Plan continuing education, mentoring, networking, and industry engagement.
Developing Your Own Style
Analyse your work, refine your visual voice, and build a consistent personal style.
Presenting Yourself Professionally
Craft visual communication and promotional materials to secure work opportunities.

What You’ll Do

Project Completion
Document the development and exhibition of a professional photographic body of work.
Develop Body Of Work
Create inspiring images and provide a written response in accordance with a specific brief.
Professional Documents
Create an artist statement, CV, press release and promotional materials.
Apply Acquired Knowledge
Incorporate theoretical module content into your photographic workflow.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUADIG518 – Refine digital art techniques
CUADIG415 – Produce innovative digital images
CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
CUAPHI312 – Capture photographic images
CUAIND411 – Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
CUAPHI403 – Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
CUAPHI521 – Make illustrative photo images for publication and display
CUAPHI531 – Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
CUAPHI532 – Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies
CUAPHI533 – Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
CUAPHI536 – Provide photographic portrait services
CUAPHI537 – Produce media photo images
CUAPPR511 – Realise a body of creative work
CUAPPR414 – Develop self as artist

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Topics

In Module 11, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Introduction
Selecting a Speciality Area
Fashion & Beauty
Portraiture
Weddings & Family
Nudes, Boudoir & Glamour
Photojournalism
Landscapes, Travel & Resort
Food
Product & Still Life
Architecture & Interiors
Art Photography
Industrial & Corporate
Cars
Real Estate & Drones
The Photographer’s Assistant
Plan Strategies to Improve Your Practice
Continuing Education
Identify Opportunities for Growth
Finding a Mentor
Opportunities for Growth Through Networking

Trade Shows
Industry Conferences
Unforeseen Opportunities
Peer Groups
Volunteering
Develop Your Own Style
Evaluate Your Work
Pursue Work Opportunities
Artist Statement
Curriculum Vitae
Resumes
The Freelance Resume
Resume Objective
Education
Work Experience
Skills
Achievements
Promotional Material
Press Releases
A Final Word

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 11, you will:

Develop and document a resolved photographic body of work from concept through to exhibition.
Apply professional networking, collaboration, and communication skills within an industry context.
Critically evaluate your work and exhibition outcomes to inform future creative and professional decisions.
Present yourself and your practice professionally using industry-standard documents and processes.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert photography tutor will continue guiding and mentoring you as you navigate the later challenges of your learning journey. Completing this stage of the course will allow you to define your direction, establish a plan for professional growth, and develop the essential tools to present yourself confidently within the photography industry.