Module 8: Equipment & Software

In this module, you’ll explore in more depth the essential tools, technologies, and decisions that shape professional photography today. From choosing the right camera system and lighting setup to managing data storage and image capture software, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how to build and maintain an efficient, future-ready workflow. This knowledge ensures you can make informed choices that enhance both your creative process and technical reliability.

Module 8 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

Now that several creative and workflow aspects have been addressed throughout the earlier stages of the course, in Module 8, you’ll revisit equipment and software considerations and choices:

Helps you choose the right equipment for your professional or creative goals.
Clarifies differences between camera formats, lighting types, and software systems.
Encourages smart investment through buying, hiring, and second-hand considerations.
Guides you in building a dependable digital workflow and secure file management system.
Keeps you informed about evolving technologies and how to future-proof your setup.

What You’ll Learn

Camera Format & Considerations
Gain a deeper understanding of camera formats and their specifications.
Buying vs Hiring Equipment
Compare both options, pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Lighting Equipment Specs
Studio flash Units, monoblocs, speedlights, tungsten, fluorescent and more.
Software, Storage & Editing Tools
Understand the diverse range of tools and resources available in the market.

What You’ll Do

Analyse Camera Formats & Systems
Make informed decisions about your camera choices according to your projects.
Lighting Equipment Options
Examine in detail all lighting alternatives available in the market.
Software & Data Management
Learn best practices for storage and software applications for image capture and editing.
Future Technology
Understand where camera, lighting, and storage technologies are heading.

Module Topics

In Module 8, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Camera Choices
Format Size
The Small Format Camera System
The Medium Format Camera System
The Large Format Camera System
My Choice Of Camera System
Small Format DSLR System
Small Format Compact Systems (CSC’s)
Medium Format System
Large Format System
Questions & Considerations
Buying vs. Hiring
Buying Considerations
Hiring
Which Lenses Do I Need
Where Is The Technology Going?
Lighting Equipment
Studio Flash Units
Monobloc Studio Lights
Using Multiple Speedlights

Which Brand Should I Buy?
Portability
Tungsten Lighting
LED & Fluorescent Lighting
Second Hand Gear
Computers & Monitors
The Calibration Device
Data Storage
External Hard Drives
RAID Arrays
Solid State Drives (SSD’s)
The Future of File Storage
Future Proofing Your Files
My Storage System
The Graphics Tablet
Image Capture Software
Capture One Software
Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom & Camera Raw
Specialty Software Apps
New Technology

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 8, you will:

Evaluate and select the most suitable camera and lighting systems for different photographic needs.
Apply technical knowledge to configure, maintain, and operate professional photography equipment.
Develop a personalised workflow that includes file storage, calibration, and image processing best practices.
Make informed purchasing and hiring decisions based on cost, performance, and long-term usability.
Adapt to emerging technologies and integrate new tools into a professional photography setup effectively

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors will support you throughout Module 8. They provide guidance on equipment and software choices now that you've established a solid technical and creative foundation in the earlier stages of the course. You’ll receive practical tips and have the opportunity to bounce ideas with an active professional about your photography plans and aspirations.