Certified Photographer Foundation Level Syllabus

Certified Photographer Foundation Level (CPFL)

The IPQB Certified Photographer Foundation Level (CPFL) certification establishes fundamental photography knowledge essential for practical application in real-world scenarios. The program offers a globally standardized understanding of photography terminology and concepts, making it adaptable across diverse styles and techniques, including Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, and Digital Photography.

As the foundational certification, CPFL serves as a prerequisite for all advanced IPQB certifications requiring a Foundation Level qualification.

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Copyright Notice International Photography Qualifications Board (hereinafter called IPQB).

IPQB is a registered trademark of the International Photography Qualifications Board.

All rights reserved. The authors hereby transfer the copyright to the IPQB. The authors (as current copyright holders) and IPQB (as the future copyright holder) have agreed to the following conditions of use:

  • Extracts, for non-commercial use, from this document may be copied if the source is acknowledged.
  • Any Accredited Training Provider may use this syllabus as the basis for a training course if the authors and the IPQB are acknowledged as the source and copyright owners of the syllabus and provided that any advertisement of such a training course may mention the syllabus only after official accreditation of the training materials has been received from an IPQB recognized Member Board.
  • Any individual or group of individuals may use this syllabus as the basis for articles and books, if the authors and the IPQB are acknowledged as the source and copyright owners of the syllabus.
  • Any other use of this syllabus is prohibited without first obtaining the approval in writing of the IPQB.
  • Any IPQB-recognized Member Board may translate this syllabus provided they reproduce the above mentioned Copyright Notice in the translated version of the syllabus.

This syllabus forms the basis for the International Photography Qualification at the Foundation Level.

The IPQB provides this syllabus as follows:

  1. To member boards, to translate into their local language and to accredit training providers. Member boards may adapt the syllabus to their particular language needs and modify the references to adapt to their local publications.
  2. To certification bodies, to derive examination questions in their local language adapted to the learning objectives for this syllabus.
  3. To training providers, to produce courseware and determine appropriate teaching methods.
  4. To certification candidates, to prepare for the certification exam (either as part of a training course or independently).

To the international photography community, to advance the profession of photography and as a basis for books and articles.

The Certified Photographer Foundation Level
The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone involved in photography. This includes people in roles such as photographers, photo editors, studio assistants, photography consultants, photography managers, videographers, and content creators.

This Foundation Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who wants a basic understanding of photography, such as project managers, creative directors, marketing professionals, event managers, visual artists, social media managers, educators, and business owners.

Holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to go on to higher-level photography qualifications.

The IPQB scheme provides support for photography professionals at all stages of their careers, offering both breadth and depth of knowledge.

Individuals who achieve the IPQB Foundation Certification may also be interested in the Core Advanced Levels (Creative Photographer, Technical Photographer, and Photography Manager) and thereafter the Expert Level (Studio Management or Advanced Creative Techniques).

Anyone seeking to develop skills in photography practices in dynamic environments could consider specialized tracks, such as Event Photography, Content Creation for Social Media, or Creative Leadership in Photography.

The Specialist Stream offers a deep dive into areas that require specific photography techniques and post-processing approaches, including:

  • Photography Genres: Wildlife Photography, Portrait Photography, Product Photography, Wedding Photography.
  • Technical Skills: Drone Photography, Night and Astro Photography, Macro Photography, and HDR/Focus Stacking Techniques.
  • Industry-Focused Skills: Fashion and Commercial Photography, Photojournalism, Sports Photography, and Architectural Photography.

For the latest information on the IPQB Certification Scheme, please visit www.ipqb.org.

This section lists the 14 Business Outcomes expected of a person who has achieved the Foundation Level certification in Photography.

A Foundation Level Certified Photographer can:

BO1: Identify and describe the basic principles of photography, including exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
BO2: Demonstrate the use of different camera modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, etc.) in various environments.
BO3: Apply the rule of thirds and other compositional techniques to enhance image quality and aesthetics.
BO4: Distinguish between types of lenses and their uses for specific photography styles (e.g., wide-angle, telephoto).
BO5: Analyze the effects of different lighting situations and their impact on a photograph.
BO6: Evaluate and compare editing tools in post-processing software to improve an image’s visual appeal.
BO7: Assess the technical quality of photographs through focus, depth of field, and sharpness criteria.
BO8: Create a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of photographic skills.
BO9: Organize a professional photo shoot, selecting appropriate equipment, location, and composition techniques.
BO10: Illustrate the ethical and legal aspects of photography, including copyright laws, intellectual property, and model releases.
BO11: Synthesize theoretical knowledge to develop a personal style and creative approach to photography.
BO12: Experiment with various photography techniques, such as long exposure, macro, and black-and-white photography, to broaden creative skill sets.
BO13: Evaluate images from different genres of photography (portrait, landscape, product, event, etc.) and suggest improvements.
BO14: Reflect critically on your photographic development and establish a plan for continuous skill improvement and staying updated with industry trends.

Section 1.1: The Basics of Photography

  • Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Exposure
    • LO1 (K1): Identify the fundamental concepts of exposure in photography, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
    • LO2 (K2): Explain how different combinations of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect image exposure.
  • Subsection 1.1.2: Components of a Camera
    • LO3 (K1): List and describe the basic components of a digital camera (lens, sensor, viewfinder).
    • LO4 (K2): Explain how each component contributes to image creation.

Section 1.2: Composition in Photography

  • Subsection 1.2.1: The Rule of Thirds and Basic Composition
    • LO5 (K2): Apply the rule of thirds to compose visually balanced photographs.
    • LO6 (K3): Critique photographs for effective use of composition principles.

Section 2.1: Camera Modes and Settings

  • Subsection 2.1.1: Understanding Camera Modes
    • LO7 (K1): Identify different camera modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, auto).
    • LO8 (K2): Demonstrate how to select and adjust camera settings based on shooting conditions.
  • Subsection 2.1.2: Using Manual Mode
    • LO9 (K2): Apply manual settings for exposure control to achieve desired photographic results.

Section 2.2: Lens Selection and Techniques

  • Subsection 2.2.1: Types of Lenses
    • LO10 (K1): Name various types of lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, prime, zoom).
    • LO11 (K2): Describe how each lens type affects depth of field and focal length.
  • Subsection 2.2.2: Choosing the Right Lens
    • LO12 (K3): Critique specific shooting situations and choose an appropriate lens based on the scene.

Section 3.1: Types of Lighting

  • Subsection 3.1.1: Natural vs. Artificial Light
    • LO13 (K1): Identify different light sources and their impact on photography.
    • LO14 (K2): Compare the advantages and challenges of using natural and artificial lighting.
  • Subsection 3.1.2: Quality and Direction of Light
    • LO15 (K2): Explain the effect of light’s direction and quality (hard vs. soft) on subjects.
    • LO16 (K3): Demonstrate techniques to modify light using reflectors and diffusers.

Section 3.2: Creative Use of Lighting

  • Subsection 3.2.1: Lighting for Portraiture and Landscape Photography
    • LO17 (K2): Apply appropriate lighting techniques for portraits and landscapes.
    • LO18 (K3): Evaluate the mood and message conveyed through different lighting setups in photos.

Section 4.1: Basics of Photo Editing

  • Subsection 4.1.1: Introduction to Post-Processing Software
    • LO19 (K1): Identify key features of popular photo editing software.
    • LO20 (K2): Demonstrate basic image adjustments (exposure, contrast, color correction).

Section 4.2: Advanced Editing Techniques

  • Subsection 4.2.1: Working with Layers and Masks
    • LO21 (K2): Explain how layers and masks enhance the editing process.
    • LO22 (K3): Create a composite image using multiple layers and masks.

Section 5.1: Developing a Personal Style

  • Subsection 5.1.1: Analyzing and Synthesizing Photographic Styles
    • LO23 (K1): Identify key characteristics of various photographic styles (documentary, fine art, commercial).
    • LO24 (K3): Synthesize elements from various styles to create a personal photographic approach.

Section 5.2: Portfolio Development

  • Subsection 5.2.1: Creating a Cohesive Portfolio
    • LO25 (K2): Select and arrange a series of images that represent your photographic skills and creativity.
    • LO26 (K3): Critically review and refine a photography portfolio for professional presentation.

Section 6.1: Copyright and Intellectual Property

  • Subsection 6.1.1: Understanding Copyright Laws
    • LO27 (K1): Explain the fundamental principles of copyright in photography.
    • LO28 (K2): Describe the legal implications of unauthorized use of photos and how to protect your work.

Section 6.2: Ethics in Photography

  • Subsection 6.2.1: Ethical Practices for Photographers
    • LO29 (K2): Recognize the ethical responsibilities of photographers in relation to their subjects and audiences.
    • LO30 (K3): Demonstrate the ethical consideration of model releases, permissions, and photo usage rights in your work.

Section 7.1: Becoming a Professional Photographer

  • Subsection 7.1.1: Setting Up Your Photography Business
    • LO31 (K1): Identify the key steps in setting up a photography business (licenses, branding, pricing).
    • LO32 (K2): Explain how to develop a business plan and client agreements for freelance photographers.

Section 7.2: Marketing and Self-Promotion

  • Subsection 7.2.1: Building an Online Presence
    • LO33 (K1): Identify online platforms and strategies to showcase and market photography (social media, portfolio websites).
    • LO34 (K3): Critically assess the effectiveness of various marketing tools for professional photographers.

Section 8.1: Skill Improvement and Continuing Education

  • Subsection 8.1.1: Staying Current with Trends
    • LO35 (K2): Recognize current photography trends and incorporate them into your practice.
    • LO36 (K3): Evaluate the importance of continuing education, workshops, and professional development in photography.

Section 8.2: Photography Communities and Networking

  • Subsection 8.2.1: Participating in Photography Communities
    • LO37 (K2): Explain the benefits of joining photography communities, contests, and collaborative projects.
    • LO38 (K3): Critically analyze the advantages of networking with other professionals to further your photographic career.

Examinable Learning Objectives and Cognitive Level of Knowledge
Learning objectives support business outcomes and are used to create the Certified Photographer Foundation Level exams. In general, all contents of chapters 1-6 of this syllabus are examinable at a K1 level. That is, the candidate may be asked to recognize, remember, or recall a keyword or concept mentioned in any of the six chapters. The specific learning objectives levels are shown at the beginning of each chapter and are classified as follows:

  • K1: Remember – Recall basic concepts and terminology relevant to photography.
  • K2: Understand – Comprehend the meaning of core photography techniques and concepts.
  • K3: Apply – Apply knowledge to real-life photographic situations, such as shoot setups and editing processes.

Further details and examples of learning objectives are given in Appendix A. All terms listed as keywords just below chapter headings shall be remembered (K1), even if not explicitly mentioned in the learning objectives.

The Foundation Level Certificate Exam
The Foundation Level Certificate Exam is based on this syllabus. Answers to exam questions may require the use of material based on more than one section of this syllabus. All sections of the syllabus are examinable, except for the Introduction and Appendices.

Standards and books are included as references (Chapter 7), but their content is not examinable beyond what is summarized in the syllabus itself from such standards and books.

Refer to the documents “Exam Structures and Rules” and “Exam Structure Tables” for further details.

Accreditation
An IPQB Member Board may accredit training providers whose course material follows this syllabus.

Training providers should obtain accreditation guidelines from the Member Board or body that performs the accreditation. An accredited course is recognized as conforming to this syllabus and is allowed to have an IPQB exam as part of the course.

The accreditation guidelines for this syllabus follow the general Accreditation Guidelines published by the Processes Management and Compliance Working Group.

Handling of Standards
There are standards referenced in the Foundation Syllabus (e.g., ISO or other relevant photography standards). These references provide a framework (such as references to ISO standards on image quality or composition) or serve as a source of additional information if desired by the reader. The standards documents are not intended for examination.

Refer to Chapter 7 for more information on standards.

Staying Current
The photography industry evolves rapidly. To keep up with these changes and provide stakeholders with access to relevant and current information, the IPQB® working groups have created links on the www.ipqb.org website, which refer to supporting documentation and updates to standards. This information is not examinable under the Foundation syllabus.

Level of Detail
The level of detail in this syllabus allows for internationally consistent courses and exams. To achieve this goal, the syllabus consists of:

  • General instructional objectives describing the intention of the Foundation Level in Photography.
  • A list of terms (keywords) that students must be able to recall related to key photography concepts, techniques, and tools.
  • Learning objectives for each knowledge area, describing the cognitive learning outcomes to be achieved, such as understanding lighting, composition, and exposure settings.
  • A description of the key concepts, including references to recognized photography sources and industry standards.

The syllabus content is not a description of the entire knowledge area of photography; it reflects the level of detail to be covered in Foundation Level training courses. It focuses on core photography concepts and techniques that can be applied to all photography projects, independent of the style or subject matter.