Curriculum: Digital Photography (DFO)
Semester 1
DFO 1 – Introduction to Photography Techniques & Outdoor Portrait
Camera operation and image capture fundamentals
Collecting visual impressions with the camera
Outdoor portrait photography
The core pillars of digital photography
Understanding and using focal length and perspective
Depicting motion in photography
Creative use of depth of field
Atmospheric lighting and horizon in landscape photography
"Frame & Moment" – capturing the decisive instant
DFO 2 – Image Composition & Visual Communication
School of Seeing I (Black & White)
Image language and visual storytelling
Levels of perception in images
Design elements and compositional tools
Arrangement of forms and structures
Guiding lines and their use for visual expression
Image analysis and critique
Conveying emotion through photography
Expressive portraiture and composition exercises
DFO 3 – Studio Photography Techniques
Introduction to studio flashes and lighting
Light shaping tools and light direction
Light metering and exposure
Classical portrait lighting techniques
From ID photo to professional portrait
Creating spatial depth with light
Iconic lighting styles: Rembrandt and Marlene Dietrich
DFO 4 – Reportage & Street Photography
Foundations of documentary and street photography
Outdoor use of system flash
Narrative photography I
Practical tips from a press photography expert
Legal aspects: copyright, personal rights, permits
Photography law explained in an accessible way for photographers
Required: fast lenses, wide-angle, normal lenses for outdoor use
DFO 5 – Beauty Portrait & Final Review
Feedback and review of student photo reportages
Beauty portrait photography
Image analysis and critique
Final feedback on semester portfolio submissions
DFO 6 – Semester Examination
Written test
Practical photography exam
First steps into conceptual photography
Semester 2
DFO 7 – Advanced Composition & Creative Techniques
School of Seeing II
Design elements continued: form and color
Principles of visual design and gestalt theory
Visual moods, light effects, texture, and materiality
Experimental photography (e.g., pinhole, infrared, Lensbaby)
Creativity training: “Kitchen Photography”
The power of the moment: “Momentum”
DFO 8 – Fashion Photography & Editorial Concepts
Fashion photo shoots and current trends
Developing a fashion concept
“Joy of Photography” editorial shoot
Creating a cover for the LIK student magazine
On-location shooting techniques
Portable light setups
DFO 9 – Professional Product Photography
Product shoots following a layout
Tabletop and advertising photography
Light setups for objects
Combining flash and light painting
Jewelry and macro photography
Accurate color representation for fabrics and surfaces
DFO 10 – Architectural & Commercial Photography
Architectural photography techniques
Bokeh panorama and room interior design
Sedcard creation with available light
Professional tips on client-based work
Business insights from a working photographer
DFO 11 – Creative Portrait & Portfolio Review
Review of student portfolios
Black & white character portraits
Creative portrait projects
Submission of final photo assignments (on USB stick)
DFO 12 – Final Portfolio & Exam Digitale Photography
Submission of final portfolio
Illustration through photography
Final written and practical exam
Curriculum: LIK Photo Design FDS 1 to FDS 12
Semester 2
FDS 1: Photo Management and Archiving with Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and Adobe Bridge
Title: “Professional Workflow for Managing and Archiving Photos”
Topics:
Efficient photo import, cataloging, and archive structure
Workflow comparison: Lightroom Classic vs. Bridge
Use of collections vs. smart collections
Adobe Camera Raw Converter vs. Lightroom development module
Metadata, batch renaming, copyright presets
Adobe Sensei AI features
RAW development basics and cross-platform handling
FDS 2: Professional RAW Development with Adobe RAW Converter, Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC
Title: “Mastering RAW Development for High-Quality Image Output”
Topics:
RAW image tools and sliders
Manual vs. automatic correction methods
White balance, HSL, tone curves, selective adjustments
Creating and syncing presets
Perspective correction
Workflow differences: Adobe Camera Raw vs. Lightroom Classic
Lens corrections, sharpening, noise reduction
FDS 3: Advanced RAW Development for Professionals
Title: “Selective Corrections & Creative Approaches to RAW Files”
Topics:
Advanced image refinement
Graduated filters, radial filters, and brush tools
High-end B/W with Nik Filters
Fine Art output, HDR workflow
Export to professional print, PDF, Blurb
Color space management
Storytelling with Lightroom plugins and mobile tools
FDS 4: Adobe Photoshop CC in Professional Use
Title: “Photoshop Essentials for High-Quality Image Editing”
Topics:
Color spaces, resolution, image sizes
Layers and layer masks
Selective corrections, blending modes
Layout creation, transformation tools
Print and prepress preparation
FDS 5: Adobe Photoshop CC – The Supreme Class of Retouching
Title: “Mastering Retouching Tools in Photoshop CC”
Topics:
Advanced retouching tools overview
Dodging & burning
Professional B/W conversion
Structure enhancement and sharpening
Retouching by motive and image output needs
FDS 6: Semester 1 Final Exam
Title: “Written and Practical Test”
Includes a written test and a practical image editing assignment.
Semester 2
FDS 7: Adobe Photoshop CC Portrait Retouching
Title: “Professional Retouching Techniques for Portraits and People”
Topics:
Beauty retouching workflow
Facial shaping and correction
Body shaping and liquify tool usage
Skin smoothing and feature enhancement
Eyeglass glare removal
Modern aesthetic corrections
FDS 8: Visual Looks, Cover Design, Fashion Editorial & Photoshop Creativity
Title: “Creating Professional Fashion Covers and Editorials with Creative Photoshop Tools”
Topics:
Fashion cover layout and typography
Two-page fashion editorial design
Application of color looks (RAW & Photoshop)
Use of LUTs, gradients, color grading
Experimental Photoshop creative tools
FDS 9: Selections and Cut-Outs Using Selection Tools and Paths
Title: “Mastering Selection Techniques in Photoshop”
Topics:
Selection and path tools in-depth
Editing, saving, and refining selections
Channel-based selections
Cut-outs for complex objects (hair, glass)
Clipping paths for compositing
FDS 10: Actions, Batch Processing, and Efficiency Techniques
Title: “Automation and Efficient Workflow in Photoshop”
Topics:
Recording and editing actions
Automating repetitive tasks
Using droplets and scripting
Batch processing via Photoshop and Bridge
Time-saving tricks and synchronization options
FDS 11: High-End Compositing with Photoshop
Title: “Creating Surreal Visual Worlds – Advanced Photo Composings”
Topics:
Multi-layer compositing
Combining various photographic elements
Creating imaginative visual stories
Advanced masking and blending
FDS 12: Final Exam – Theory and Practice
Title: “Completion of Photo Design Program – Submission and Final Evaluation”
Includes submission of final photo projects, written theoretical exam, and presentation of photographic illustration work.
International School of Photography, Filming an Mediadesign Vienna. The LIK Academy for Photography and Design GmbH is a certified educational institution within the meaning of § 70 (1) NAG. This means that students from third countries can apply for a student visa when attending a course at the LIK Academy for Photography and Design!
Visa Eligibility Notice
Only enrollment in the Full-Time Diploma Program in Photography, Film and Media Design at LIK Academy – Private International School Vienna qualifies international students from non-EU/EEA countries to apply for an Austrian student residence permit. Part-time courses, workshops, or online-only programs do not meet the visa requirements.