Creating a portfolio

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a portfolio of work.

If not collecting your portfolio, please include a pre-paid self-addressed courier bag for its return.

While every care is taken with your work, liability for loss, damage or non-return of work will not be taken by the School of Art & Design.

Portfolio requirements - Diploma in Professional photography (Level 5)

Your portfolio must contain

A short written statement about your future plans in the creative industries should be submitted as well as a CV.

15 images, so we can evaluate your editing skills.

Choose images which represent the best of your work. They should show the range of subject matter that interests you and any photographic projects or themes you may have worked on.

Each photograph should have a caption if applicable.

Please submit the photographs as images either as an A4 portfolio (a high school portfolio is acceptable) or on a CD (images should be JPEG files with 1000 pixels on the longest side at 72 dpi).

The folio should show evidence of some of the following:

• Competence with camera functions;
• The ability to photograph a theme;
• The presence of ideas or expressions of feelings;
• An appreciation of photography as medium of communication;
• Perceptual skills in the depiction of space form, line, colour, details, ambiguity etc;
• Rapport with subjects;
• Neatness of presentation.

As an alternative to the above, or in addition to, seventh form applicants may submit a Bursary folio, a comprehensive communications statement concerning the work, and a workbook showing development of your ideas.

Bursary folios will be forwarded to Wellington in time for marking if a pre-paid courier chit is provided.

Portfolio requirements - Diploma in Professional Photography (Level 6)

Your portfolio must contain 15 images, either on CD or DVD, saved as PSD files with 1000 pixels on the longest side at 72dpi.

To demonstrate your post production skills, please also provide the accompanying raw and layered Photoshop files, together with a quick gallery with screen resolution images that reflect the portfolio.

Your portfolio should provide evidence of professional studio work equivalent to the Level 5 Diploma in Photographic Imaging programme.

It should also demonstrate the use of a DLSR and examples of post production work.

There should be a range of subjects covered in the portfolio, including documentary, weddings, sports, editorial, portrait and also a mix of electronic light and natural light.

You should demonstrate the use of advanced camera work and experience of Photoshop and colour management, and an understanding of contextual photography.

The folio should show evidence of the following:

• A high level of competency with camera functions
• The ability to photograph at least one area of subject matter in depth
• An appreciation of photography as a medium of communication;
• Perceptual skills in the depiction of space, form, line, colour, detail, ambiguity etc
• Rapport with subjects
• Neatness of presentation.

Your submission must include:

• Photo essay
• Studio study (three images)
• An editorial location portrait - available light (one image)
• Studio portrait or fashion shot (one image)
• Location portrait - available light (one image)
• Additional work of your choice (up to 20 images).

Images must not be repetitive in subject material except on essay or multi-image themes.