UPMSP Vocational Colour Photography study plan

Explain additive and subtractive colour mixing and predict the result of combining any two primary or secondary colours

Convert between Kelvin colour temperature values and describe the mired shift produced by common conversion filters

Identify the layers of a colour negative film ( emulsion, coupler layers, antihalation backing, masking layers ) and state what each contributes to final colour

Define characteristic curve terms: density, log exposure, gamma, toe, shoulder, latitude, and contrast index

Describe how colour couplers form dyes during development and why the orange mask exists in colour negatives

Describe the C-41 process steps in order with time and temperature tolerances and explain the consequence of each deviation

Compare C-41, E-6, and RA-4 processes by chemistry, temperature, and intended output material

Calculate exposure compensation for bellows extension, filter factors, and reciprocity failure using stated formulas

Explain how incident, reflected, and spot metering differ and when each gives a correct reading for a mid-tone subject

Diagnose a colour cast in a processed negative and trace it to exposure, filtration, or chemistry

Explain focal length, angle of view, and perspective distortion and predict how subject distance changes relative size of foreground and background

Describe aperture, f-number series, and depth of field relationships and calculate hyperfocal distance for a given focal length and circle of confusion

Compare lens types ( normal, wide, telephoto, macro, tilt-shift ) by typical use and optical trade-off

Perform bracketing and zone-placement exposure decisions for high-contrast scenes and justify the chosen exposure

Explain how shutter type and sync speed constrain flash exposure choices

Set up and describe a three-light portrait setup ( key, fill, background or hair ) with ratios stated numerically

Explain inverse square law falloff and calculate the lighting ratio change when a fill light is moved

Contrast hard and soft light sources by size, distance, and modifier and predict shadow edge quality

Describe colour printing filtration ( yellow and magenta ) and the direction of change needed to correct a cast

Outline a test-strip procedure and explain ring-around and step-wedge evaluation for colour balance

Describe a colour-managed workflow from capture to output including camera profile, working space, and output profile

Explain the difference between assigning and converting a profile and predict the visual result of each

Perform white balance, tonal correction, and curve adjustment on a raw file and record the settings used

Explain soft proofing, rendering intents, and gamut warning and choose an intent for a given output

Compare 8-bit and 16-bit editing and describe when banding becomes visible

Apply local adjustments ( dodging, burning, masking ) and justify each choice by compositional intent

Explain the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and visual weight and critique three of your own images against them

Describe the conventions of at least four genres ( portrait, product, landscape, documentary ) and the lighting and lens choices typical of each

Prepare files for print and screen output at correct resolution, sharpening, and colour space

Write a structured critique of a peer or published image identifying subject, composition, light, and colour decisions

List chemical hazards in a darkroom and state handling, ventilation, storage, and disposal requirements for each

Describe a routine for cleaning lenses, sensors, and film holders and identify signs of damage requiring service

Draft a simple client agreement covering scope, deliverables, usage rights, and payment terms

Explain copyright ownership, model and property releases, and licensing terms for a commissioned shoot

Build a basic cost sheet covering consumables, time, and overhead and set a break-even price for a shoot

Answer timed practice questions across all ten domains and identify the three weakest areas by score

Re-derive from memory the core formulas: exposure compensation, bellows factor, inverse square falloff, and hyperfocal distance

Review flagged weak areas using your own notes and re-test on those items only

Assemble a final revision sheet of no more than two pages covering every domain

Complete a full mock paper under exam timing and self-mark it against your notes