Program Overview

Photography Essentials Micro-credential program

Program Description

This program is designed for serious amateur photographers and those seeking employment where basic photography skills are an asset. Students are introduced to digital cameras and industry standard software used to capture and manipulate images, in a way that develops students’ interest, technical skills and creativity.

Program Fit

• Have you dreamed of stepping up your amateur photography game, or finding a job where your photography skills are an asset?
• This Photography Essentials Micro-certificate is a good fit for you!
• This non-credit micro-certificate program will help you grow your knowledge and skills in photography and image creation.
• Enjoy hands-on learning focused on the technical skills, business knowledge and creative portfolio images you need to succeed as a professional photographer.
• Each module earns you a digital badge that you can display on your social media profiles, telling prospective employers what you have learned.

Program Requirements

• The recommended equipment for this program includes an interchangeable lens camera—either a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or a mirrorless camera—and an accessory flash (speedlight) with an off-camera flash trigger.

Course Information

• Modules are offered year-round, giving you the opportunity to learn when it is most convenient for you.
• We strongly recommend that you begin with Digital Camera Techniques, which is offered in the fall and winter semesters, though you may choose to start with any module, and you may stop at any time.
• To receive the Photography Essentials Micro-certificate, you must successfully complete two mandatory modules and four electives.
• Digital badges will be awarded upon completion of each module.

Available Courses

• Adobe Lightroom
• Digital Camera Techniques
• Nature and Landscape Photo
• Photography: Starting Business
• Photoshop for Photographers
• Portraiture
• Real Estate Photography (Micro-credential)
• Small Product Photography
• Wedding Photography

Module Sequence

• Fall semester (September to December)
  • Digital Camera Techniques*
  • Photoshop for Photographers**
  • Optional course
• Winter semester (January to April)
  • Digital Camera Techniques*
  • Optional course
  • Optional course
• Summer semester (May to August)
  • Adobe Lightroom**
  • Optional course
  • Optional course
  • *Mandatory module.
  • **Either Photoshop for Photographers or Adobe Lightroom may be used as your second mandatory module. If you successfully complete both, one may be used as an optional module.

Registration and Fees

• Part-time students do not go through an application process for this program.
• To register for courses, you’ll need a Georgian College Lifelong Learning account.
• Search for the course(s) you want to register in
• Add the course(s) to your cart and follow the prompts to checkout, payment and confirmation of enrolment
• As a part-time student, you can take one to three courses per semester, paying on a course-by-course basis.
• For course fee information, select a course from the course information section of this page.