Photography Essentials
Photography Essentials
- Program Code
- PHTO
- Credential
- Recognition of Achievement
- Campus
- BARRIE
Program requirements
- 2 Mandatory Courses
- 4 Optional Courses
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Is this micro-certificate right for you?
Have you dreamed of stepping up your amateur photography game, or finding a job where your photography skills are an asset? If you can relate, 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.
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.


Micro-certificate details
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.

Digital Camera Techniques

Photoshop for Photographers

Photography: Nature and Landscape

Photography: Starting a Small Business

Portraiture

Small Product Photography

Wedding Photography

Adobe Lightroom
Module sequence (2021-22)
View the program progression infographic.
Fall semester (September to December) | Winter semester (January to April) | Summer semester (May to August) |
---|---|---|
Digital Camera Techniques* | Digital Camera Techniques* | Portraiture |
Photoshop for Photographers** | Photoshop for Photographers** | Photography: Nature and Landscape |
Adobe Lightroom** | Photography: Starting a Small Business | Small Product Photography |
Wedding Photography |
**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.
What you will need
For the hands-on modules such as Digital Camera Techniques, you will need a digital, single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Additional lenses are optional and can improve your photography.
For the modules requiring software (e.g. Photoshop for Photographers, Adobe Lightroom), you must have your own software licence(s).
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.
Course Title | Course Code | ONTARIOLEARN EQUIVALENTS | Mandatory |
---|---|---|---|
Adobe Lightroom (MC) | PHTO0079 | ||
Digital Camera Techniques (MC) | PHTO0025 | ||
Photography: Start Business MC | PHTO0059 | ||
Photoshop-Photographers (MC) | PHTO0080 | ||
Real Estate Photography (MC) | PHTO0081 |
Additional Info
It is strongly recommended that students complete or begin to complete PHTO0025 Digital Camera Techniques, or have a firm understanding of their cameras’ technical capabilities, before taking other courses. Students are required to use their personal camera.