Photography Courses - and -
Photography Certificate of Completion

E-mail: cearts@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.6012
Register: Start here
Location: Lincoln Park Campus, 4325 Mount Royal Gate SW

Photography Certificate of Completion | Tips from our Photography Experts

Photography instructor featured in exhibit at Whyte Museum, Banff

Photography Courses

These courses are not part of the Photography Certificate of Completion (see below).

Introduction to Digital SLR Cameras
Are you in possession of a shiny new digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera with so many buttons you don’t know where to start? Join our instructors as they guide you through this primer for digital SLR cameras to successfully navigate the pitfalls of the digital age.
Note: If you have no experience with your digital camera, we recommend that you take this course prior to registering in Foundations of Photography, Level 1. Camera must have manual capabilities.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom      NEW!
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom has become "the" software for photographers who want a powerful and efficient photo editing tool. Gain an overview of this complex software, from importing images to printing and presenting your photos.
Subject code: XAFT 10030 4 Hours. Fee: $99+GST

Introduction to Compact Digital Cameras
Learn the basics of taking and storing pictures with a compact digital camera. Explore the advantages of digital photography by examining picture modes, file types and different light sources in order to create a great digital image.
Note: Please bring your own compact digital camera.

Using Creative Lighting: Canon Speedlite Flash
Gain practical experience using the Canon Speedlite flash system, explore various settings of this versatile external flash and take your photos to their fullest potential.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Photography, Level 1
Note: This course is for users of Canon cameras and flashes only. Other camera brands will not be covered. An external flash is required for this class.

Lights, Camera, Action: Shooting Video with Your Digital SLR
The capability of digital SLR cameras to capture video imagery opens up numerous possibilities for telling stories visually. Explore the differences between taking a still photograph and shooting video. Learn to “design your shots” and “cover a scene” to provide solid choices in the editing room. Shooting both documentary and dramatic motion pictures is addressed.

Photography Certificate of Completion

Express your creativity and acquire practical, hands-on photography skills, including digital photo manipulation as well as shooting photos in a variety of locations and conditions.

Program Notes
Take individual courses of your choice for fun OR choose to earn your Certificate of Completion.

Earning Your Certificate of Completion
Complete the three required courses plus two optional courses (minimum 75 hours) within two years. Please note that you must complete assignments and meet attendance requirements if completing the certificate.

Required Courses

Foundations of Photography, Level 1
Master basic camera techniques so you can operate your digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera more effectively and creatively. Learn about camera controls, light meters, lenses, depth of field and lighting.
Note: Camera must have fully manual capabilities. There are several hands-on photo submissions to facilitate your learning.

Digital Darkroom Basics
Taking a well-exposed and well-composed photograph is a good foundation, but digital editing can enhance any image. Learn about importing, colour correction, cropping and more.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Photography, Level 1
Note: Adobe Lightroom is used to teach digital darkroom basics.

Foundations of Photography, Level 2
Further your photographic vision by continuing to explore light, exposure and composition. This class will be split between classroom lectures and field trips where you will practice the techniques discussed in class.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Photography, Level 1
Note: For field trips, you are responsible for your own transportation. Admission fees may apply. You may be required to sign a waiver form.

Optional Courses
Choose a minimum of two.

Note: These courses may be taken on their own if you are not working toward your Photography Certificate of Completion.

Note: You will be using Adobe Lightroom for photo editing during courses that have a scheduled lab time.

Note: We strongly recommend completion of Foundations of Photography, Level 1 prior to registering in any optional courses. For off-campus locations, you are responsible for your own transportation. Admission fees may apply. You may be required to sign a waiver form.

Badlands Photography Workshop
Travel to Dinosaur Provincial Park for a weekend photography workshop. You can get some spectacular shots the magical Badlands environment of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Photography is outdoors. Accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of the participant. 

Close-Up Photography
A whole other world of photography exists all around us in life’s smallest things. Explore the fun and surprising possibilities with macro photography. Look at the gear and techniques for taking compelling photos of flowers, small animals and anything else that you may find interesting. A field trip is included.

Black and White Photography Workshop
Explore the creative potential of black and white photography. Use compositional elements – other than colour – to create a visually strong photo. Enjoy a photo shoot followed by a digital lab session where you will edit and convert your photos into black and white.

Sports Photography      
Explore the exciting challenges of sports photography. Learn the importance of exposure, composition and timing when shooting in a fast-paced setting. Take pictures at sporting events and bring them to their full potential in a digital lab. Includes opportunities to display and critique images.

Mountain Photography Workshop
Ever dreamed of taking your photography one step further? Explore the majesty of Banff National Park through your camera lens over a weekend. Capture landscape imagery in the field focusing on night and early morning photography, long exposures, wildflowers, wildlife, the use of filters and composition. Accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of the participant.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Foundations of Photography, Level 1 prior to registering in this course. You are responsible for your own transportation and accommodation. You must sign a waiver form. Details provided upon registration.

Portrait Photography    
Photographing people can be one of the hardest types of photography to do well. Through photographing live models, learn the basics of portraiture: subject, posing, backgrounds and, most importantly, lighting. Shoot some portraits and head into the lab for a critical analysis.
Note: The studio equipment in this course is compatible with Nikon and Canon cameras. If you attend this course with another brand of camera, please be advised that you may not get the same quality of photos and may not be able to use all of the equipment in the studio.

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