Photography Certificate

Dive into the world of photography and learn how to capture moments that tell a story!

The Photography Certificate provides students with a foundation of knowledge, such as photographic techniques, appropriate equipment and tool usage, and contextual concepts that can be applied to a creative photography practice.

Students will explore various digital photography techniques, honing their abilities in effective composition, as well as discovering lighting and editing approaches to capture specific moods and tones. Traditional and experimental processes are applied to various photographic subjects, projects and purposes. Through studio and lecture-based courses, students will explore art history and critical theories of visual art as well as photography as a business practice.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CSVA 100	Elements and Principles of Art (formerly CEFA 100: 2D Composition + Form)
CSVA 101	3D Materials + Media (formerly CEFA 101: 3D Materials + Media)
CSHT 102	Colour Theory (formerly CEFA 102: Colour Theory)
CEPH 100	Introductory Digital Photography
CEPH 101	Photographic Composition
CSPH 110	Adobe CC for Photographers (formerly CECS 113: Adobe Lightroom + CECS 115: Adobe Photoshop: Photographic Editing)
CEPH 200	Intermediate Digital Photography
CEPH 201	Studio Lighting
CEPH 202	Portrait Photography
CEPH 203	Commercial Photography
CEPH 204	Architectural Photography

History + Theory | Complete both of:

CSHT 100	Western Art History: An Introduction (formerly CESE 101: Art History)
CSHT 101	Visual Culture (formerly CESE 102: Contemporary Critical Theory)

Professional Practices | Complete either:

CSPD 105

Business Planning for Creative Practitioners

Or both of the following...

CSPD 100	Portfolio Websites
CSPD 102	Applications: Grants, Residencies + Exhibition

Elective Courses | Complete 1 of the following recommendations:

CEPH 120	Black-and-White Film Photography
CEPH 010	Photo Story: Spaces, Places and the Everyday
CSSC 100	Creative Writing

...or choose 1 elective course from any of our offerings

How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Career + Further Education

Photography Certificate recipients can apply their education to a variety of careers and enterprises. Depending on the level of work they achieve and previous education and experience, they can pursue a range of opportunities, including:

The skills and knowledge acquired through a photography certificate can also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced specializations or roles within the field, and they offer a unique combination of technical and artistic proficiencies that can be leveraged in various ways across many industries.

Students can use artwork from their certificate program in an admissions portfolio to apply for a Degree in Fine Arts, Design or Media Arts here at ECU.