Overview
Strong photography starts with understanding how your camera works and how technical choices influence the images you create. Developing these foundational skills can help you communicate ideas more effectively, create compelling visual content, and express your creative vision.
In this micro-credential course, you'll develop the foundational skills needed to operate a DSLR or mirrorless camera, manage digital images, and make informed creative and technical decisions behind the lens. Through hands-on practice and guidance from an experienced photography professional, you'll learn how camera settings affect image appearance, apply essential composition techniques, and use industry-standard image workflow and file management practices. You'll also explore how shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field influence the look and feel of an image.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to use your camera more effectively, organize and manage digital images, and create purposeful photographs for creative, professional, and communication purposes.
This course is ideal if you:
- want to create more intentional and visually compelling photographs
- are new to digital photography and want a strong foundation in camera operation, composition, and image workflow
- would like to gain greater creative and technical control over your camera and images
- are preparing to explore more advanced photography techniques and projects.
There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements for this course. However, you should have basic computer and internet skills, be comfortable managing digital files, and have access to the technology and supplies listed in the Costs section. No experience with Adobe Bridge or Adobe Photoshop is required.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- control the main components of a digital camera with interchangeable lenses
- demonstrate best practices in digital image processing and file management
- employ the tools and techniques used to improve image composition
- demonstrate shutter speed and its relationship to exposure and moving subject matter (Shutter Priority Exposure Mode)
- demonstrate aperture and its relationship to exposure and depth of field control (Aperture Priority Exposure Mode).
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Stephan Jarche explained concepts in a way I could grasp and apply to my photography assignments. I enjoyed his teaching style and found him very knowledgeable. I learned a lot, loved the course, and think Stephan is an excellent instructor. I will definitely sign up for the follow-on course.
Michael Coleman
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
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Register early!
- We recommend registering at least three weeks before the course section start date to support course planning and help ensure a smooth start to your course.
- Course sections require minimum enrollment and may be rescheduled or cancelled two weeks before the start date.
- Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled and blended courses, and three days before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Micro-credential
SAIT Micro-credentials develop practical skills aligned to current industry standards and include competency-based testing. Earning a SAIT Technical Skills Micro-credential demonstrates to employers that you have the required competencies — combining knowledge, skills and abilities — to get the job done. Learn more.
Students who complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn the Micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge that validates their achievement.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and full manual exposure controls (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Program modes)
- A compatible camera lens (a standard zoom lens is suitable for most course activities; a wide-angle lens and medium telephoto lens are recommended for advanced photography projects)
- At least one fully charged camera battery (an extra battery is recommended)
- At least one memory card compatible with your camera (minimum 16 GB capacity; 32 GB or 64 GB recommended)
- A Windows or Mac computer/laptop that meets system requirements for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge and standard hardware/software requirements for D2L (Chromebooks are not supported)
- An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription plan that includes Adobe Photoshop (educational pricing is available, and you can use your SAIT “edu” email address as proof of student status to access the software at a reduced rate. Adobe Bridge is included with all Creative Cloud plans.)
Additional Supplies
You'll also need:
- A memory card reader compatible with your camera's storage media if your laptop does not have a built-in card reader.
We recommend visiting a local camera retailer to discuss options that fit your budget and goals. In Calgary, consider contacting The Camera Store to ask about student pricing or promotions available.
Note: Bring this required equipment to your first class. Bringing your laptop is optional.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Completion
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.