Professional Photography

The Best Photography School to Get You Career-Ready


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Course Duration
6 months


Program Delivery
On Campus

Earn Your Certificate in Professional Photography

College for Arts and Technology’s Certificate in Professional Photography is an engaging 6 month program where you’ll learn both the creative and professional aspects of modern photography. What may have started as a hobby for you, can be morphed into a creative and rewarding career in photography, capturing the important moments for your clients. Weddings, sporting events, editorial campaigns, the career possibilities are numerous! You’re looking for the best digital photography school with interactive, hands-on courses, to get you the skills you’ll need to make this your career!

Our program covers a wide range of applied skills and knowledge necessary for success as a professional photographer, including

  • Basic to Advanced Studio Lighting
  • Basic to Advanced Camera Operations
  • Digital Imaging and Post Production
  • An understanding of contemporary photographic trends and styles
  • Industry-specific knowledge from an entrepreneurial viewpoint
  • Photography industry awareness and best practices for the modern photographer
  • Portfolio Production

Our Grads Power the

Arts & Tech Economy


CAT’s creative and technical programs are directly connected to a creative sector that makes a $6 Billion contribution to the British Columbia economy every year. Graduates from our 2D and 3D animation, filmmaking, graphic design, audio engineering and other programs are among the over 120,000 skilled arts and tech workers employed provincially in this vibrant, constantly growing ‘creative economy’. Just in the past several years alone, CAT graduates were named in the credits for many high grossing films and musical scores, capturing numerous industry awards.

Earn Your Certificate in

Professional Photography


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Here’s How You’ll Build Your Photography Skills

Quarter 1: Foundations of Photography

The first quarter immerses you in the essentials of professional photography, distilling the art and science into a robust foundation for your career. Through intensive, hands-on instruction, you’ll master core techniques, creative principles, and professional tools, preparing you for an accelerated 6-month journey to professional excellence.

Course: Principles of Camera Operation (POCO 1)

In this dynamic course, you’ll master your camera through immersive assignments designed to build technical proficiency. You’ll explore the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), framing, composition, lens optics, and fundamental colour theory. Practical exercises, such as capturing dynamic motion or low-light scenes, ensure you internalize camera controls across diverse scenarios. By studying iconic works from photographic history, you’ll contextualize technical skills within the art form, establishing a versatile foundation for creative and commercial applications.

Course: Lighting for Stills (LFS 1)

This course centres light as a powerful storytelling tool. Using constant lighting sources, you’ll master light-shaping techniques through targeted assignments, such as crafting mood with soft-boxes or grids. You’ll analyze light’s quality, direction, and colour temperature to achieve professional-grade results. By exploring natural and artificial light, this course equips you to manipulate illumination for any creative vision.

Course: Digital Imaging (DI 1)

In this foundational course, you’ll gain proficiency in industry-standard digital graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom and Capture 1) through streamlined, project-based learning. Assignments focus on essential post-processing techniques—colour correction, retouching, and file management—tailored to professional workflows. Simultaneously, you’ll research photography genres (Commercial, Wedding, Food, Family, Real Estate, and Fine Art) to align your technical skills with career aspirations.

Quarter 2: Advancing Technical and Creative Mastery

The second quarter builds on Quarter 1, refining your expertise through real-world assignments. You’ll develop a professional skill set in studio and on-location settings, preparing you to excel in the competitive photography industry within this condensed 6-month program.

Course: Principles of Camera Operation (POCO 2)

This course builds on POCO 1, applying your camera operation skills to real-world photography genres: Commercial, Wedding, Food, Family, Real Estate, and Fine Art. Through targeted assignments, you’ll adapt technical skills to each genre’s demands. For example, you’ll use precise exposure for product shots in Commercial photography, capture candid moments with dynamic framing in Wedding photography, and emphasize texture and lighting in Food photography. Family portraiture hones subject direction, while Real Estate photography focuses on wide-angle lenses and spatial clarity. Fine Art projects encourage experimental compositions to develop your creative voice. Professional critiques and portfolio-building ensure market-ready work across these genres.

Course: Lighting for Stills (LFS 2)

Building on LFS 1, this course deepens your lighting expertise through sophisticated studio and on-location projects. You’ll experiment with advanced techniques, such as mixed lighting or high-key/low-key aesthetics, tailored to genres like Commercial or Fine Art. Assignments simulate real-world scenarios, such as crafting cinematic portraits or lighting architectural spaces, ensuring you adapt lighting to any creative or client-driven brief. Your work will meet the highest industry standards.

Course: Digital Imaging (DI 2)

This advanced course refines your post-processing skills, emphasizing efficiency and artistry in professional workflows. You’ll tackle complex editing projects, such as composite imaging for Commercial work or colour grading for Fine Art, to elevate your work to a competitive level. Through genre-specific assignments, you’ll refine your unique style while preparing a cohesive digital portfolio tailored to your chosen niche (e.g., Wedding or Real Estate). Peer reviews and industry-inspired critiques ensure your output aligns with market demands.

Course Descriptions


Course Descriptions


Here’s How You’ll Build Your Photography Skills

Quarter 1: Foundations of Photography

The first quarter immerses you in the essentials of professional photography, distilling the art and science into a robust foundation for your career. Through intensive, hands-on instruction, you’ll master core techniques, creative principles, and professional tools, preparing you for an accelerated 6-month journey to professional excellence.

Course: Principles of Camera Operation (POCO 1)

In this dynamic course, you’ll master your camera through immersive assignments designed to build technical proficiency. You’ll explore the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), framing, composition, lens optics, and fundamental colour theory. Practical exercises, such as capturing dynamic motion or low-light scenes, ensure you internalize camera controls across diverse scenarios. By studying iconic works from photographic history, you’ll contextualize technical skills within the art form, establishing a versatile foundation for creative and commercial applications.

Course: Lighting for Stills (LFS 1)

This course centres light as a powerful storytelling tool. Using constant lighting sources, you’ll master light-shaping techniques through targeted assignments, such as crafting mood with soft-boxes or grids. You’ll analyze light’s quality, direction, and colour temperature to achieve professional-grade results. By exploring natural and artificial light, this course equips you to manipulate illumination for any creative vision.

Course: Digital Imaging (DI 1)

In this foundational course, you’ll gain proficiency in industry-standard digital graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom and Capture 1) through streamlined, project-based learning. Assignments focus on essential post-processing techniques—colour correction, retouching, and file management—tailored to professional workflows. Simultaneously, you’ll research photography genres (Commercial, Wedding, Food, Family, Real Estate, and Fine Art) to align your technical skills with career aspirations.

Quarter 2: Advancing Technical and Creative Mastery

The second quarter builds on Quarter 1, refining your expertise through real-world assignments. You’ll develop a professional skill set in studio and on-location settings, preparing you to excel in the competitive photography industry within this condensed 6-month program.

Course: Principles of Camera Operation (POCO 2)

This course builds on POCO 1, applying your camera operation skills to real-world photography genres: Commercial, Wedding, Food, Family, Real Estate, and Fine Art. Through targeted assignments, you’ll adapt technical skills to each genre’s demands. For example, you’ll use precise exposure for product shots in Commercial photography, capture candid moments with dynamic framing in Wedding photography, and emphasize texture and lighting in Food photography. Family portraiture hones subject direction, while Real Estate photography focuses on wide-angle lenses and spatial clarity. Fine Art projects encourage experimental compositions to develop your creative voice. Professional critiques and portfolio-building ensure market-ready work across these genres.

Course: Lighting for Stills (LFS 2)

Building on LFS 1, this course deepens your lighting expertise through sophisticated studio and on-location projects. You’ll experiment with advanced techniques, such as mixed lighting or high-key/low-key aesthetics, tailored to genres like Commercial or Fine Art. Assignments simulate real-world scenarios, such as crafting cinematic portraits or lighting architectural spaces, ensuring you adapt lighting to any creative or client-driven brief. Your work will meet the highest industry standards.

Course: Digital Imaging (DI 2)

This advanced course refines your post-processing skills, emphasizing efficiency and artistry in professional workflows. You’ll tackle complex editing projects, such as composite imaging for Commercial work or colour grading for Fine Art, to elevate your work to a competitive level. Through genre-specific assignments, you’ll refine your unique style while preparing a cohesive digital portfolio tailored to your chosen niche (e.g., Wedding or Real Estate). Peer reviews and industry-inspired critiques ensure your output aligns with market demands.

What our grads are saying...


FAQs

Let's Get you answers

Are there a lot of jobs available as a Professional Photographer?
The landscape of the photography industry has changed considerably over the last couple of decades, and this means the career options have evolved as well! Print applications that were once the mainstay of a photographer’s career, have now been nearly replaced with digital opportunities. Additionally, the majority of photographers are now entrepreneurs, running their own successful photography businesses. One of the most amazing things about being a Professional Photographer is the ability to create your own future, deciding what type of photography you will offer and how you’ll secure clients. Our program will prepare you for this entrepreneurial journey and expose you to the wide array of photographic genres for you to make an informed decision. Lastly, our Program Advisors would love the opportunity to discuss your photography career options with you, book an appointment to get started!
Do I need to own my own camera to apply to CAT’s Professional Photography program?
Investing in tools of your trade will always be a smart decision and if you plan to make photography your career, you will need your own camera and equipment. While we do offer a selection of camera bodies and lenses for our students to use, we do require students to have their own camera body and lens for entrance into our Professional Photography diploma program. We have a blog that might help you make this decision and our Professional Photography Program Advisors can also be of assistance. Book an appointment to get started!
When should I apply to the Professional Photography program?
You can apply at any time throughout the year for our Professional Photography Program for our annual October intake. If you are still in high school, you can apply while completing your grade 12 year and will be required to submit your high school transcript, along with your portfolio, to complete your application package. If you have questions on when to apply, or what the complete application package entails, book an appointment with one of our Professional Photography Program Advisors. Our Admissions team is here to support you on your education journey.
Will I be asked for a portfolio of my work in order to apply to the Professional Photography program?
Yes, we are excited to see your artistic eye and will ask for a portfolio as part of your application package to the Professional Photography program. For complete details on portfolio requirements, book an appointment with one of our Professional Photography Program Advisors. They are happy to walk you through the complete details of the admissions requirements.
Is this a technical or artistic program?
Photography is an exciting and dynamic industry, with a blend of artistic and technical skills needed to succeed. Our program covers both aspects in depth, giving you the opportunity to develop both your creative eye and technical prowess. With this blend of skills, you will not only become highly proficient with your camera, lighting techniques and editing skills, but will hone in on your conceptual and creative style, setting you apart from the competition. Additionally, all of our programs, including Professional Photography, include Professional Development courses, delivered by our Student Services Department. Career counseling, job search skills, and self development are all included in these valuable courses and workshops, giving you the leg up you need to secure clients and create lasting success as a photographer. For complete details on our Professional Photography Program, including curriculum, book an appointment to tour the photography studios on campus, meet current photography students and our photography faculty.
Do I need any experience as a photographer prior to applying to this program?
Experience is never a bad thing! We love to see when program applicants have a demonstrable passion for their industry, but no formal experience as a photographer is required for entrance to this program. You will be required to submit a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your creative eye and starting skill level, and our Admissions Team is happy to help walk you through this process. Book an appointment to speak with one of our Professional Photography Program Advisors to get started on your application.
What gear does the school provide that I will have access to as a Photography student?
College for Arts and Technology is a modern, state-of-the-art campus complete with two photo and film studios and an equipment cage with bodies, lenses and other gear available for students. Our studios feature a seamless white backdrop, adjustable natural lighting, professional-grade studio lighting and lighting modifiers. The equipment cage has a variety of high-end camera bodies and lenses for student use. Students are required to have their own digital camera for entrance into this program (see question 2), but with our bookable gear on campus, you will have the opportunity to experiment with a wide array of equipment. We invite you to visit us for a tour, book an appointment now to see what our campus has to offer!
What does a day in the life of a Professional Photography student at CAT look like?

A day in the life of a Professional Photography student at CAT is varied and as a student you may find yourself in a few different classrooms around campus. Schedules vary from Quarter to Quarter, so this is just an example of what you could expect.

If you drive, you'll park your car in our student-designated parking lot and make your way across the Landmark Plaza to our campus! If you've opted to walk, bike or take the bus, you'll find lots of great scenery on the short walk from the bike lock-up or transit stop to campus. You have a lighting class in the studio for your first block, Lighting for Stills 1, so you may need to stop by our Equipment Cage to grab a lens. After signing out your equipment you'll take another short stroll across the plaza to our Sutherland Building, where both the studio and classrooms are located. After a brief lecture from your Instructor, you and your classmates begin creating the lighting setup for the day. Sometimes models from the local agency make an appearance in class and you're looking forward to photographing some unique faces!

After lighting class, you have a free block, so you work on editing some of the images from earlier. Lunchtime! You take a break and hit up one of the many great eateries in the Landmark Plaza area. Mmmmm….pizza is on the menu today.

After fuelling up, you head back to the main campus building for a Professional Development class. Today you're going to be diving into Personality Dimensions and starting on a self-portrait assignment. You'll also be discussing how to find the balance between being a creative individual and securing success for yourself professionally, a topic we take great pride in at CAT. #nostarvingartistshere.

Your last class of the day is Digital Imaging, so you head to the computer lab to greet your classmates. You've been loving learning about post-production skills, so you can't wait to get down to work! After class, you decide to meet up with some friends to take in a world-famous Kelowna sunset downtown. Let's do this again tomorrow, shall we? New day, new classes, new opportunities.

If you're interested in touring our campus and seeing our Professional Photography classrooms, you can do so by completing an online inquiry form. Once submitted, a Program Advisor will follow up with you, so make sure to mention you'd like a tour!

Experience the CAT Difference

Why the Best Choose Us

We understand that choosing a post-secondary school is a big decision that usually involves input from some of the most important people in your life. Tuition considerations, support after graduation and key industry connections – these are all part of choosing the best acting school for you. Here are a few reasons why you’ll be happy you chose College for Arts and Technology:


Finance Options

Hands-on, employment-focused education.


Employment-focused programs delivering the soft skills you need for lasting career success and hands-on experience with the latest, industry-standard techniques. Your acting career starts here!


More one-on-one time with your Instructors and mentors.


Small class sizes mean you get more facetime and critical feedback from your education team, to achieve real growth and success.

Personalized support from start to finish.


Financial guidance? We’ve got you covered. Career advice after graduation? We wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re more than a student number to us. We create a personalized experience that you won’t get anywhere else.


Quality you can fact-check.


College for Arts and Technology holds a full designation through Education Quality Assurance and the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit. You’ll only get the best at College for Arts and Technology.

Professional Photography was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training.

This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Learn more about PGWP eligibility on the IRCC website.

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Step 2 – Submit Portfolio

Step 1 – Apply

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