This program is not currently accepting applications.

Prepare for a career in photography through our comprehensive technical curriculum that emphasizes digital image capture and processing.

The 2-year diploma program promotes a practical, hands-on approach to learning supported by appropriate theory. You'll be given the opportunity to interact with industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars, assignment critiques, studio visits, field trips and work experience practicums. You'll also given plenty of time to practice your skills, build a portfolio of work and participate in professional association activities.

Quick Facts

Credential: Diploma

Diplomas are credit programs that take 2 to 3 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Options:

  • Both On-Campus and Virtual - Some of your coursework will be in-person, on campus and some will be done online.

Length: 2 Years

With a typical full-time course load, this program will take 2 Years to complete.

Open Studies: Not Available

This program does not currently have any courses available for Open Studies.

International Students: Accepted

This program accepts international students, however, program availability may be limited. Check program availability for this term. This program also meets the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

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Median Starting Salary

Salaries are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and are not a guarantee of future income. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

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Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

n the Photographic Technology program, you'll have access to NAIT's extensive studios, darkroom facilities and computer imaging labs, as well as the broad range of camera and lighting equipment required to complete your photographic assignments – and prepare for your career.

Over your 2 years of study, you'll learn how to:

  • handle a wide range of camera systems
  • apply optimal lighting in various settings
  • produce images for specific professional photographic needs
  • process images through digital means
  • develop applied computer skills
  • explore the creativity of electronic imaging
Photographic Technology student

Year one

The first year of the program will provide you with many of the foundational skills required for a successful photographic career, including:

  • development of the visual and design aspects of photography
  • working with cameras of various formats (digital - DSLR and medium format)
  • controlling exposure and lighting requirements in a range of situations
  • processing, printing and presenting images through digital production procedures
  • extensive development of digital imaging skills using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, Capture One, etc. 
  • producing photographic images for photojournalistic requirements
  • illustrating nature of a business or organization through the production of a photographic essay

Year two

During the second year, you'll refine your photographic skills with courses in:

  • advanced digital imaging
  • portraiture, commercial and industrial photography
  • fine art photography
  • illustrating a theme through a photographic thesis
  • servicing the real-world photographic needs of a non-profit organization through a "major client project"

Enter the workforce with confidence

Employment opportunities exist in varied areas of photography, some of which are well-known and commonly associated with professional photography. Others are less visible to the public. 

After graduation, you may be employed as a portrait or wedding photographer. Or, you could find yourself serving the photographic needs of business and industry. This may include photography for the purposes of advertising, architectural, corporate communications, fashion or industrial projects. 

Photographic technologists are employed in hospitals, police departments, colleges, and government and scientific laboratories. Other opportunities exist in photomarketing and in media fields such as newspapers, magazines, multimedia and information technologies. 

What you need to succeed

Successful professional photographers tend to be people with well-defined career goals, a drive to succeed and a passion for photography.

Most photographers are self-employed, which will require an entrepreneurial attitude and the ability to manage your time and finances. You'll also need to communicate with clients, self-promote and build relationships. 

Photography is often required in the outdoors and in inclimate conditions. You may be required to travel, work independently and invest in advanced technology. Coming into the program, we recommend a budget of $2500 in order to procure professional-grade equipment. 1`

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 2 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C+ in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Courses

Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.

Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Awards

The following scholarships and/or bursaries are available to you as a student in this program. To access your opportunities, visit the Student Portal.

Admission Requirements

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.

General inquiries

Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:

  • Student application support
  • Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
  • Program admissions process
  • Enrolment support
  • Student funding options
  • Fee and refund inquiries
  • General program and course withdrawal procedures
  • Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal

Contact Student Service Centre

Program-specific questions

Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:

  • Program details
  • Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
  • Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
  • Program and course withdrawal



The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

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