Course Overview
In this course, students will explore the essential tools and functions of digital cameras while applying foundational and intermediate photographic techniques to create compelling images. Topics include aperture, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, depth of field, lens selection, and core compositional principles. Through a combination of lectures and lab-based learning, students will also examine lighting design, low‑light photography, and file‑management workflows using Adobe Lightroom. Instruction further emphasizes equipment care, maintenance, and best practices for managing digital assets. Students will complete photo assignments designed to reinforce technical concepts and build confidence in image creation. Learners will participate in guided image reviews and receive constructive feedback to support skill development.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$635.73
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate the primary settings and operational features of DSLR or mirrorless camera systems.
- Analyze a photograph for technical details such as exposure, focus, lighting and composition.
- Apply composition techniques and principles of design such as balance, emphasis and contrast to enhance the aesthetic and quality of a photograph.
- Apply alternative lighting sources to enhance visual impact and strengthen image tone, mood and style.
- Provide and receive constructive peer feedback on photographs using a simple critique framework focused on shooting mode, file format, exposure, focus, lighting, and composition.
- Develop a personalized workflow and file‑management system using Adobe Lightroom to organize, store, and optimize digital images.
- Enhance images through the intentional application of camera settings and lighting techniques to improve exposure, clarity, and visual impact.
- Produce an initial portfolio body of work that showcases applied camera techniques, intentional lighting choices, and the use of compositional principles.
Effective as of Winter 2027
Related Programs
Fundamentals of Photography (MDIA 1094) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Business + Media
- Digital Photography
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of MDIA 1094 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 93852
Dates
Jan 05 - Mar 23 Loading
- CRN 93852
- $635.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 - Mar 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Students must have access to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera system that has a lens and memory card, a tripod would also be recommended but not required. The camera system used must be able to provide full manual control over all settings as well as capture in camera RAW file format. Most DSLR or Mirrorless camera systems on the market would meet these criteria. You will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud to start this course and it is your responsibility to have this access in place prior to course start. Students who are currently registered in BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. Information explaining how to obtain an Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
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