KollegeApply logo
KollegeApply logo

Certificate Course in Photography: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Colleges, Careers

Dharti Bhadla's profile picture

Updated on Jul 07, 2025

Dharti Bhadla

Certificate Courses in Photography equip individuals with the foundational skills and knowledge to excel in a field that involves photography/videography. For instance, wildlife photography, cinematography, Fashion Photography, Wedding Photography, Product Photography, etc.

 

The course duration and curriculum vary among the organizations offering this course. It is generally designed for 3 to 6 months or maybe a year in a few institutions. The Certificate Course in Photography often covers camera operation, composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques.

 

Such certification courses can be found both online and in physical institutions, with options ranging from short workshops to more comprehensive programs. Indian Institute of Photography, Pearl Academy, Delhi College of Photography, Asian Academy of Film and Television, etc, are some of the best colleges to pursue a Certificate Course in Photography.

 

To register for this course, candidates should be 10th pass or 12th pass (varies between different academies) and should have some prior knowledge of handling a Camera and operating its various parts. Those with some experience in Photography will be given first preference for admission to the course.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Certificate Course in Photography Key Highlights
  2. What is a Certificate Course in Photography?
  3. Why Study a Certificate Course in Photography?
  4. Certificate Course in Photography Eligibility Criteria
  5. Certificate Course in Photography Institutes
  6. Certificate Course in Photography Admission Process
  7. Certificate Course in Photography Syllabus
  8. Certificate Course in Photography Job Opportunities in India
  9. Certificate Course in Photography FAQs

 

Certificate Course in Photography Key Highlights

The key highlights of the Certificate Course in Photography are tabulated below.

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Certificate Course in Photography (Professional Photography Certificate, Digital Photography Certificate)

Course Level

Certificate

Duration

Typically 3 months to 1 year (can vary, with some online courses being shorter like a few hours to weeks)

Course Type

Full-time, Part-time, Online, or Blended (combination of theory and practical sessions)

Admission Process

Based on 10th or 12th class marks

Eligibility Criteria

10th pass or 10+2

Course Fees

INR 5,000 to 50,000

Top Colleges

Delhi College of Photography, Asian Academy of Film and Television, Pearl Academy, Indian Institute of Photography, Fergusson College, etc.

Job Profiles

Photographer, Photo Editor/Retoucher, Studio Assistant, Camera Operator (for TV/Film)

Top Recruiters

Advertising Agencies, Media Houses, Amazon, Myntra, Swiggy, Photography Studios, Event Management Companies, Travel and Tourism Companies, etc.

Average Salary in India

INR 2.75 LPA to INR 3.96 LPA

 

INR 15-17 LPA, (for high-profile assignments)

 

What is a Certificate Course in Photography?

A Certificate Course in Photography is a short-term skill-based learning of photography and editing. This differs from a Diploma in Photography by duration and curriculum. It is designed to teach the essential practical and theoretical knowledge of photography.

  • It emphasizes practical application, camera handling, composition, lighting, and basic editing techniques.
  • The course offers introductory modules in various genres like portrait, landscape, product, or event photography.
  • It serves as an excellent stepping stone for entry-level jobs, freelance work, or further specialized photography education.

 

Why Study a Certificate Course in Photography?

Certificate Course in Photography offers various benefits whether you are pursuing it as a hobby or a profession.

  • One can learn the basic fundamental techniques like camera settings, exposure, composition, and how to edit easily in a structured environment.
  • After completing the course, you will get to see the world differently. From the view point of someone artistics. The course helps you expand your vision through which you can tell stories through images.
  • You can gain practical experience and create a collection of quality photos, which is important for showcasing your style and attracting clients or employers.
  • During the course, you can learn through analysis and guidance from experienced instructors. It is considered important for you to know what your strenghts are.
  • You can get introduced to various photography styles (e.g., portrait, landscape, product, event), helping you discover your passion and potential niche.

 

Certificate Course in Photography Eligibility Criteria

Certificate Course in Photography eligibility criteria involve basic qualification of SSC or HSC. Many institutes, especially private ones, accept students who have completed their 10th-grade board examinations. This is a common entry point for short-term certificate courses.

 

However, more advanced certificate programs or those affiliated with larger universities, may require completion of Class 12 from a recognized board.

 

Certificate Course in Photography Institutes

Certificate Course in Photography is offered by several well-known institutes such as the Indian Institute of Photography, Pearl Academy, Delhi College of Photography, etc. There are many Online Platforms where aspirants can pursue this course remotely. Some online certificate course in photography are provided by AAFT Online, Indian Institute of Skill Development Training, and Skillshare.

College Name

Location

Average Course Fees

Course Duration

Indian Institute of Photography

Uttar Pradesh

INR 8,000

3 Months

Pearl Academy

Mumbai

INR 2,46,000

11 Months

Delhi College of Photography

Delhi

INR 50,000 - 1,00,000

6 to 18 Months

Fergusson College

Pune

INR 61,000

1 year

 

Certificate Course in Photography Admission Process

Admission to Certificate Course in Photography is based on 10th or 12th marks. Candidates have to apply at various institutes by filling out an online application form. The institute will then verify all applications and will prepare a list of shortlisted candidates. This may be followed by a personal interview and finally, document verification and fee payment to confirm the admission.

 

Here, the Certificate Course in Photography Admission Process for Delhi College of Photography (DCOP) is explained as an example.

 

Step 1: Online/Offline Application Form: Candidates need to fill out an application form, which can often be downloaded from their official website or collected in person from the college.

 

Step 2: Admission Offer: If you meet the eligibility criteria and perform satisfactorily in any interview/assessment, DCOP will send an admission offer.

 

Step 3: Fee Payment: Upon receiving the admission offer, you will need to pay the course fees by the stipulated deadline to confirm your enrollment.

 

Documents Required:

  • Original Marksheet of 10th 12th grade
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth Certificate
  • ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Signature

 

Certificate Course in Photography Syllabus

The syllabus for Certificate Course in Photography varies significantly depending on the course duration, course type, and institution.

 

Here, the certificate course in photography syllabus followed by Pearl Academy is tabulated as an example.

Basic Photography

Studio Photography

Introduction to DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

Introduction to Fashion and Portrait Photography

Understanding different settings to get correct exposure in the picture. (Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO)

Studio High Key Photography. Variations of High Key Photography. (White on White, Low key on White, Gel Lighting)

Introduction to lenses

Importance of speedlight for all genres of Photography. Speedlight Settings. Balancing speedlight with Indoor ambient light. Outdoor Fashion Speedlight Session.

Different composition Rules and Guidelines in photography

Beauty Dish with multiple coloured backgrounds

White Balance, Filters and Metering Modes

Multi Exposure, Double Exposure, Stroboscopic Photography

Outdoor Photo Walk

Fashion Product Photography (Watches, Handbags, Shoes, Sunglasses, Perfumes etc)

Introduction to Camera Raw plugins and basic Colour Correction in Raw

Food Photography

Single Light theory which explains the importance of light and shadow in photography, followed by single light practical

Still Life Photography

Low Key lighting, 3 lights and 6 lights set up on black background.

Realistic Fashion Retouching using High Pass method.

Introduction to Product Photography

Background Clean up and Background replacement . Creating shadows in photoshop

Introduction to photoshop layout and selection tools

1 group shoot and 2 individual shoots.

 

Submissions

Photoshop blending modes and intro to adjustment layers

-

Recap and Submission

-

Outdoor Photography

Professional Portfolio Project

Black and white photography

Introduction to Capture One and Light Meter.

 

Creating Commercial Lighting.

Outdoor Portrait Photography, Capturing moods and expressions

Introduction to other light modifiers such as Octa Box

Macro Photography. Working distance and magnification

Introduction to continuous light and ambient light. Optical Spot Lighting

Architectural and Landscape Photography.

Advance Retouching Techniques using Frequency Separation and Blend

Wedding Photography

Guest Lecture – Understanding Business in Fashion Photography

Introduction to Photo Journalism

Mood Board for Styling and photography

Introduction to lightroom

FPP Shoot 01 – Beauty Shoot with 3 looks. Highlighting Hair, Face, Lips, Eyes, Jewellery

Introduction to colour correction using various adjustment layers for outdoor photography in photoshop

FPP Shoot 02 – Fashion Shoot with 3 looks. Autumn Winter, Spring Summer, Fashion Accessories

Sports Photography

FPP Shoot 03 – Swim Suit and Fantasy Look

Travel Photography.

Review and Selection of the Images

Indoor Levitation Photography and Cinemagraph

Final Editing

 

Certificate Course in Photography Job Opportunities in India

Jobs after a certificate course in photography include a Fashion Photographer, Product Photographer, Studio Assistant, Freelance Photographer, Wildlife Photographer, Event Photographer and also one can start their own photo studio or explore cinematography to work on film production.

 

Some of the popular Certificate Courses in Photography Jobs are given below

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary (INR)

Photographer (Freelance)

Direct clients (individuals, businesses), Event Management Companies, Advertising Agencies

Entry-level to Experienced

3 to 6 LPA

Photographer (In-house/Staff)

E-commerce Companies (Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Swiggy), Production Houses, Media Houses (newspapers, magazines)

Entry-level to Mid-level

2 to 5 LPA

Photo Editor/Retoucher

E-commerce Companies, Digital Marketing Agencies, Photography Studios, Post-production houses, Media houses, Freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr)

Entry-level to Mid-level

INR 2.5 to 4 LPA

Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography Studios, Event Management Companies, Freelance

Entry-level to Mid-level

3 to 6 LPA

Product Photographer

E-commerce Companies, Manufacturing Companies, Advertising Agencies, Freelance

Entry-level to Mid-level

2.8 to 4.5 LPA

Fashion Photographer

Fashion Labels, Modeling Agencies, Fashion Magazines, Advertising Agencies, Freelance

Entry-level to Mid-level

3 to 5 LPA

 

Certificate Course in Photography FAQs

How does a Certificate Course in Photography differ from a Diploma in Photography?

A Certificate Course in Photography is typically shorter (months to a year) and highly focused on practical skills. It serves as an entry point to gain specific expertise. On the other hand, a Diploma is more comprehensive (1-2 years), covering broader theoretical and practical aspects in depth.

Will the Certificate Course in Photography help me build a strong portfolio?

Yes, a Certificate Course in Photography by a well-reputed institute will definitely guide you in building a foundational portfolio. The assignments and projects that you submit will contribute to your body of work. Also, one should always look out for more opportunities for various types of photography to develop a strong work experience and unique portfolio.

Is the certification recognized by the industry for employment?

Certificates from well-known, established photography institutes in India are generally recognized by potential employers, especially for entry-level positions. For further academic studies (like a Diploma or Degree), some institutes might offer credit transfers or preferential admission based on your certificate. Along with the certificate, your portfolio and practical skills will help you establish yourself in the creative industry.

How would you rate your experience with this page up to now?

😣

😕

😊

😎

😍

KollegeApply logo

Discover Excellence: Latest Updates on India's Leading Colleges,  Admissions, and Exam News

Built in India

india
Regular Helpdesk:+91 95997 49001
Online Helpdesk:+91 97178 19001

© 2025 INDO INTERNET PRIVATE LIMITED