Alberta Film School — Edmonton's Photo + Video School
Edmonton's only dedicated photo and video school. Hands-on training, small classes, real-world results. Less talking, more shooting.
Programs and classes
- Photography Courses & Classes in Edmonton — Photography classes in Edmonton: 8 weeks hands-on — exposure, studio lighting, flash, composition, posing, editing and Portfolio Week. Small classes.
- Videography & Video Production Courses in Edmonton — Videography course in Edmonton: 8 weeks of hands-on video production — cinematography, lighting, audio, gimbal work and Premiere Pro. Small classes.
- Full Program Edmonton — 16-week video and photography program in Edmonton. Master both disciplines, graduate with a complete portfolio and real-world experience. Small classes.
- Free Camera Basics Class Edmonton — Free 1.5-hour beginner photography class in Edmonton. Learn the exposure triangle — ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. No experience needed. 16 spots.
- Photography & Video Workshops Edmonton — Free Camera Basics class, Content Creation Workshop Edmonton, Real Estate Videography, studio rental, photographer and videographer services, and workshops in Edmonton.
Frequently asked questions
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
It depends on what you bought. Workshops and classes are final and non-refundable, though we'll do our best to transfer you to a future session. Studio rentals are non-refundable, but you can reschedule once with at least 48 hours' notice. Memberships can be cancelled anytime — you keep access until the end of the period you've already paid for, and charges already made aren't refunded. Program tuition is refundable on a sliding scale: a full refund 14 or more days before your start date, 50% within 14 days, and non-refundable once the program begins. See our full Refund & Cancellation Policy at albertafilmschool.com/refund-policy.
Do I need prior experience to enroll?
No experience is required. Our programs are designed to take you from complete beginner to confident creative. We start with the fundamentals and build from there — all you need is a passion to learn. Not sure if it's right for you? Come to our free Camera Basics class first.
How long are the programs?
Each program is 8 weeks long. Video Production is 8 weeks, Photography is 8 weeks. If you want to do both (our Full Program), it's 16 weeks total. Day classes run 10am–4pm, evening classes run 5–9pm.
What's the class size?
We keep classes small so every student gets real attention from the instructor. You're not a number — your instructor knows your name, your work, and your goals.
Do I get a certificate when I finish?
Yes. Upon successful completion of your program, you receive an Alberta Film School certificate of completion. More importantly, you graduate with a real portfolio of work you can show to clients and employers.
Is financial aid or payment plans available?
We offer flexible payment plans to make the program accessible. Contact us directly to discuss options that work for your situation. We do not offer government student loans.
What is Portfolio Week?
Portfolio Week is a signature part of our Photography program. During this week, the classroom transforms into a full working studio. Students photograph a variety of real people all week long, putting everything they've learned into practice with the instructor right there to guide them. You leave with a complete, professional portfolio — enough content to post for years and the confidence to start charging for your work immediately.
What are field placements?
Field placements are real paid or volunteer shoots that our students go out and complete in the city. We connect you with clients — events, commercials, promos, music videos — and you shoot, edit, and deliver the work with instructor feedback before the client receives it. You can do as many placements as you want, and if you have a specific niche you want to practice (weddings, sports, real estate, etc.), we'll find you placements in that area. It's how our students build a real-world portfolio before they graduate.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. You can hire an AFS instructor for private one-on-one lessons — learn whatever you want, at your own pace, on your own schedule. Contact us to book.
Are classes available online?
The programs are in person — the whole point is hands-on time with real gear, in a real studio, with an instructor beside you. If you can't come to Edmonton, or want to start before you do, our instructors' self-paced online courses are at albertafilmschool.com/online-courses: start today, on any device, and every dollar you spend on a course counts toward the program if you enrol within 60 days.
What equipment do I need?
You need your own camera (DSLR or mirrorless). If you don't have one yet, we can recommend options for every budget. All studio equipment (lighting, backdrops, etc.) is provided by the school.
Can I come from outside Edmonton or outside Canada?
Yes — if you can get here, you're more than welcome. Plenty of our students come from out of town: from across Alberta, from far parts of Canada like Halifax, Prince Edward Island and Grande Prairie, from the United States and from other countries, and they move to Edmonton for the length of their program. Calgary students often drive up each day, or stay in Edmonton during the week and go home on weekends. Classes are in person in Edmonton. We don't have student housing, but our admissions team has lots of advice on finding a place — book an admissions consult (it can be a video call). If you're coming from outside Canada, we can give you a letter of acceptance once you're enrolled; we aren't immigration advisors. Not ready to move yet? Our self-paced online courses are a way to start learning with us from home.