Mastercraftsman Diploma in Professional Photography and Digital Imaging
One-Year Professional Diploma with Optional Second-Year Mentorship Track
Photography | Digital Imaging | Visual Storytelling | Creative Imaging | Portfolio Development
The Mastercraftsman Diploma in Professional Photography and Digital Imaging at Shari Academy, Mumbai is a full-time professional photography course for students who want to build a serious career in photography, visual storytelling, creative imaging and contemporary visual media. This one-year diploma gives students practical training in camera craft, studio lighting, location lighting, composition, digital editing, colour management, portrait photography, fashion photography, food photography, still life, product photography, advertising photography, editorial photography and professional portfolio development.
Located in Andheri West, Mumbai, Shari Academy helps students learn through practice, observation and mentor guidance. Students do not only learn how to use a camera. They also learn how to see light, understand mood, build a story, plan a shoot, edit images and present their work professionally. As a result, they grow from beginners into confident image-makers who can work across different areas of the creative industry.
The complete Mastercraftsman Diploma syllabus is covered in one intensive year. However, students who want to go deeper can continue into the optional second-year mentorship track. This advanced year gives them more time to build a stronger portfolio, develop personal projects, explore visual storytelling, create ad film ideas, work on short documentaries, use AI for visual planning and prepare exhibition-ready work.
To view the kind of work students create during their journey, visit our Student Gallery. For digital imaging and editing workflows, students can also explore trusted creative resources such as Adobe Creative Cloud Photography.
Choose Your Learning Path
1-Year Mastercraftsman Diploma
Complete Professional Photography & Digital Imaging Training
The first year is an intensive, career-focused diploma that consolidates the complete professional photography syllabus into one structured program. Students learn through lectures, demonstrations, practical assignments, studio shoots, location shoots, critiques, editing sessions, portfolio reviews and industry-style projects.
This track is ideal for students who want to complete their professional photography training in one year and start building their career with strong technical, creative and business skills.
Optional 2nd-Year Mentorship Track
Portfolio, Personal Projects & Visual Artistry
The optional second year is designed for students who want to go deeper after completing the one-year diploma. This is a mentor-led year focused on portfolio maturity, personal projects, individual visual language and professional presentation.
Students work on self-initiated photography projects, advanced portfolios, creative imaging, visual storytelling, ad film concepts, short documentaries, AI-assisted moodboards, artist statements and exhibition-ready bodies of work.
Program Structure
| Program | Duration | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercraftsman Diploma | 1 Year | Complete professional photography and digital imaging training | Students who want full-time career-oriented training |
| Optional Mentorship Track | 2nd Year | Portfolio, personal projects, visual storytelling, ad films, documentaries and mentor guidance | Students who want deeper creative and professional development |
Important: The complete Mastercraftsman Diploma syllabus is covered in one year. The optional second year is for students who want additional mentorship, stronger portfolio development and deeper personal creative growth.
Fees : One Year Diploma Rs. 4,00,000/-
Optional Second year Rs. 4,00,000/-
Security Deposit: Rs. 25000/- (refundable at the end of the course)
Why Study at Shari Academy?
Shari Academy’s Mastercraftsman Diploma is designed for students who want practical, professional and creative training. The academy focuses not only on technical knowledge, but also on how students see, think, plan and communicate through images.
Students learn in a hands-on environment with studio practice, location assignments, mentor feedback, portfolio reviews and real-world creative exposure. The aim is to prepare students for professional work while also helping them discover their own artistic identity.
At Shari Academy, students are encouraged to build confidence, discipline, observation, visual language and creative independence.
Who Can Join?
This course is suitable for:
Students after 12th
Graduates who want a creative career
Beginners who are serious about photography
Content creators who want better visual skills
Students who want to become professional photographers
Learners interested in fashion, food, product and portrait photography
Creative people who want to tell stories through images
Students who want to build a strong professional portfolio
No major photography experience is needed. The course starts from the basics and slowly builds towards professional-level work.
Course Location
Shari Academy
Andheri West, Mumbai
Professional Photography, Digital Imaging and Visual Storytelling Training Institute
FAQs
Is the Mastercraftsman Diploma a one-year or two-year course?
The complete Mastercraftsman Diploma syllabus is covered in one year. Students who want additional mentorship, personal project development and advanced portfolio building can choose the optional second-year mentorship track.
What is the optional second year for?
The optional second year is for portfolio development, personal projects, visual storytelling, ad film concepts, short documentaries, creative imaging, AI-supported planning and mentor-guided professional presentation.
Can I join this photography course after 12th?
Yes. Students can join after 12th or after graduation. The course begins with fundamentals and builds towards professional photography practice.
Does the course include portfolio development?
Yes. Portfolio development is part of the one-year diploma. Students who want a stronger and more specialised portfolio can continue into the optional second-year mentorship track.
Does the course include filmmaking?
The course introduces visual storytelling, cinematography basics, ad film ideas and short documentary projects, especially as part of the optional second-year mentorship track.
Does the course include AI?
Yes. AI is introduced as a creative support tool for moodboards, ideation, pre-visualisation, storyboarding and workflow planning.
Is this course practical or theory-based?
The course is highly practical. Students learn through demonstrations, assignments, studio shoots, location shoots, editing practice, critiques and portfolio reviews.
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