Photography at Algonquin College

Learn to capture, create and alter images at a professional level.

The two-year Photography Ontario College Diploma program encourages you to express your creative side while designing and capturing images that communicate effectively. You demonstrate a professional level of craft and creativity in digital imaging using high-end equipment and the Mac OS platform.

Learn the fundamentals of photography and create images that meet the needs of your client. By creating a state-of-the-art portfolio and a personal website using high-end digital cameras to capture professional-level work, you show your creative and technical abilities.

In addition to photography design and techniques, gain knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• entrepreneurship
• networking
• branding
• marketing
• business practices

Our studios have up-to-date studio and location lighting systems, lighting booms, soft-boxes and professional backdrops.

At the end of the program, enhance your knowledge and skills with a real-world experience during a two-week field placement where you gain valuable practical application and industry contacts. The program concludes with a student-run networking trade show, which potential employers and industry representatives attend.

There are many job opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a photographer in areas such as:

• commercial and industrial photography
• wedding and portrait photography
• scientific and medical photography
• photojournalism
• image manipulation/retouching
• print and graphic production companies
• visual content creation

Graduates may also choose to pursue work as a self-employed freelancer.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are self-motivated, personable and well-organized.
• Enjoy the technical nature of photography.
• Have an aptitude for computer technology.
• Are creative.
• Have a keen sense of entrepreneurship.

Careers

Graduates may find work as photographers in a variety of areas including: commercial and industrial; wedding and portrait; scientific and medical; photojournalism; digital post-production; photofinishing labs; and technical or retail sales. Opportunities may exist to work in the field either as an employee or as a self-employed freelancer.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Select and use appropriate photographic equipment and techniques to capture quality images of a variety of subjects, in studio and on location.
2. Use post-production techniques to edit and finish images in formats that meet industry standards and the needs of the client.
3. Create lighting schemes using appropriate techniques, equipment, and accessories to produce quality images that meet the needs of the client.
4. Employ design elements and principles to plan and create visually sound images.
5. Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner and in accordance with legal requirements applicable to the photography industry.
6. Develop strategies to maintain currency with evolving photography trends, issues, technologies and industry practices to enhance work performance and guide professional development.
7. Select and use digital asset management tools and strategies to catalogue, store, back up, retrieve and archive images and prints.
8. Use business planning and administrative skills to support and maintain a photography business.
9. Use a variety of marketing tools and strategies that effectively promote photographic products and services.
10. Develop and present a professional portfolio that illustrates one`s creative approach and image conception, capture, editing and production skills.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment, and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.