PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This two-year diploma program is designed to train students to capture, create, and alter images demonstrating a professional level of craft and creativity in digital imaging. Digital knowledge and skills are integrated with the fundamentals of photography to emphasize the creation of images that communicate effectively, and meet the needs of a client.

Students will create a state of the art portfolio, as well as a web site, using high-end digital cameras to capture professional quality images that demonstrate their creative or technical skills and abilities. Our large photography studios are equipped with up-to-date continuous and electronic flash lighting systems, lighting booms, soft-boxes and professional backdrops.

Our networked, post-production computer labs are equipped with colour accurate monitors; film and flatbed scanners; ink-jet and laser printers; viewing booths; mounting press; and colour management systems which allow you to produce high-quality images using industry standard software.

Although this program is quite technical, students are encouraged to showcase their creative visual talents while designing and capturing images that communicate effectively.

Entrepreneurship and networking skills are taught in conjunction with professional photographic association guidelines. Students also complete two weeks of fieldwork gaining valuable practical and networking experience. The program of study culminates with a professional exhibition of student work to which potential employers and industry representatives are invited.

Students will be trained on a Mac platform, which is the industry standard in the field of photography. As this is a mandatory laptop program, you will be required to own a Mac laptop that meets the program’s minimum hardware and software specifications, see our FAQ page for Mac laptop specifications.

Students may purchase a new laptop from a vendor of their choice but we recommend you check the Algonquin College's New Technology store which offers laptops at very competitive prices. Unfortunately, PC platforms are not acceptable as they are not compatible with the software, hardware and photographic equipment used in the program.

This program suits a student who is self-motivated, personable and well organized. Prospective students should enjoys the technical nature of photography and have an aptitude for computer technology. Creativity and a keen sense of entrepreneurship are also signs of compatibility. The program's ultimate goal is to help students find and sustain viable employment in the field of photography.

For more information please contact:

Tracy Byers Reid, First Year Coordinator p: 613-727-4723 ext: 6419
e: byersrt@algonquincollege.com

APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM:

When and how to apply?

Applications are accepted through ontariocolleges.ca starting in late September and concluding by February 1st. We are a program with a lot of interest so the earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting accepted!!

WHAT WE'RE ABOUT:

Is this a technical or artistic program?

Photography involves both art and technique, take a look online to see some alumni and student work. Our program has a large technical component, however, you will have the opportunity to do artistic work as well. You should expect to do a lot of technical work in the first term which concentrates on developing your technical skills.

How many hours will I spend on course-related work?

Average classroom/studio/lab hours (with instructors) is 23 hours per week. However, most of our students spend 40 to 50 hours per week on course work. Many do some work during evenings and weekends.

What kind of assignments will I be doing?

You will be given a variety of assignments involving studio and location shooting, image processing, as well as colour and B+W printing. Some assignments will be technical in nature and you will be asked to write technical reports for them.

What kind of software will I be using?

Although Adobe Photoshop will be the software you will be using most often you will also work with Adobe Lightroom and Capture One Pro. You will also be using Adobe products to design and produce printed documents; build your own web site; as well as edit video.

All Adobe products and Capture One Pro are be provided by the college.

Will I be trained on Mac or PC?

You will be trained on an Apple (Mac) platform, which is the industry standard in the field of photographic imaging. Our computer labs are equipped with professional external monitors for use with laptops.

Will I learn video or motion capture?

Yes. You will learn video / motion capture using DSLR cameras in tandem with DLSR rigs, cool and LED lighting systems. Editing video will be gone over using Adobe motion editing software.

Why do we recommend only Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras?

Our ER (Equipment Room) has a large assortment of Nikon Professional lenses available to borrow free of charge. These Nikon professional lenses range from wide angle to telephoto; and other speciality lenses including fish eye, macro, defocus control and perspective correction lenses that you may borrow. We also have a growing assortment of Canon Professional lenses.

What is the cost of the Algonquin Photography Program?

The cost of tuition and all subsequent fees are located online here.