Image
Photography
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Program Overview
If you have an eye for photography, turn your passion into a thriving and creative profession with Fanshawe’s Photography program. Get the technical skills and hands-on experience you need to be a successful photographer. Our graduates find careers in architecture firms, advertising, food, fashion, wedding, portrait and event photography.
Program Details
Program Code
PHT1
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
The Photography program provides training for students in the professional aspects of the photography industry. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of video and audio capture using DSLR cameras. Production work includes instruction in black and white and colour using digital printing systems. This program integrates the use of high-end laptops, digital imaging and video editing software in the curriculum. Videography, business planning, portfolio development and social marketing are value-added courses, providing you with additional skills needed to succeed as a photographer.
Experienced, professional photographers mentor you in the proper use of cameras, lighting equipment and editing software to create outstanding, sellable images. Practical, hands-on assignments combined with a foundation in theory and photography techniques will prepare you for a variety of photography subjects and challenges.
Students are provided with multiple resources to succeed. This includes 24/7 access to six fully-equipped studios and access to Photo Loans and its collection of professional lenses, lighting equipment and medium format cameras. Many projects require tethered capture and photo editing; therefore, your tuition includes a MacBook Pro laptop and an Adobe subscription. You keep the laptop after graduation.
Students are expected to provide their own digital SLR camera with HD-Video capability, a compatible external hot-shoe mountable flash, a tripod and an external hard drive (2 TB minimum). A CONNECT fee is included in the Additional Program Fees stated in the Fee Schedule, for the use of a laptop computer for the academic year, costs associated with curriculum delivery, relevant software, on-site support and other program-related technology.
For students looking for advanced specializations, this two-year Ontario College Diploma program is complemented by the one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Photography - Advanced.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Photography program will have opportunities to pursue careers as photographers, assistants, and technicians in photographic studios, printing labs, and public or private agencies. They can also work as sales representatives or freelance artists. Let your creativity, attention to detail, networking and technical photography skills shine!
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Photography program:
Multimedia Assistant
Produce daily photo and video content for both promotional and training purposes.
Lifestyle and Events Photographer
Produce artistic photos in romantic, whimsical and timeless photo shoots.
Photo and Media Staff
Produce, edit, sort and upload videos and photographs to social media channels on a daily basis.
I am incredibly grateful for my experience at Fanshawe, it gave me the opportunity to turn my passion for photography into a career. The coursework and practical experiences there helped me to develop a deep understanding of the technical and creative aspects of photography, especially in areas of lighting and post production, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.
Vishnusagar Vijayan
Photography Graduate, 2017
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 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.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Brian Hillier
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
Note:
Graduates of Photography may choose to continue into Fanshawe's Photography - Advanced Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (C)
- Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Communications Technology (M)
- Grade 12 Media Arts (M)
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Applicants to the Photography program should determine if they suffer from impairments which might hinder their visual judgment. An assessment of the range of the individual's colour perception would be valuable
- Applicants are also alerted to the physical demands of photography employment including long hours of work and a need to carry heavy loads of equipment over long distances
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1037 | Reason & Writing 1-Contemporary Media | 3 | ||
This course will introduce contemporary media students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| PHOT-1062 | Practical Photography 1 | 2.5 | ||
This course is a practical introduction to small format digital camera techniques and colour and B/W printmaking. The emphasis will be on learning different camera settings to control exposure and image quality. This is a project course whereby students demonstrate practical camera skills, knowledge and photographic competency by submitting regularly scheduled photographic assignments. Students will also have the option of producing a first semester portfolio. Most of the work will incorporate digital workflow and image editing software, using laptop computers, and inkjet printers. | ||||
| PHOT-1072 | Lighting Techniques | 3 | ||
Students will be introduced to safe studio practices and studio lighting through demonstrations and completing required assignments. Students will learn about small product, tabletop lighting set-ups, metering studio lights, proper colour balance and using light modifiers. | ||||
| PHOT-1008 | Production Techniques 1 | 3 | ||
This course is an introduction to working with digital photographs. Students will begin with digital asset management and learn how to import, and organize their image files. They will also learn basic image editing, color correction, and printing with an inkjet printer. Students will be introduced to the editing tools found in both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. | ||||
| PHOT-1091 | Science & Theory for Image Creators | 3 | ||
This course explores the science and theory associated with image capture and creation. Students will learn how to interpret the basic technical specifications and camera controls associated with digital imaging. This includes colour theory and ICC profiles as used in image capture, computer graphics and printing. The course also looks at lens design and sensor technology, past, present and future. The topics in this course would be a benefit for any student interested in photography, graphic design, fine art or anyone interested in creating or viewing images. | ||||
| PHOT-1083 | Creative Design for Photo 1 | 2 | ||
Students will be introduced to design principles that will help develop their eye for composition, lighting, overall image aesthetic and storytelling techniques all while enhancing their creativity. Emphasis will be on composition and subject through in-class exercises and assigned projects. Students will reflect on their work with their peers to improve their overall visual communication. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.