Photography

*Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and Convention refugees.
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.
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.
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.
Brian Hillier
OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U),
University/College (M), or Open (O) stream
OR
Academic and Career Entrance Certificate
(ACE)
OR
Ontario High School Equivalency
Certificate (GED)
OR
Mature Applicant with appropriate
preparation
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 |
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-1064 | Photography Science & Theory 1 | 3 | ||
This course covers the fundamental principles governing the photographic process. Students will learn the theory and science behind in-camera image creation. This includes camera operation, mathematics, basic physics, light and photometry. | ||||
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. |
*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.