Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration and instruments for change. For the past 150 years photographers have helped shape our world and given us a better understanding of human nature. They have the power to document events, reveal truths and change the way we see ourselves, so be ready. Learn to capture your own imagination and meet the imaging needs of your clients.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here. For specific camera requirements for this program click here.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here. For specific camera requirements for this program click here.
This program is designed to provide a balance between strong technical skills and artistic vision. With an emphasis on effective composition and meaningful content you will explore a variety of topics including:
Colour
Image storage
Light
Optics
This program also emphasizes critical thinking by requiring you to:
Examine past solutions
Explore new and more efficient techniques
Learn how to use technology confidently and safely.
The curriculum combines creative theory, technical language and practical experience through the use of state-of-the-art hardware and software. Courses are focused on a variety of techniques including image capture and processing as well as entrepreneurial skills
A common first-year with the Digital Video Production program will give you an opportunity to gain a second diploma by completing a third year of studies.
Please note: This is based on available spaces, please contact the Registrar’s office at admissions@durhamcollege.ca for further details.
Select and use appropriate photographic equipment and techniques to capture quality images of a variety of subjects, in
studio and on location.
Use post-production techniques to edit and finish images in formats that meet industry standards and the needs of the client.
Create lighting schemes using appropriate techniques, equipment and accessories to produce quality images that meet
the needs of the client.
Employ design elements and principles to plan and create visually sound images.
Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner and in accordance with legal requirements applicable to the photography industry.
Develop strategies to maintain currency with evolving photography trends, issues, technologies and industry practices
to enhance work performance and guide professional development.
Select and use digital asset management tools and strategies to catalogue, store, back up, retrieve and archive images and prints.
Use business planning and administrative skills to support and maintain a photography business.
Use a variety of marketing tools and strategies that effectively promote photographic products and services.
Develop and present a professional portfolio that illustrates one’s creative approach and image conception, capture, editing and production skills.
48-Hour Film Challenge
Each year,* the School of Media, Art & Design (MAD) looks forward to hosting our annual MAD
48–hour Film Challenge where four participating programs (Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media, Media Fundamentals, Photography and Video Production) suspend most classes for a four-day week of filming. Hundreds of students participate under guidance from MAD staff, faculty, and admin. Students are mixed into interdisciplinary groups and given 48-hours to produce, shoot, and edit their very own short film. Each group, typically comprising seven or eight students, is also given a line of dialogue, a genre, a prop and a character type, all of which must appear in their short film. MAD also runs a 48-hour Stop-motion Animation Challenge at the same time for students in the Animation – Digital Production program.
The finished films from both Challenges are juried by industry professionals at the Oshawa Cineplex Odeon (yes, there are prizes). The screening is free and open to the public.
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions and public safety regulations, the 2020 event that would normally run in the first week of September has been postponed; MAD will make every effort to run the Challenge in spring 2021.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.
Semester 1
Audio Capture (AUDI 1400)
Fundamentals Of Lighting (FUND 1400)
General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Image Processing I (IMGE 1400)
Photography I (PHOT 1400)
Semester 2
Communication For Design (COMM 1312)
Preproduction Concept Art (DRAW 2400)
History Of The Captured Image (HIST 2400)
Video Capture I (Documentary) (VIDC 2400)
Video Editing I (VIDE 2400)
Semester 3
Advanced Lighting (ADVL 3400)
Creative Vision (CRVI 3400)
Entrepreneurship And Professional Practice (ENTR 3400)
General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Image Processing II (IMGE 3400)
Product Photography I (PHOT 3401)
Portrait Photography (PPHO 3400)
Semester 4
Portfolio Development (DGPO 4402)
Entrepreneurship+Pro Pract II (ENTR 4401)
Fashion Photography (FPHO 4400)
General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Event Photography (PHOT 4401)
Product Photography II (PHOT 4402)
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.
Costs
Career Options
Our graduates work in diverse areas of industry such as commercial, corporate, retail and freelance photography.
WHERE YOU COULD WORK:
Commercial production
Fine art
Freelance/Weddings/Portraits
Galleries or museums
Image retouching
Hospitals
Real Estate
Marketing and communication departments
Photojournalism
Police services
Publications – print and web-based
Tourism
Photo retailers/labs
Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can transfer to the second year of Durham College’s Video Production program and complete the diploma in one academic year (two semesters).
Graduates are also qualified for entry in to the Advanced Filmmaking graduate certificate program.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Operating System (bundled with new notebook computer purchase)
Membership in Adobe Creative Cloud™ is included in your Student Fees and will be made available during your first week. There is no need to purchase a subscription.
Microsoft Office (Available for free for students from Microsoft through your DC Mail account. Please do not buy it.)
Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, Premiere Pro® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.
Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):
All students MUST have a Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable 2 meters long to connect to the campus network and an adapter to connect to Ethernet depending on the laptop.
USB flash drive for storing smaller amounts of data
External hard disk USB-3 or USB-C 1 TB or larger
Wacom Intuous 3 6×8-inch digital graphics tablet (optional)
Headphones (closed or semi open type, good quality, for example AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones)
NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.
Camera Requirements
Important Notice
Special pricing has been secured to give you the best possible value on your camera purchase. For details and participating locations please review the Canon Student Pricing webpage.
Camera
Students are required to purchase a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera in order to complete the course work and assignments in the Digital Photography program. The hardware, software and photographic equipment used in this program are needed to teach the advanced technology skills required in the workplace.
Media Equipment Loans in the School of Media, Art & Design (MAD) have an inventory of accessories available for students enrolled in this program including:
Flashes
Studio lights
Tripods
Variety of specialty lenses made by Canon
Please note: the lenses will only fit Canon cameras so this should be a consideration when choosing your camera. MAD does not stock any lenses other than Canon for student lending.
Important Notice
As you begin to prepare for college, we wanted to inform you of special membership program with Canon Canada that allows you to shop at any authorized dealer for the best price and get discounts as a member of the Canon Student CPS Program.Membership gives students discounts on the dealer's best pricing for eligible equipment, at time of purchase. For complete details, please visit Canon Canada's website. A two-year Student CPS membership is $50. For example, a member of the program gets an additional $360 discount on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with 24-105mm f/4 lens. Pricing and discounts are subject to change. Please see Canon's site for details.
There are three recommended models of DSLR camera that you may consider and each will meet the academic requirements of your program.
Our professors have extensive professional experience and recommend the Canon EOS 6D Mark II with 24-105mm lens (Retail: $2,899) as ideal for incoming students. Designed with advanced features and functions, this camera meets all the needs and expectations for this program. Students will seamlessly integrate into the workforce upon graduation, armed with the same tool used by many of our industry partners.
Alternatively, students may wish to purchase a more entry level camera for those who are budget minded. Our professors recommend the Canon EOS 80D with 18 – 135 mm IS USM lens (Retail: $1,199). Although this camera costs less it will still give the student the opportunity to meet the needs of the program.
Alternatively, students may wish to purchase a more professional camera with better low light performance. Our professors recommend the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with 24-105mm lens (Retail: $4,499). Although this camera costs more money, it will perform better, exceeding the demands of the program.
For more information or questions regarding program technical requirements, please contact Oliver Fernandez, Photo and Video Support Specialist at Oliver.fernandez@durhamcollege.ca, or 905.721.2000, ext. 2671.
Please note: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change.
Experiential Learning
The Photography program at Durham College partnered with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO) to support SCIO in marketing, communications and membership efforts. Since telling the story is a key enabler to achieving SCIO’s ambitious plans for growth, students are asked to create compelling photos and content to draw stakeholders and clients to their website. Students get the opportunity to work directly in the field for one of SCIO’s major events - Ski and Snowboard day - where they are asked to capture the spirit of the day. This opportunity allows students to work directly with clients in the “real-world”, access real-time coaching and feedback from their professors, promote teamwork, and test those vital soft skills necessary to succeed.
See the action behind the scenes at SCIO Ski and Snowboard day below.
As part of their program, Photography students work directly with real industry clients, including not-for-profit and community organizations, on a variety of projects. Doing so provides students with access to real-time coaching and feedback from their professors. The experiences also promote teamwork and help students to develop and test the vital soft skills necessary to succeed their chosen field.
Check out behind-the-scenes action from several recent student-client collaborations in the DC student-produced videos below:
App Store
Google Play
