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The Durham College Photography Diploma is an entrepreneurial focused program that prepares you for a dynamic future in professional photography and visual communication. Photography plays a crucial role in contemporary culture, with a focus on both still and motion, you will be trained to meet the needs of the changing photography industry, develop your creative vision and become an effective content creator.
To see previous student work and the learning environment please visit the program portfolio website.
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.
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This program is focused on providing a balance of still and motion to meet the needs of a changing photography industry. Our hands-on digital program approaches the teaching of Photography from a professional skills perspective in both stills and video, to the development of a critical and creative eye.
Students will learn a range of different styles and subjects from practicing photographers. The program starts with basic photography fundamentals and conceptual thinking; more advanced classes include self-directed projects highlighted by a strong final term with courses in portfolio development and the necessary marketing skills to kick start your career.
Students will have opportunities to establish connections within the community through experiential learning opportunities throughout their time at Durham College.
After earning their diploma in Photography, students have an opportunity to come back for a third year of dedicated video production to further enhance their video skill set and gain a second diploma in Video Production.
To see previous student work from individual courses please visit the program portfolio website.
Each year, the Faculty of Media, Art & Design (MAD) looks forward to hosting our annual MAD 48–hour Film Challenge where three participating programs (Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media, Photography and Video Production) suspend most classes for a four-day week of movie-making magic! Hundreds of students participate under guidance from MAD staff, faculty and administration. Students are mixed into interdisciplinary groups and given 48-hours to produce, shoot, and edit their very own short film. Each group, comprised of seven to 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.
The Faculty of 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.
For more information, be sure to follow MAD 48-hour Film Challenge on Facebook.
And check out the website.
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 MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements.Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
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:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.
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):
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.
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 Advantage Program Pricing webpage.
Students are required to purchase a digital camera in order to complete the course work and assignments in the Photography program. Please see the below suggested cameras. 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:
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.
Due to supply chain issues it is advised you purchase your camera well in advance of the fall start up
As you begin to prepare for college, we wanted to inform you of a 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 Advantage 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. For example, a member of the program gets an additional $125 discount on the Canon EOS R Body with the kit lens W/RF 24-105mm IS STM Lens. Pricing and discounts are subject to change. Please see Canon's site for details.
There are three recommended models of mirrorless cameras that you may consider and each will meet the academic requirements of your 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.
The Photography program at Durham College has partnered with several not-for-profit community groups, including Spinal Cord Injury – Ontario; Canadian Adaptive Snowsports; Ontario Neurotrauma; Time4Change (Youth Without Shelter); Oshawa Fire Services and many corporate clients. These opportunities allow 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:
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