Langara College proudly announces The Automatic Message—Tanya Goehring and Trevor Jacobson—as its 2026 Photographers in Residence. Photography students will have the opportunity to work closely with these esteemed professionals through hands-on learning. Their residency project, How to Make a Monster, will explore self-perception through an interdisciplinary, immersive installation.
Langara College Professional Photography is excited to announce that the creative duo known as The Automatic Message, comprised of Tanya Goehring and Trevor Jacobson, will serve as the College's 2026 Photographers in Residence (PiR). This appointment reflects Langara’s ongoing commitment to fostering artistic growth and gives photography students the chance to learn directly from established artists working at a professional level.
Both Goehring and Jacobson have personal connection to Langara, having studied at the College earlier in their careers. Goehring, a graduate of the Professional Photo-Imaging program, shares "Langara holds a special place for both of us. We remember it as a supportive, creative environment that values both technical skill and personal voice.”
The Photographer in Residence program at Langara creates space for professional artists to develop major projects while mentoring emerging talents. Goehring and Jacobson are eager for what the residency allows: "The residency offers something increasingly rare: dedicated time and institutional support to focus on a personal project." This support allows them to "take creative risks, deepen research, and push our practice forward in meaningful ways."
Photography instructor Eric Stewart points to the growing impact of the program. He explains, “This is our third year hosting a photographer in residence. Each year, as professional photographers learn about the residency opportunity, we get stronger candidates from across the country.” Stewart highlights the program’s strength, powered by Langara’s excellent facilities and faculty: “Our photography program is one of the last post-secondary programs in Canada specializing in commercial photography.”
During the residency, the duo will develop a new project, tentatively titled How to Make a Monster. This work is planned as an interdisciplinary and immersive installation that delves into the complex themes of self-perception. It will feature a multichannel film that follows a fluid protagonist confronting seven characters, each representing an internalized voice. Goehring describes the project's intent: "We hope to create work that invites people to recognize something of themselves—work that encourages empathy, reflection, and curiosity."
Students at Langara will be closely involved as the project takes shape. Stewart shares, “The students are excited to work with Tanya and Trevor as they develop this project.” This hands-on involvement allows students to learn from the artists’ processes and helps build skills they can apply to their own exhibitions and portfolios.
In addition to the project, PiR activities will be open to the broader college community. Participants will get the chance to engage with Goehring and Jacobson through various formats, including artist talks and workshops. "Some of their time is spent working with students taking PHOT1100," reveals Stewart, creating opportunities for many students to receive feedback on their photographic ideas. At its core, the Photographer in Residence program is about mentorship. Goehring reflects: “Creative careers aren’t linear and having people ahead of you who are willing to share knowledge, perspective, and honesty can make an enormous difference—especially early on.”
With The Automatic Message joining Langara as Photographers in Residence, the term ahead promises a rich mix of experimentation, collaboration, and shared learning.
Tanya Goehring and Trevor Jacobson are the creative duo known as The Automatic Message. They create surreal, emotional and immersive audiovisual experiences. Much of their work is psychological in nature and centers around themes of memory and the displacement thereof.
Since forming in 2006, they’ve released numerous singles, EPs, and remixes, culminating in their 2019 full-length concept album Set & Setting on Cristian Vogel’s Endless Process label.
For over a decade, The Automatic Message performed live audiovisual sets across North America and Europe, most notably the legendary Berghain club in Berlin. Their live performances blend experimental techno with surreal, narrative-driven visuals.
The Automatic Message’s tenure as Photographers in Residence begins January 19, 2026. Announcements about events with The Automatic Message to follow.
The Professional Photography program is a two-year diploma offering hands-on, comprehensive training that provides graduates with the skills to achieve success in a career in the photographic industry. Learn more about how to get started.
Hero image of The Automatic Message by Langara alumnus, Dani Costelo.
Behind-the-scenes image of The Automatic Message working on their project, EMDR, by Langara alumnus, Meg Fitzgerald.
