Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

Langara College’s two-year, full-time (four-term) Diploma in Professional Photography is unique in British Columbia. It combines the aesthetic and business aspects of photography with a solid technical background. The majority of the photographic assignments are based on ‘commercial’ as opposed to ‘fine art’ considerations. This orientation gives realistic preparation for the demanding requirements of the photographic industry, as employees and as entrepreneurs. Students receive instruction in both traditional and emerging electronic/digital imaging techniques.

Job Opportunities

Graduates of the professional photography program have found employment in almost every facet of the photographic/imaging industry. They are now in positions of leadership and many have opened their own photographic businesses. Immediately upon graduation, most graduates find employment as lab technicians, digital imagers, photographer’s assistants, or freelancers.

The photographic subjects cover such topics as advertising, architectural, commercial photography, copying, editorial, electronic imaging, and manipulation, fashion, industrial photography, lab work, photojournalism, portraiture, quality control, and scientific photography. These photographic subjects are complemented by a good foundation of business and communications fundamentals, including computer applications, necessary for operating or running a small business.

A considerable amount of time is spent doing practical assignments that are representative of those undertaken by photographer’s assistants and photography technicians. Emphasis is placed on learning to meet deadlines and other industry requirements. Due to the demanding workload of classes, labs, and homework assignments, a student should not contemplate employment as a means of financing studies while a term is underway.

While at school, students are encouraged to take an active part in conventions, meetings, and seminars sponsored by professional photographic organizations. Unique student awards and scholarships are available as a result of this participation.

Diploma in Professional Photography

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: minimum 61

Courses Credits
All of
BUSM 1901 Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries I
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Many graduates of creative arts programs will operate their own businesses. In this course, students examine the creative industries from the perspective of an entrepreneur wishing to start a business upon graduation. From developing a new audience and building a business plan to building and managing an effective marketing strategy, all facets of the business side of creative industries are covered.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the following programs: Diploma in Design Formation, Digital and Print Publishing, Fine Arts, and Professional Photography, and the Certificate in Film Arts.

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BUSM 1902 Entrepreneurship for Creative Industries II
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

In this capstone course, students create business plans for their own creative industries businesses. Working within provincial and municipal regulations and applying principles of project management, each student writes a comprehensive plan covering all major areas of the business including marketing, operations, and business finances. They also take the initial steps needed to start a business.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the following programs: Diploma in Design Formation, Digital and Print Publishing, Fine Arts, Professional Photography, and the Certificate in Film Arts.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in BUSM 1901.

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PHOT 1105 Technical Photography I
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Students build foundations of photographic knowledge through technical assignments that incorporate artistic expression to achieve images that meet professional standards using natural and artificial light.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 1105 and 1118.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma of Professional Photography.

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PHOT 1110 Studio Lighting I
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 4.0

Students are introduced to lighting concepts by exploring the qualities of light and its interaction with a variety of subjects in the studio. Examining common lighting issues and their solutions enables students to produce compelling images.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 1110 or 1128.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105 and 1125 (all may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 1120 Creativity and Ideation
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students develop creativity through idea generation, evaluation and implementation. While communicating with creative teams and individuals, students explore drawing, design and layout principles through a variety of assignments and examine styles and trends through analysis and critique.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma of Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" in one of the following: AHIS 1112, 1212, 1219, DSGN 1100, 1151, 1200, FINA 1120, FLMA 1170, JOUR 1168, PHOT 1100, 1105, PUBL 1100, 1190, THEA 1110, or WMDD 4800 (may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 1125 Digital Workflow
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0

A professional digital imaging workflow is the foundation of a photographer's skill set. Students control image post-production through software and hardware profiling while using common imaging formats and apply digital asset management concepts to build a library of images that can be easily accessed and manipulated and is resilient to equipment failure.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105 (may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 1190 Photographic Industry Topics I
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Internal and external experts within the photographic community present a series of modules exploring current and relevant topics as program and industry demands. Modules may include site visits. Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.

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PHOT 1205 Technical Photography II
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Students further develop their understanding of the principles of photography, particularly how they relate to industry practices and acquire advanced skills with a variety of lighting systems. Studio and location assignments provide opportunities to demonstrate the theoretical and practical applications necessary for a strong working knowledge of photographic practices.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105, 1110, and 1125.

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PHOT 1210 Studio Lighting II
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 4.0

Students explore studio lighting concepts and techniques through studio portraiture and commercial studio photography. The applied nature of the coursework allows students to work through common portrait and commercial challenges to create compelling studio images. Through hands on experience with a variety of lighting equipment, including flash, students acquire the skills to create a diverse range of images.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105, 1110, 1125, and 1205 (PHOT 1205 may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 1225 Digital Imaging I
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Through a hands-on, assignment-driven experience in foundation imaging techniques used in a broad range of photographic applications, students learn the interface and tools of industry standard software. Topics include colour correction, selections, masks, sharpening, retouching and compositing.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 1225 and 1248.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105, 1110, and 1125.

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PHOT 2305 Portrait Photography
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 5.0

Students apply portrait photography principles to three distinct genres: commercial photography through fashion and editorial portraits; personal photography for children, families, and weddings; and fine art photography as portraiture via the human form. Studio and location demonstrations and peer critiques complement lectures.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in all of the following: PHOT 1120, 1205, 1210, and 1225.

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PHOT 2310 Commercial Photography
3

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 5.0

Students explore a variety of commercial photography genres: product photography, interior and exterior architecture, and food and beverage photography. Digital medium format and DSLR cameras, in conjunction with studio and location flash lighting, are used to capture high quality images. Students collaborate with students from other departments in the creative arts division. Studio and location demonstrations and peer critiques complement lectures.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 2310 or 2338.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Profesional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in all of the following: PHOT 1120, 1205, 1210, and 1225.

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PHOT 2325 Digital Imaging II
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Through a range of applied projects, students develop and apply an editing workflow for photo shoots with a large number of images and explore advanced digital imaging techniques. Students examine motion based stills and other post-production techniques driving current trends in photography.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 2325 or 2428.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1205, 1210, and 1225.

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PHOT 2420 Small Business for Photographers
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Using small business fundamentals, students create a photographic business and apply sales and marketing skills to develop pricing and a marketing plan. Students learn techniques to establish a brand and build a professional network and explore the business risks and opportunities created by current industry issues.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in all of the following: BUSM 1901; and PHOT 2305 or 2310 (PHOT courses may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 2425 Digital Imaging III
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Through a range of applied projects, students develop advanced digital imaging skills and techniques. Both photography and rendered elements are used to create composite images. Content is prepared for a variety of media.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 2305 or 2310; and 2325.

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PHOT 2475 Photographic Portfolio Development
3

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 8.0

A photographer's portfolio is an essential tool in finding work in the photographic industry. With instructor guidance and access to equipment and studios, students design weekly assignments in the genre of their choosing. Through peer-led critique of individual work, students collaborate to achieve creative and technical goals and, with mentorship, create a portfolio.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in all of the following: AHIS 1212 or 1219; BUSM 1902; JOUR 1168 or PHOT 2320; PHOT 2305, 2310, 2325, 2420, 2425; PHOT 2440 or 2441; PHOT 2490; and PUBL 1100 or 1900. (BUSM 1902, PHOT 2425 and 2490 may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 2485 Photography Practicum
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 11.5 | Lab: 0.0

Working with industry is one of the most beneficial aspects of being a student. With the assistance of an instructor, students set up and complete 100 hours of approved industry field placement with two or more mentors.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 2475 (may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 2486 Photography Exhibition and Portfolio Presentation
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

In the photographic industry, a portfolio is a crucial component of a resume. Using photographic works created earlier in the program and in other courses, students display their work in a group gallery show and develop an electronic or printed portfolio for review by industry members.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 2485 (may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 2490 Photographic Industry Topics II
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Internal and external experts within the photographic community present a series of modules exploring current and relevant topics as program and industry demands. Modules may include site visits.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professinal Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1190.

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12 credits of
AHIS 1212 Visual Culture II
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course examines themes encountered in visual culture with an emphasis on issues of power, politics, race, social class, and the body. The relationship between visual imagery and the social context in which it is created will be examined in order to foster critical interpretation.

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AHIS 1219 Through the Lens: A Critical History of Photography
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students will examine the history of photography from its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day. Students will explore through lecture and lab the aesthetic and technological developments of the medium from such early processes as the daguerreotype to contemporary digital approaches. Students will become familiar with historic and contemporary movements as well as analyzing critical issues around the development of the medium. Issues to examine will include the role of photography in the development of mass culture, the relationship of the medium to other art forms, the role of gender, race, and class in photography as well as debates around censorship, pornography, copyrights, and art vs. craft. Students registered in this course may also be interested in registering in PHOT 1150: History of Photography Lab.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.

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CMNS 1115 Interpersonal Communications
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Interpersonal communications theory put into practice in exercises, group and individual projects that cover small group dynamics, interviews, and oral presentations.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 2; LETN 02; a minimum 50% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

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CMNS 1122 Communications for Creative Professionals
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Succeeding in the creative arts industries requires strong professional and interpersonal communication skills. Students prepare to be successful creative professionals by learning how to promote themselves and their work to potential clients, how to give meaningful feedback on others' work, and how to work effectively on a team. Students practice a variety of strategies for interpersonal, oral, and written communication, including conveying confident body language, demonstrating dynamic presentation skills, and using persuasive writing techniques.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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JOUR 1168 Photojournalism
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 1.0

Images are a key element of effective storytelling. Students examine the theory and methods required to become an effective visual storyteller. They develop skills to capture professional photographic news, sports, features, and portraits along with photo essays to tell an impactful and meaningful story. Students acquire visual storytelling skills for both traditional print and online media.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma or Certificate in Journalism.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in a university-level English course for which Langara College awards transfer credit; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107 or 1110; or permission of the instructor.

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PHOT 2320 Documentary Photography
1

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Photojournalism and the art of storytelling are central to documentary photography. Students delve into topics relating to photojournalism including ethics, rules of photojournalists, point of view, pitching and planning ideas, getting paid, storytelling, shot lists, and genres of photojournalism.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in all of the following: CMNS 1115 or 1122; and PHOT 1125 (all may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 1150 History of Photography Lab
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 1.538

Students apply theory from AHIS 1219 through hands-on, practical experience working with film and historical processes. Projects include capturing a still-life or portrait on film, processing it, and creating a silver gelatin print and creating a print using an enlarged digital negative and a historic process such as cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown, salted paper, or platinum/palladium.Students who have received credit for PHOT 1151 will not receive credit for this course.Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1100 or 1105; or permission of the department.Corequisite(s): AHIS 1219.

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PHOT 1151 History of Photography Lab - Extended
3

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 4.0

Students gain hands-on, practical experience working with black and white film and historical image making processes. Projects include capturing images on a variety of film formats, processing film, and printing gelatin prints. Students explore a historic process such as cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown, salted paper, or platinum/palladium. Students spend a significant amount of time in the darkroom.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105.

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PHOT 2440 Video for Photographers
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

The transition from creating still images to creating short videos and films poses a unique set of challenges for the experienced photographer. Creative practitioners will gain the skills to document their process and promote their work by making short, non-fiction videos that have strategic messages and good design. Pair a digital camera with high quality sound recording and use accessible editing software to produce dynamic video content that can be shared online. Reach your intended audience through interview videos, behind the scenes footage, and/or concept demonstrations.Students will receive credit for only one of PHOT 2348 and 2440.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "B-" grade in PHOT 1100 or a minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1105 (PHOT 1105 may be taken concurrently).

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PHOT 2441 Sound for Photographers
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Sound is often the overlooked element of exceptional video or multimedia production. Students explore the technical and creative aspects of recording environmental sounds and clean dialogue in a commercial context.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Professional Photography.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PHOT 1125 (may be taken concurrently).

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PUBL 1100 Publishing Explorations
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 1.0

Students learn the basics of publishing in various formats and media. Through hands-on projects, they work with existing content and create new content, learn about publication planning and various forms of publishing media, and are introduced to common software used to create publications. This course is open to all Langara College students. Students can bring their own images and text for their assignments or use material supplied by the instructor.

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PUBL 1900 Modern Digital Publishing
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

In this micro-course students learn both the creative and technical aspects of digital publishing. They begin by exploring what a digital publication is and then develop the knowledge and skills to make one of their own using type, photos, video, and sound. Students create a multimedia digital publication for their final project.This course is open to anyone interested in discovering the digital publishing industry.Previous experience with Adobe InDesign or any page layout application as well as basic familiarity with HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is recommended but not required. Graded S/U.

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61 Credits

Program Option Notes:

  1. Supply and equipment costs, which must be purchased or rented by each student, are listed in the Cost of Study Tool.
  2. Be sure to check the prerequisites for the arts and science courses that are part of the program.
  3. In order to graduate, students need a minimum "C" grade in all courses used towards the Diploma in Professional Photography.