Photography
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code6406
- SchoolSchool of Communications, Media, Arts and Design
- CredentialOntario College Diploma
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationStory Arts Centre
- Emailjmarranca@centennialcollege.ca
- Technology Requirements
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology and Equipment Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Virtual Campus Tour
- Photography Resources
- Advising
- Entrepreneurism
Whether your dream is to capture that definitive portrait, have your photos grace the pages of a fashion magazine, or take photos for the world's leading brands, Centennial College's two-year Photography program will help you achieve your goals.
In this hands-on photography diploma program, you'll be capturing images from day one and learning the technology, techniques and business theory for a lasting career as a professional photographer.
This photography program will prepare you for the aesthetic and technical demands that come with working in a studio or on location to produce captivating images that tell a story. Over two years, you'll progressively build the skills to compete in the commercial photography industry and learn what it takes to grow your brand and create stunning images for a variety of clients.
Through your participation in the Story Arts Image Xchange, a real-world stock agency and incubator for emerging photographers, and the many scenarios that will allow you to collaborate with students and faculty in other programs, you'll have many opportunities to publish your work. You'll also be able to put your skills to work in a professional setting during a seven-week field placement.
When you complete the Photography program, you'll have the skills to operate your own photography business or find employment in related occupations such as fine art printing, advertising, publishing, graphic design, and gallery and studio management.
Graduating Student Photo Book
We are excited to announce that in 2024 this annual book will launch with a new name, chiaroscuro.photos.
Check out the collection of current and past graduating student photo books filled with striking images and detailed profiles of our photographers at chiaroscuro.photos.
Program Overview
Whether your dream is to capture that definitive portrait, have your photos grace the pages of a fashion magazine, or take photos for the world's leading brands, Centennial College's two-year Photography program will help you achieve your goals.
In this hands-on photography diploma program, you'll be capturing images from day one and learning the technology, techniques and business theory for a lasting career as a professional photographer.
This photography program will prepare you for the aesthetic and technical demands that come with working in a studio or on location to produce captivating images that tell a story. Over two years, you'll progressively build the skills to compete in the commercial photography industry and learn what it takes to grow your brand and create stunning images for a variety of clients.
Through your participation in the Story Arts Image Xchange, a real-world stock agency and incubator for emerging photographers, and the many scenarios that will allow you to collaborate with students and faculty in other programs, you'll have many opportunities to publish your work. You'll also be able to put your skills to work in a professional setting during a seven-week field placement.
When you complete the Photography program, you'll have the skills to operate your own photography business or find employment in related occupations such as fine art printing, advertising, publishing, graphic design, and gallery and studio management.
Graduating Student Photo Book
We are excited to announce that in 2024 this annual book will launch with a new name, chiaroscuro.photos.
Check out the collection of current and past graduating student photo books filled with striking images and detailed profiles of our photographers at chiaroscuro.photos.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- You'll attend classes at the Story Arts Centre, which houses Centennial’s School of Communications Media, Arts and Design, is located close to downtown Toronto and provides unlimited photographic opportunities.
- Opportunities will exist to showcase your work in our Corridor Gallery and galleries around the city.
- You'll participate in STORYWORKS, a unique and valuable course during which you'll work for real clients during your studies..
Career Outlook
- Commercial/corporate photographer
- Portrait photographer
- Event photographer
- Studio manager
- Visual artist
Education Pathways
Graduates of the Photography diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note that each partner pathway has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Science in multiple majors | |
| Guelph-Humber, University of | Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media and Communication Studies |
| Lakehead University | Honours or Bachelor degree in multiple majors |
| Laurentian University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media Studies | |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Windsor, University of | Bachelor of Arts / Liberal Arts / Professional Studies |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in any major |
| Honours Bachelor of Communication Studies | |
| Honours Bachelor of Public Relations | |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Social Science |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test.
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Attend a mandatory Photography program admission session, where you will submit a portfolio of work.
- Portfolios should include 12-20 high-quality images. A digital portfolio is required with images saved in JPG format with a min. size of 1.5 meg and a max. size of 5 meg with all images placed in 1 folder and the applicants name and student number is in the title of that 1 folder. The folder will then be zipped (compressed) for easier digital transfer. Upload using a file transfer site such as: Wetransfer or Google Drive or another similar style file transfer site. If a folder is not labeld with a name, tracking of the applicant may not be possible resulting in a deleted portfolio.
- Note: We do not accept PDFs, Website links or Social media links (as we comply to all worldwide copyright laws and must be assured of ownership/creator of the images being submitted).
- Portfolios will be assessed for Visual Aptitude, Composition, Camera Control and Lighting. Please minimize any use of Photoshop.
- Portfolios will be reviewed during the Program Applicant Session. Be sure to label the portfolio with your name and contact information.
Notes:
- After applying, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to book the mandatory Photography program admission session.
- If you are unable to attend a program admission session in person, it may be possible to complete your Program Admission Session(PAS) and submit your portfolio and have a remote virtual review. Please contact program supervisor Joseph Marranca at jmarranca@centennialcollege.ca.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please apply at the Employment Training Centre (Progress Campus). The Better Jobs Ontario Program is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2024.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,267.34 | $3,988.34 |
| International | $16,649.00 | $1,755.52 | $18,404.52 |
Technology and Equipment Requirements
Technology and Equipment Requirements
Bring IT programs will require students to own and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements.
Note: If you require accommodation for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your BringIT programs (click for recommendations). If you wish to access disability services, please make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 416-289-5000, ext. 3850, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Have questions? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our Bring IT Program.
Students from this program will require to own/purchase a device and software relevant to the program:
Minimum Recommended Camera Specifications
- All cameras must have manual mode, shoot in RAW, have interchangeable lenses, a sync port, HDMI in and out, audio in, tethering capabilities and be capable of shooting video.
- A DSLR lens - a versatile 18-140mm lens is suggested. Try to avoid the 18-55mm kit lens if possible, and opt for the 50mm 1.8 if that is your only choice.
- 16GB memory card. A second memory card is recommended but not mandatory.
- Some suggested camera options:
- Nikon DSLR: D750, D780, D800, D850
- Nikon Mirrorless Z6, Z50
- Canon DSLR: 5D MK3, 5D MK4, 6D MK2
- Canon Mirrorless EOS R7, EOS R6, EOS R5
- Sony Mirrorless a7 MK2, MK3
Minimum Recommended Computer Specifications
- 13" MacBook Pro or a Windows PC with equivalent specs is acceptable
- Note: new Mac laptops require adapters for multi-USB ports and USB card readers
- 2.5GHz or better processor
- 16GB or better memory
- 250 GB or larger internal hard drive
- 1TB external USB3 hard drive and a USB key (flash drive) are also helpful
Additional Equipment:
- A tripod (new or used). Any sturdy tripod will work, but keep in mind that a pro-quality tripod will last forever.
- A handheld light meter. Sekonic L308X Flashmate or equivalent.
Minimum Required Software
All students are eligible for a student software discounts once accepted to the program.
- Semesters one and two:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Lightroom Classic
- Semesters three and four:
- Adobe CC (the full Creative Cloud)
- Capture One Pro
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 10mbps download speed is highly recommended. Some courses have more advanced system requirements.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- 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.
Virtual Campus Tour
Photography Resources
- Personality TestSTARTMatch your personality to a career
- Career ExplorerLEARN MOREExplore your future career
Iuliia Polinovska, Graduate of the Photography ProgramWhat I love about this program is the highly professional teachers who are also working photographers and they convey their experiences to us. The program itself is all about practical knowledge, you will have a camera in your hands most of the time.
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