Photographic Studies

Diploma of Applied Arts

Duration: 2 semesters

Program Description

The Photographic Studies program provides students with comprehensive training in all elements of still photography. Students will learn the creative and technical skills needed to take artistic photographs and portraits as well as the business background required to work in the photography industry. In addition to formal training, students also have the opportunity to experience real-world aspects of being a photographer by servicing a client base during Academy Canada’s client days. Clients days provide students with the chance to work with a client base on such things as intermediate portrait techniques, background coordination, basic posing techniques, glamour photography, and studio propping. The program also allows for weekly field trips and potential sales of scenic and portrait photography.

Program Courses

• Fundamentals of Photography
• Introduction to Computers with Publisher
• Photoshop I
• Photographic Portfolio
• Digital Production Fundamentals
• Business Development
• Bookkeeping
• Student Success

Topics include

• Camera Handling Techniques
• Child and Baby Photography
• Electronic Flash
• Wedding Photography
• Retouching Film Characteristics
• Film Characteristics
• Small Business Management
• Real Estate Photography
• Outdoor Photography
• Photo Journalism
• Studio Lighting
• Framing/Matte Cutting
• Photographic Composition
• Portfolio Construction
• Accounting for Small Business
• Field Trips
• School/Passport Photos
• Glass Cutting
• Portrait Photography
• Pet Photography
• Business Plan Construction
• Copyright Laws
• Home Based Business Operation
• Work Ethics
• Resume Writing
• Sales and Marketing Methods
• Tax Write Offs for the Self-Employed
• Price Setting for Current Markets
• Professional Digital Camera Operations

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Photographic Studies program, graduates may specialize in a range of areas, some of which include portrait, commercial, industrial, medical, or scientific photography, police work, photojournalism or photo restorations. Graduates may choose a career as a photographer with an established photographic or advertising firm or as a free-lance photographer offering services to a variety of clients. Business skills taught in this program can be applied to various areas of employment.

Please click here for additional labour market information.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Photographic Studies program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances, students who do not complete the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counsellor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Mature Students

Mature students are eligible for admission to the Photographic Studies program. These students must be at least 19 years of age, complete an application form, provide a copy of recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000 or visit the information request page.

To apply for the Photographic Studies or other Academy Canada programs online, click here.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.