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Ministry-approved title: Digital Photography
The Durham College Photography Diploma is a skill-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.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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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 and Design (MAD) hosts the 48-Hour Challenge – an exciting competition that offers MAD students the unique opportunity to tell a compelling story using a creative medium of their choice, within a 48-hour timeframe. Held in March, the challenge kicks off at 4 p.m. on a Friday, when all registered students receive an information package revealing that year's theme and a list of categories. Then, students spend the weekend bringing their stories to life before submissions are due at 9 a.m. on Monday.
Past entries have included everything from original paintings and digital art to curated photo series and short films. All submission requirements are outlined in the event package. A couple days later, entries are showcased at a live screening event, where a panel of judges selects the grand prize winner. Attendees also get the chance to vote for their favourite piece. Event details are posted by faculty members on DC Connect and posters are displayed in the hallways – so be sure to keep an eye out for this creative highlight of the year!
Check out screening videos from previous years online.
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, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
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.
Our graduates work in diverse areas of industry such as commercial, corporate, retail and freelance photography.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
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).
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.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific camera requirements for this program click here.
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 Faculty of Media, Art and 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 R8 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.
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 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”, promote teamwork, and test those vital soft skills necessary to succeed.
See the action behind the scenes at SCIO Ski and Snowboard Day below.
Check out behind-the-scenes action from several recent student-client collaborations in the DC student-produced videos below:
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