DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING
Program Outline
Major: DPAI
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
The 2-Year Digital Photography and Imaging program provides students with both the technical and visual communication skills required for a variety of careers related to photography and imaging. The three main areas that the program focuses on are digital capture, imaging technologies, and entrepreneurial skills. Students use industry standard hardware and software to capture and manipulate images in a way that demonstrates their skill and creativity. Students learn how to integrate digital imaging techniques with the fundamentals of photography in order to create images that communicate effectively and meet the needs of a client. Furthermore, students develop business and career development skills that are relevant to the digital photography and imaging industries.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be employable as assistants, photographers or digital retouchers in small studios, newspapers, Web development companies, service bureaus, or digital processing labs. They will have both the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to run a freelance operation in a variety of areas in the industry including photojournalism, weddings and portraits, public relations, and commercial photography, as well as digital retouching and manipulation. Employment prospects also include digital photography and imaging positions in advertising, publication, tourism, graphic design, fine art, government, hospitals, police forces, libraries, museums, and galleries. Business and
technical skills will also provide graduates with a variety of opportunities in the wholesale and retail sectors of digital photography equipment, software, and supplies.
Finally, students wishing to pursue further education can do so through articulation agreements that bridge the Digital Photography and Imaging diploma into a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- capture professional quality images using the appropriate equipment and techniques;
- utilize design elements and lighting techniques to capture images that communicate effectively;
- create and edit well-designed and technically sound digital images using industry standard software;
- finish and distribute images in a format that meets the needs of the client;
- critically evaluate the effectiveness of images in written and verbal format;
- develop a portfolio that demonstrates creative and professional skills and abilities in digital image capture and editing;
- communicate effectively with clients and suppliers to provide high quality services;
- participate in ongoing professional development and adhere to ethical and industry standards;
- develop a business plan for the establishment and operation of a photographic services company.
Program Progression
Fall Intake
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Winter Intake
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2013
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Note: To confirm Winter (January) intake, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at www.georgianc.on.ca/articulations/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum also require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Selection Process
All applicants must submit a PORTFOLIO with a LETTER OF INTENT for review. Successful graduates of the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program (Program Major: AADF) at Georgian College are exempt from this requirement. Should a portfolio not meet requirements, applicants are considered for acceptance to the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program (AADF) as an alternate program choice, provided space is available.
LETTER OF INTENT: A letter of intent should clearly outline reasons for your program choice, your career goals, and a description of personal abilities and attitudes that will help you in achieving your goals. The letter should be edited for grammar, spelling and clarity and should be produced using word processing computer software. The letter of intent must be included in your portfolio.
PORTFOLIO: A portfolio should demonstrate readiness to enter and succeed in the chosen program. It should contain a maximum of 12 finished pieces of your best original work, as outlined below.
6 Photographic Pieces:
* May include photographs created with a film based camera or a digital camera.
* May include photographs manipulated, either by hand (ie., in the darkroom) or by computer.
* May include a web site that displays your photographs.
* May include examples of your work on CD Rom.
6 Pieces of Your Choice:
* May include additional photographs.
* May include work using any other medium of your choice.
Please label your artwork 1 through 12 and include a typed list that briefly describes the work and media used (ie., Photograph #1 - Digital).
Evaluation Criteria: The faculty team assessing your work will be looking for,
* originality (copies of existing work or clip art are not acceptable)
* personal expression and creativity
* observational and interpretive skills
* competence in the use of line, tone, texture, perspective, light and shadow
* evidence of understanding of colour relationships and effective applications
Graduation Requirements
19 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
COMP1018 Technology of Digital Imaging
COMP2033 Web Design 1
HSTY1002 Photography as Art
PHOT1000 Photographic Techniques 1
PHOT1001 Visual Communications
PHOT1002 Photographic Techniques 2
PHOT1003 Trends/Issues in Photography
PHOT1004 Introductory Design and Presentation Applications
PHOT1008 Digital Imaging Techniques 1
PHOT1009 Digital Imaging Techniques 2
PHOT2001 Photographic Techniques 3
PHOT2002 Portfolio Development 1: Digital Photography
PHOT2003 Professional Practices for Photographers 1
PHOT2004 Aesthetics and Criticism
PHOT2005 Portfolio Development 2: Digital Photography
PHOT2006 Photographic Techniques 4
PHOT2007 Professional Practices for Photographers 2
PHOT 2009 Digital Imaging Techniques 3
PHOT 2010 Digital Imaging Techniques 4
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
In the workplace, employers require high standards of communication skills. Students develop their communication skills for the workplace as they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and reports. Using technology, they individually and collaboratively design and deliver professional presentations and meetings. This course focuses on communication tasks specific to students' program areas and their future careers.
COMP1018 Technology of Digital Imaging 42.0 Hours
This course explores the current technologies of digital image capture, manipulation and distribution. Students gain a sound knowledge of the inner workings of imaging equipment such as digital cameras, scanners, printers, computers and lights.
COMP2033 Web Design 1 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course explores the use of the World Wide Web for communicating ideas and concepts for business and information purposes. Students will plan, design and develop their own Web site.
HSTY1002 Photography as Art 42.0 Hours
This course examines the history of photography with particular emphasis on the evolution of photography as an art. In viewing the work of great photographers, students will experience the breadth of artistic possibilities with a camera, and study various methods of evaluating photographic art. Further, the course provides students with an opportunity to create their own art with a camera.
PHOT1000 Photographic Techniques 1 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the basics of photography using a digital camera. Emphasis is placed on capturing technically perfect images, utilizing both natural and artificial light. Students are also introduced to the techniques and strategies for integrating principles of composition and design into their images.
PHOT1001 Visual Communications 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the process of visual communication and its application in the photographic imaging industry. Students learn elements of design such as composition, perspective, line, colour, texture and light and explore how they are used to communicate an idea or concept. The role of visual communications in society is also examined.
PHOT1002 Photographic Techniques 2 42.0 Hours
In this course, students build on skills developed in Photographic Techniques 1 while exploring a variety of types of photography including editorial, weddings and portraiture, public relations, commercial, and architectural photography. Emphasis is placed on developing more advanced skills in order to create visually effective and interesting images through composition and lighting.
PHOT1003 Trends/Issues in Photography 42.0 Hours
This course explores the current trends and issues in the photography and imaging industry from a technical, creative, and business aspect. Students are introduced to existing and emerging opportunities through guest lecturers, field trips, and independent research. Focus is placed on the importance of professional development.
PHOT1004 Introductory Design and Presentation Applications 42.0 Hours
This course exposes students to industry standard design and presentation applications. Students adapt and prepare their images for proper integration into these applications.
PHOT1008 Digital Imaging Techniques 1 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course introduces students to the capabilities of industry standard imaging applications. Students learn the foundational skills required to manipulate photographic images. This course also introduces basic procedures for managing a production workflow as well as digital asset management.
PHOT1009 Digital Imaging Techniques 2 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course emphasizes the development of imaging skills commonly used by professional photographers in the course of editing and correcting their images. Students are also introduced to the basics of masking and compositing. Furthermore, this course expands on post-production issues related to printing as well as file formatting for various electronic media.
PHOT2001 Photographic Techniques 3 42.0 Hours
Building on the skills introduced in Photographic Techniques 1 and 2, students explore their creativity and visual communication ability through project-based assignments covering a variety of types of photography. The emphasis is on working in the studio to create professional quality images that communicate effectively.
PHOT2002 Portfolio Development 1: Digital Photography 42.0 Hours
In this course, students have the opportunity to work on projects and assignments developed specifically for inclusion in their portfolios. Students are encouraged to focus their efforts in the area of photographic imaging that interests them most.
PHOT2003 Professional Practices for Photographers 1 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of running a photography business. The content deals with topics such as client communication, estimates and invoices, time management, marketing and promotion, studio management, portfolio interviews and professional associations.
PHOT2004 Aesthetics and Criticism 42.0 Hours
In this course, students learn how to discuss and write about photographs from a variety of critical perspectives. Students use their knowledge of visual communications, elements of composition and design, and lighting and exposure techniques to critique images in verbal and written format.
PHOT2005 Portfolio Development 2: Digital Photography 42.0 Hours
In this course, students continue to work on projects and assignments as part of individualized portfolio development. Focus will be placed on refining and finalizing portfolio pieces to meet the professional standards of the industry, and/or to create art photography suitable for display in a variety of contexts.
PHOT2006 Photographic Techniques 4 42.0 Hours
This project-based course provides students with advanced, area specific skills that pertain to various disciplines of photography. The course emphasizes the development of creative and technical skills in studio-based photography.
PHOT2007 Professional Practices for Photographers 2 42.0 Hours
This course builds on the skills developed in Professional Practices for Photographers 1. Students learn how to create a business plan, source and acquire funding, perform financial planning and management functions, develop relationships with suppliers and hire employees and subcontractors.
PHOT2009 Digital Imaging Techniques 3 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course emphasizes the development of skills required for complex manipulations of photorealistic images. Students acquire the advanced compositing, photo-retouching, and photo-restoration skills used by imaging professionals. Focus is placed on developing technically sound, visually seamless, and aesthetically effective images to be included in a printed or electronic portfolio.
PHOT2010 Digital Imaging Techniques 4 42.0 Hours
This course will build on the skills learned in Digital Imaging Techniques 3, emphasizing advanced image creation and preparation techniques for the professional photographer.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: July 28, 2011.