Program Curriculum
Langara College’s two-year, full-time (four-term) Diploma in Professional Photo-Imaging Program 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.
NOTE:
Applicants should be aware that the Professional Photo-Imaging Department course offerings are being revised to better reflect new trends in photography and digital imaging. To determine specifics of current and projected courses, please contact the department directly or visit the department website.
Job Opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Photo-Imaging 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.
CURRICULUM
TERM ONE
Total Credits: 15
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- CMNS 1115
- Interpersonal Communications
- 3
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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: One of LET 3 (or LPI equivalent); a minimum 80% in one of BC English 12 or BC English Literature 12; or an "S" in one of ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.
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- PHOT 1118
- Principles of Photo-Imaging I
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 5.0
This course covers the fundamental principles of photography and how these are related to everyday working practices employed by photographers and laboratory technicians. Laboratory assignments are designed to show the theoretical and practical applications which are important for a working knowledge of the topics.
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- PHOT 1128
- Applied Photo-Imaging Techniques I
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 5.0
This course provides the important element of practical experience through a wide variety of hands-on assignments conducted both in the studio and on location. Some of the specialties touched upon are: advertising, architectural, commercial, copying, photo-journalism and portraiture. A thorough knowledge of the view camera is gained in the first two terms while other formats are frequently used in the third term. Print finishing and presentation which includes meeting deadlines are also emphasized in the course. The course aims to develop creative as well as technical competence.
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- 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 1214
- History of Western Art II
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0
This course familiarizes students with the chronological approach to the history of art from the Renaissance through Baroque, Rococo and 19th century to the modern and postmodern periods. Art works will be examined in relation to relevant political, economic and social factors of each historical period.
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TERM TWO
Total Credits: 17
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- BUSM 1115
- Entrepreneurship
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0
A practical course which introduces the relevant aspects of setting up a small business. These include basic accounting concepts, forms of legal ownership, basic market research, determination of marketing and personnel policies, budgeting, financing, purchasing, promotion, and pricing. Also explored are the personal characteristics of the successful entrepreneur.
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- PHOT 1215
- Quality Control
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.5
Principles of sensitometry, quality control, and colour management are the three main topics that are covered in this course. A strong emphasis is placed upon the application of these three areas to the types of tasks that are carried out by a quality control technician in a professional lab. Colour management topics include calibration of printers, custom ICC profiles, colour spaces, and current trends in workflow. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 1218
- Principles of Photo-Imaging II
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 4.0
This course covers the fundamental principles of photography and how these are related to everyday working practices employed by photographers and laboratory technicians. Laboratory assignments are designed to show the theoretical and practical applications which are important for a working knowledge of the topic. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
» More Information about this course
- PHOT 1228
- Applied Photo-Imaging Techniques II
- 5
-
Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 6.0
This course provides the important element of practical experience through a wide variety of hands-on assignments conducted both in the studio and on location. Some of the specialties touched upon are: advertising, architectural, commercial, copying, photo-journalism and portraiture. A thorough knowledge of the view camera is gained in the first two terms while other formats are frequently used in the third term. Print finishing and presentation which includes meeting deadlines are also emphasized in the course. The course aims to develop creative as well as technical competence. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 1248
- Introduction to Computer Imaging
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0
An introduction to capturing existing images and creating original electronic images. Scanners and digital cameras will be used for image capture. Image enhancement using Photoshop and/or Live Picture will be covered in detail. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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TERM THREE
Total Credits: 15
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- CMNS 1118
- Written Communications
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0
Training in writing skills, with emphasis on business writing in a career context. Writing projects include: memos, letters, reports, resumes, and employment correspondence. Prerequisite: One of LET 3 (or LPI equivalent); a minimum 80% in one of BC English 12 or BC English Literature 12; or an "S" in one of ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.
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- PHOT 2328
- Colour Technology I
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 7.0
This course covers basic and advanced colour photography and colour printing with the major emphasis on the negative-positive method of producing colour prints. Also included are quality control, masking, spotting, and experience in the operation of a one-hour laboratory. Electronic imaging in relation to conventional colour is also covered. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2338
- Applied Photo-Imaging Techniques III
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 7.0
This course provides the important element of practical experience through a wide variety of hands-on assignments conducted both in the studio and on location. Some of the specialties touched upon are: advertising, architectural, commercial, copying, photo-journalism and portraiture. A thorough knowledge of the view camera is gained in the first two terms while other formats are frequently used in the third term. Print finishing and presentation which includes meeting deadlines are also emphasized in the course. The course aims to develop creative as well as technical competence. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
» More Information about this course
- PHOT 2418
- Professional Issues
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0
A survey of such topics as the history of professional photography; professional organizations; copyright legislation; ethics; and business practices. Presentations by guest speakers from the business and legal communities, as well as by students, will complement the instructor's material. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all first and second term Photo-Imaging Program courses including BUSM 1115.
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TERM FOUR
Total Credits: 15
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- PHOT 2348
- Advanced Computer Imaging
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0
This course builds on skills learned in PHOT 1248 exploring multimedia applications, on-line publishing, Quick Time VR, CD-ROM and digital video applications. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2328
- Colour Technology I
- 3
-
Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 7.0
This course covers basic and advanced colour photography and colour printing with the major emphasis on the negative-positive method of producing colour prints. Also included are quality control, masking, spotting, and experience in the operation of a one-hour laboratory. Electronic imaging in relation to conventional colour is also covered. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-imaging Program courses.
» More Information about this course
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- PHOT 2442
- Multi-Media
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
Additional skills in multi-imaging will be obtained by producing more complex productions. Students will act as producers and directors, exploring applications in traditional and new media. Emphasis is placed on client objectives, scripting, budgeting and editing. Students will work on the department newsletter and Pacific Rim Magazine assignments. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2446
- Photo-Imaging Services
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
Custom processing and custom print operations both at the College and on location at an operating "Custom" or "One-Hour" Laboratory with additional assignments in printing, processing and quality control. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2450
- Commercial Photography
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
Photography for catalogue and illustration purposes is the emphasis of this course. Working to layouts as well as creative and conceptual photographs are attempted. All work is geared to potential client requirements and the highly demanding advertising industry. Students will provide images for Pacific Rim Magazine. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2456
- Digital Photography
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 5.0
This advanced option provides further continuity following PHOT 2348 for those students who desire more practical experience in capturing, making and manipulating digitized images. A considerable amount of the hands-on experience will be sought at a suitable industry sponsor's location during the field experience portion of the term. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2462
- Photojournalism
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
In this advanced option the emphasis is upon photography for newsletters, magazines, annual reports and brochures. Slides (transparencies) for multi-image productions, general public relations and publicity photographs are additional minor parts of the course. Students will gain experience in providing photographs for the college newspaper and other related productions. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2466
- Portrait Photography
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
This course emphasizes the work done by a portrait studio, including reception, portrait psychology, marketing, public relations, print finishing and presentation. Various subjects are photographed both in the studio and on location as in wedding assignments or the making of environmental portraits. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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- PHOT 2470
- Scientific Photography
- 3
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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 6.0 | Lab: 0.0
Students complete assignments for the departments within Langara that have need of photographs for displays or teaching purposes. Frequently the techniques used involve macro and micro set-ups. Prerequisite: "C+" or higher grade in all previous Photo-Imaging Program courses.
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Program Option Notes:
- Supply and equipment costs, which must be purchased or rented by each student, are approximately $6,000 (includes a Mac laptop computer and DSLR camera) in the first year of the program and $3,800 in the second year of the program. Textbook costs are approximately $1000 per year.
- Be sure to check the prerequisites for the Arts and Science courses that are part of the program.
- Prerequisites for all Photography courses: ‘C+’ or higher grade in all previous Professional Photo-Imaging Program courses, or permission of the Department.
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