The following Frequently Asked Questions apply to new photography students entering the program in September 2009

Will I need to purchase a DIGITAL SLR Camera?
Yes, you must supply your own Digital SLR (DSLR) camera. Algonquin College’s Photography Program provides much of the equipment required, however, as a prerequisite for acceptance to our program is a DSLR. The camera with the minimum requirements to successfully complete this program is a:

1. Nikon D90 DSLR with 18-105 /f3.5-5.6 G ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

2. A 4 GB memory card.

Any DSLR above the D90 is also appropriate, a survey of current Algonquin Photography Students recommended the:

1. Nikon D300 DSLR with a 18-105 /f3.5-5.6 G ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

2. 4 GB Compact Flash memory card

A good used Nikon D80 or D200 DSLR camera is also fine. If you shop around you may also find a great deal on used Nikkor prime or zoom lenses.

***The Nikon D40, D40x, and D60 are not appropriate for this program as they do not have fully manual controls and professional features.***

Will I need to purchase a camera flash?
Yes, we recommend that you purchase a Nikon SB-900 flash. Our Equipment Room also has several flash loaners that you may also borrow when combining more than one flash.

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Will I need to purchase a large format 4x5 view camera?

No. The program will supply you with a 4x5 Sinar view camera that will be shared with one other student. The camera kit includes: camera, tripod, 210mm lens, carrying case with dolly, and 24/7 access to a camera storage locker. The camera kit must be returned upon completion of the Photography Program.

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Do I need to purchase a light meter?
No. The program will supply you with the use of an ambient/flash meter with spot attachment. It must be returned on the completion of your course.

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Will I need to purchase a laptop computer?
Yes, you must purchase your own laptop computer. Because Algonquin College’s Photography Program is Mac based, hardware and software needs are very specific. This is a prerequisite for acceptance to our program.

All current MacBook Pro Laptops will be adequate for successful completion of this program.

However, the 15-inch 2.66GHz MacBook Pro Laptop is recommended, by both students and faculty, because of the dedicated video card.

The laptop can be purchased at the Algonquin College New Technology Store which is situated on campus. The store offers you discounted educational pricing on all your computer needs.

Will my Mac laptop have a warranty?
Yes, all new laptops have a one-year warranty from Apple. If you wish to purchase the 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan it is optional. Details are available at the New Technology Store at Algonquin College.

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Will I need to purchase specific software for my computer?
Yes, you will be required to purchase your own software for your computer. The New Technology Store at Algonquin College offers a student version that is discounted. You will need the following software:

a) Adobe Creative Suite 4 - Design Premium (Education Version)
This contains Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Acrobat, Bridge and Device Central.

b) Microsoft Office for MacIntosh or Apple's iWork

In your third semester, you will be required to purchase:

a) Adobe Lightroom

b) ColorEyes software

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How much will I spend on supplies?

Based on financial data received from our students, expect to spend approximately $2,000.00 each year on books, digital imaging supplies and incidentals.

Where should I purchase my supplies?
There are several professional photographic suppliers located in Ottawa and online who stock equipment and photographic supplies, Vistek, Henry's and Headshots.

Do I need to purchase ink-jet paper and inks?

No, we provide the ink-jet paper and inks for all assignments.

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Will I need to purchase course books?
Yes, however, we recommend you wait until you meet your teachers during the first week of classes. Some books will be required and others recommended. Used books may be purchased from former students or on-line discounted sources. The Internet is also a great resource of information when necessary.

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WHAT YOU GET TO USE:

What other equipment will I have access to?

The program will provide you with access to a Sinar 4x5 view camera with an assortment of lenses, medium format Mamiya 645AFD’s cameras and lenses, Nikon DSLR cameras and lenses, Phase One digital camera backs, Epson professional scanners and printers, and a variety of tripods and camera supports. New in 2009 is the addition of a Nikonos underwater camera kit.

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What equipment do I have access to for studio and location shooting?

We have two studios equipped with Mole-Richardson tungsten lights, Photogenic flashes, Speedotron flashes, Elinchrome Ring flashes, a large variety of soft boxes, beauty dishes, octolights, and other lighting modifiers, booms and lighting stands.

We also have portable battery pack Elinchrome flashes for on location shooting along with reflectors and diffusers (Califorina Sunbounce and Photoflex) for natural light location shooting.

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What internet access will I have?

All Algonquin College students are provided with an e-mail account, dial-up and Internet access from home as well as use of the Access Centres, rooms with computers (PC platform) dedicated to student access 24 hours per day. Along with this Photography students are allowed 24/7 access to the Photography Program computer and printing labs.

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WHAT WE'RE ABOUT:

Is this a technical or artistic program?
Photography involves both art and technique. Our program has a large technical component. You will however have the opportunity to do artistic work as well, but you should expect to do a lot of technical work. In particular, the first term concentrates on developing your technical skills.

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What kind of assignments will I be doing?

You will be given a variety of assignments involving studio and location shooting, image processing, as well as colour and B+W printing. Some assignments will be technical in nature and you will be asked to write technical reports for them.

Although Adobe Photoshop will be the software you will be using most often you will also work with Adobe Lightroom. You will also be using Adobe InDesign to design and produce printed documents; as well as Adobe Flash, Fireworks and Dreamweaver to build your own web site.

How many hours will I spend on course-related work?
Average classroom/studio/lab hours (with instructors) is 21 hours per week. However, most of our students spend 40 to 50 hours per week on course work (including the contact hours). Many do some work during evenings and weekends.

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Will I be trained on Mac or PC?
You will be trained on a Apple (Mac) platform, which is the industry standard in the field of photographic imaging. Our computer labs are equipped with Apple Cinema Display monitors for use with laptops. These labs also contain a variety of film and print scanners; inkjet printers; print viewing booths, as well as colour management systems.

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Why do we recommend a Nikon DSLR camera?
Our ER (Equipment Room) has a large assortment of Nikon professional lenses available to borrow free of charge. These Nikon professional lenses range from wide angle to telephoto; and other speciality lenses including fish eye, macro, defocus control and perspective correction lenses that you may borrow.

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What is the Algonquin College Mobile Computing Fee?
This College fee is compulsory and is part of your overall tuition fee. It provides you with service to your computer software and a free loaner if required.

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DO I NEED A:

Do I need a portfolio to apply?

No. A portfolio is not required, however you will be required to complete a questionnaire describing your experience and background in the field of photography. This questionnaire will be sent to you once you have applied to the Ontario College Application Services. Applications are available from the Registrar's Office at any Ontario college or online at Ontario Colleges. If you do not return the completed questionnaire you will eventually be dropped from the applicant’s list.

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WHAT IF I:

What if I already own a PC?
Unfortunately, PC platforms are not acceptable as they are not compatible with the software, hardware and photographic equipment in the program.

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What if I already own a Mac?

If you already own a Macintosh laptop with these specifications or better, or would like to purchase one from another retailer, the servicing of your computer hardware will be your personal responsibility.

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What if I need to have a job while at school, how many hours can I work?
Most students need to work to supplement their savings, family contributions, and/or student loans. If you work more than 15 hours/week, you may find it difficult to keep up with the program’s workload. Some jobs are available within the college as part of government work programs. Inquire early at the Students’ Association for job listings.

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What if I own a Canon DSLR or other camera brand?
Yes, you may bring an alternate brand of camera. However, you will need to supply your own lenses and camera accessories as we have only Nikon lenses and accessories in our Equipment Room for students to borrow.

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For more information please contact: Garry Carter, Coordinator
Phone:613-727-4723 ext. 5103
Email: carterg@algonquincollege.com
Website: www.algonquinphotography.com

This FAQ reflects the most current information available, however the Photography program may make modifications and changes as required.