Photography - Content Creation
Learn to capture, create and alter images at a professional level.
- Experiential learning in our dedicated lab and studio spaces, both containing industry standard lighting and equipment
- Students have access to our print lab, containing large format equipment that can be used for their work
- Students graduate with both a portfolio and a website that showcases their work
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Learn the fundamentals and advanced photographic techniques to meet the needs of the content creation industry. Throughout the program, you use a variety of digital cameras, lenses and lighting equipment to assemble a body of work to showcase and market your skills and personal brand....(read more)
Overview
Learn to capture, create and alter images at a professional level.
The two-year Photography - Content Creation Ontario College Diploma program leverages photography production equipment to conceptualize, create and deliver media content for various industries, clients and platforms. You develop a professional level of technical abilities in digital imaging using high-end equipment and the Mac OS platform.Learn the fundamentals and advanced photographic techniques to meet the needs of the content creation industry. Throughout the program, you use a variety of digital cameras, lenses and lighting equipment to assemble a body of work to showcase and market your skills and personal brand.
In addition to photography design and techniques, gain knowledge and skills in the areas of:
- multi-media content
- video creation and editing
- large format printing
- networking and self-employment
- photography business practices
In this program you create, capture and edit in our dedicated studio and print lab. The studio space is equipped with professional-level lighting systems and equipment to provide you with an authentic experience. Furthermore, our program`s print lab allows you to use sophisticated, large format print equipment to gain a competitive edge in the industry.
By participating in two work-integrated learning courses, you will gain authentic experience working with clients to produce creative content using the program`s facilities and equipment. You also organize and run an exhibition to showcase a body of work to the public, potential employers and industry representatives.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are self-motivated, personable and well-organized.
- Have an interest in photography.
- Have an aptitude for computer technology.
- Are creative.
- Enjoy problem solving.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT8100
Course Name:
Career and College Success Skills
Course Description:
To succeed at college, in the workforce, and in the community, we must adapt to changing environments, manage our time effectively, study ef... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8706
Course Name:
Edit 1: Imaging Workflow
Course Description:
Capturing photos can involve technical and aesthetic limitations that will require image editing. Therefore, Photographers require a foundat... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8718
Course Name:
Output 1: Foundations of Printing
Course Description:
Knowledge of printing requirements and limitations informs photographers on workflow practices and facilitates the desired outputs. Students... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8810
Course Name:
Capture 1: Camera and Lighting Basics
Course Description:
Understanding how to use professional-level digital cameras is critical as a photographer. Students use a digital camera with interchangeabl... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
PHO8811
Course Name:
Creative 1: Composition and Design Elements
Course Description:
Creating impactful images that communicate and engage the viewer is an essential skill for imagemakers. Students explore their creative side... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8812
Course Name:
Photography Industry 1: Professional Practices
Course Description:
Opportunities in the photo industry are often created by the individual image maker and require an understanding of the importance of networ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ENL0077
Course Name:
Professional Communication for Photography
Course Description:
Although photography is essentially a visual medium, photographers require strong writing and speaking skills to explain, defend, and promot... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8726
Course Name:
Edit 2: Multimedia Workflow
Course Description:
Editing techniques are a major element of the image making process which supports the creator's ability to produce impactful content. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8760
Course Name:
Output 2: Print and Web Practices
Course Description:
Exploring various paper surfaces and mediums is essential for photographers in order to service clients. Students explore and apply the prac... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8820
Course Name:
Capture 2: Studio Lighting
Course Description:
Understanding the technical and creative applications of studio lighting is essential in professional photography. Students apply critical t... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
PHO8821
Course Name:
Creative 2: VIsual Perception and Design
Course Description:
Compositional guidelines and theories provide the photographer with a framework to critique their personal content and to provide feedback t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8822
Course Name:
Photography Industry 2: Permissions and Procedures
Course Description:
Navigating the legal and professional practices in the photography industry can be complex; therefore, an awareness of the environment, cult... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED0030
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8749
Course Name:
Edit 3: Advanced Workflow
Course Description:
Understanding different forms of editing is crucial to photographers in the modern workforce. Students build on the intermediate skills lea... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8830
Course Name:
Production Agency 1: Learning Enterprise
Course Description:
Gaining industry experience in a supervised environment is a beneficial way to transition into working in a professional setting. Through t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8831
Course Name:
Creative 3: VIsual Communication and Branding
Course Description:
Creating content in the photography industry requires collaboration between the photographer and the stakeholders they are working with to f... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8832
Course Name:
Capture 3: Location Lighting
Course Description:
Working with light on location is an important skill for photographers. Expanding on the lighting and camera techniques previously explored,... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
PHO8833
Course Name:
Output 3: Commercial Practice
Course Description:
Colour management of printers, monitors and papers is a necessary skill for photographers. Students prepare images to print on industry sta... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8834
Course Name:
Photography Industry 3: Self Employment
Course Description:
Self-employment is common in the photography industry. Understanding the financial aspects of the profession such as pricing, budgeting and ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED0030
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8840
Course Name:
Production Agency 2: Learning Enterprise
Course Description:
Developing positive client relationships is necessary in the photography industry. Through this work integrated learning course, under the ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8841
Course Name:
Creative 4: VIsual Narratives
Course Description:
Showcasing your abilities, specializations and style to potential clients and employers is essential to standing out in the competitive phot... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8842
Course Name:
Capture 4: Advanced Studio Lighting
Course Description:
Having the ability to analyze and apply lighting techniques critically to achieve a desired result is a skill that gives the photographer th... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
PHO8843
Course Name:
Output 4: Portfolio Development
Course Description:
Photographers need to market their abilities and experience to potential clients and employers. Developing a portfolio and promotional mater... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8844
Course Name:
Edit 4: Critical Applications
Course Description:
A photographer's ability to utilize and combine editing tools is a marketable and valuable skill to stand out in a competitive industry. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO8845
Course Name:
Photography Industry 4: Career Preparation
Course Description:
The photography industry requires the ability to network, be personable and be resourceful. Many jobs will not be posted and may require pho... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
There are many career opportunities in the content creation industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment or self-employment in visual imaging as a/an general photographer/videographer, photography assistant, visual content creation specialist, commercial and industrial photographer, architecture and real estate photographer, digital scanning and archiving technician, wedding and portrait photographer, concert or event photographer, video editor, digital image retoucher, print and graphics technician, marketing coordinator, or art director.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Select and use appropriate photographic equipment and techniques to capture quality images of a variety of subjects, in studio and on location.
- Use post-production techniques to edit and finish images in formats that meet industry standards and the needs of the client.
- Create lighting schemes using appropriate techniques, equipment, and accessories to produce quality images that meet the needs of the client.
- Employ design elements and principles to plan and create visually sound images.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner and in accordance with legal requirements applicable to the photography industry.
- Develop strategies to maintain currency with evolving photography trends, issues, technologies and industry practices, to enhance work performance and guide professional development.
- Select and use digital asset management tools and strategies to catalogue, store, back up, retrieve and archive images and prints.
- Use business planning and administrative skills, to support and maintain a photography business.
- Use a variety of marketing tools and strategies that effectively promote photographic products and services.
- Develop and present a professional portfolio that illustrates one`s creative approach and image conception, capture, editing and production skills.
- Consult and collaborate with stakeholders to determine production needs and standards for the development of creative content.
- Conceptualize and implement a visual communication plan to support creative content development and meet stakeholder requirements.
- Leverage photography production equipment to create and deliver still, motion and audio content for various media platforms.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment, and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
Books, digital imaging supplies and incidentals cost approximately $250 in the first year and $500 in the second year.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Submit a portfolio of 5 samples of your best work. Portfolio submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
- Mathematics, Grade 11 MBF3C or equivalent is recommended.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
PHOTOGRAPHY - CONTENT CREATION
Program Code 0030X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Mathematics, Grade 11 MBF3C or equivalent, is recommended but not required.
Contact
Tracy Byers Reid
Program Coordinator
Tracy is a full-time professor and program coordinator in the Photography: Content Creation program. A graduate of Humber College’s Creative Photography Program, Tracy holds a Master of Education from Ontario Tech University and a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University – School of Image Arts. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Tracy is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Learning Science at the University of Calgary.
While she has photographed a wide variety of projects for 11 years, she was on staff as a hardline and off-figure photographer at PiMedia, a commercial and catalogue studio in Toronto. Before joining Algonquin’s Photography Program, Tracy was a part-time faculty member at Durham College, where she taught in various programs.
Denine Wrixon
Program Coordinator
Denine is the Second Year Coordinator and Academic Advisor to students enrolled in their final year of the photography program. She started freelancing in 1994 and graduated from Algonquin College in 1996.
Her photography career covers many aspects of the industry, from live concert photography and professional sports, to portrait and wedding coverage, with a specialty in portraiture. She has been a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) since 2005 and Professional Photographers of Ontario (PPO) since 1995.
Jason Machinski
Professor
A graduate of the Algonquin Photography Program, Jason also has a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University and a Master of Arts in Photography and Visual Communication from the University of Hertfordshire.
Formerly the owner of both a wedding and commercial photography and multimedia studio, he brings his experience as a photographer and designer to the classroom, lab and studio.
He is a member of the CAPIC (Canadian Association Of Professional Image Creators) and an Adobe Certified Expert.
Trevor Pearson
Professor
Trevor is a Full Time Professor in the Photography Program. He is a graduate of the Algonquin Photography Program and also has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hertfordshire.
Since graduation, Trevor has worked alongside industry leading professionals. He has a sharp eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the latest techniques. Trevor also has experience in web and multimedia design. Trevor brings practical, hands on experience to classroom and studio.
Joy Covey
Professor
Joy is a full-time professor and academic advisor in the Photography: Content Creation Program. She is a graduate of the Algonquin Photography Program and also has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hertfordshire. She is currently a Master of Education student at the University of Ottawa.
Since graduation, Joy has started her own business in photography and print and works alongside leading professionals in the industry. She works in Family and Wedding Photography and has a keen ability to see creative moments through the artistic and fun lens of photography. Joy brings her leading industry experience into the classroom.