About

The Professional Photography program is a two-year diploma offering hands-on, comprehensive training that provides graduates with the skills to achieve success in a career in the photographic industry.

Students have access to a wide range of specialized photographic equipment and are supported by faculty and staff representing a diverse range of experience. This program is intensive and provides the opportunity to develop a comprehensive portfolio.

Students will apply technical and artistic skills to practical projects that are typical of the industry. Studio time is provided to complete the assignments and master the skills necessary to succeed in the photographic industry. This is further enhanced by field trips and regular visits from current industry professionals.

Langara College’s two-year, full-time (four-term) Diploma in Professional Photography 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. 

FAQs

When should I apply?

The Professional Photography Program begins in either September or January each year. We begin accepting applications for the fall in October and do so until all seats are filled for the coming intake.

Plan to have all of your documentation submitted to the college no later than May prior to the fall that you hope to begin the program.

How many students are accepted?

After 28 students are accepted, we start a wait list. Generally, only a few waitlisted students are accepted.

What is required to apply to the program?

Follow the application instructions and meet the minimum program admission requirements.

What are the entrance requirements?

  • High school Diploma and Transcripts (original and certified translations if original is not in English) if you are 19 years old or younger
  • Academic IELTS 6.5, or TOEFL 80 (R/W20, L/S 18), or BC English 12, or LEAP 8, or LET 2
  • A successful interview with a program faculty member, at which time applicants will demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively verbally, visually, and in writing. The interview also includes your portfolio review.

What does the application portfolio need to include?

Once the college has received all of your application paperwork, you will email the department chair to schedule an interview.

Part of the interview process includes a portfolio of your photography work. This can be a traditional printed portfolio, a website, Instagram feed, or images hosted online. There is no requirement for how many images your portfolio must contain, or the theme of your work. It should simply represent your involvement with photography so far. Your images will be part of the discussion about your career goals, personal aesthetic and your photographic knowledge.

What is the English Language requirement?

Professional Photography program applicants must complete one of the English language requirements. The Professional Photography program falls under category 2.

I want to apply next year, what can I do in the meantime?

If the program is full for the coming intake, consider taking on some personal photography projects to enhance your portfolio.

If you have never taken a photography course before, consider enrolling in PHOT1100 as an overview of the discipline and to establish strong fundamental skills.

How come I don’t see Professional Photography on the EducationPlannerBC menu?

Applications for the Professional Photography program begin 11 months prior to the start of each term. If the program is not visible in the list of registration options, it means all seats are full for the coming intake. Please choose a different intake term (Fall or Spring).

Can I apply before I graduate from high school?

As a high school student, it is not possible to complete all of the required application steps before you graduate because graduation is one of the requirements for entrance into the Professional Photography program.

However, you can request an application interview where you will be asked to share your photography portfolio, with the possibility of securing a spot upon graduation from high school.

The program holds 4-5 seats for students who are still in high school.

What is the cost of tuition for domestic students?

The program costs for domestic students are outlined under Costs.

What is the cost of tuition for international students?

The program costs for international students are outlined under Costs.

Langara has an excellent Langara Global department that can help with a variety of tasks for international students. 

What program supplies do I need to budget for?

Your own laptop with enough power to run multiple large programs and handle large working files, 2 external 2-terabyte hard drives, and adapter cables. The Photography department is Mac-based.

The Professional Photography program requires students to have an extensive list of equipment to complete assignments. This equipment is also likely to be used after college in your professional career.

The following is an overview; more detail and purchasing suggestions are provided upon acceptance to the program.  

Camera Kit (camera, lenses, and accessories)

A DSLR or mirrorless camera that can shoot tethered with Adobe Lightroom or Capture One software. Students can complete assignments successfully using a variety of recognizable brands. Good quality lenses, sturdy tripod, camera bag. X-Rite Colorchecker Passport. Miscellaneous photography accessories.

Laptop Kit

The Photography department is exclusively Mac-based. Some of our required software and hardware will not run on a Windows computer. 2 external 2-terabyte hard drives, adapter cables.

Software

Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) all apps, word processing software like Pages or Word. Capture One Pro, ColorChecker Passport software: ColorChecker Camera Calibration, i1Profiler for the i1 Display Pro

Optional Software: lens profile creator, data transfer software

Studio Kits

Various small items that are used in a professional studio are required by students. These items include tape, batteries, props and other small items.

Will I be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program when I graduate?

No. Not under the current Government of Canada rules.

Can I work while I study?

Due to the demanding workload of classes, labs and homework assignments, Professional Photography students are advised against full-time employment during the school term.

Many students manage part-time jobs while in the program, however these require substantial flexibility.

What are the work prospects upon graduation?

Graduates of the Professional Photography program have built careers in almost every facet of the photographic/imaging industry. Many new graduates find work as lab technicians, digital imagers and photographer’s assistants. Over time, most of our successful alumni build careers as freelancers and/or open their own photography-related businesses.

How long will it take to complete the diploma?

To complete the Professional Photography program diploma in 4 terms (2 years), plan the following study schedule.

To complete the Professional Photography program diploma in more than 2 years, a custom schedule can be designed in consultation with the program Chair.