Professional Photography

In this course learners are exposed to the variety of communication tools and strategies being used in the 21st century and how to use them effectively. Learners will learn about the role that strong written and verbal communication skills play in building and maintaining professional relationships and professional reputations. Learners will also start to develop essential skills needed to communicate with diverse clients and partners in the 21st century.

This course will introduce learners to the professional studio work environment. Emphasis will be placed on physical safety of traditional studio and location settings. Through group discussions and activities, as well as visits by guest speakers, the class will examine and participate in real life scenarios, in order to understand and apply the principles of a safe and creative workplace. Learners will continue to apply these principles and procedures as they pursue their own projects and assignments throughout the duration of the program.

This course exposes learners to a wide variety of photo work created by peers, local professionals, and the global community. Through viewing photographic work and discussing it as a group, the class will acquire a vocabulary which will facilitate knowledgeable critique of other photographers' work. As well, this class will prepare them as professionals to accept constructive feedback on their work, and use it as a tool for advancing themselves as photographers. Learners will analyze in detail technical and creative strengths and weaknesses of images, beginning with faculty lead discussions, giving way to learner lead critiques, as the year progresses.

Learners in this course will assemble a customizable portfolio which may be used to showcase their work to potential clients. In the interest of maintaining a relevant body or representational work, each member of the class will develop a portfolio, and will then regularly review and update its contents. Particular attention will be paid to the image selection process, the sequence of the images, and the identification of potential gaps in the content. The overall aesthetic and unique look of the portfolio will be a priority. Feedback and direction will be provided through portfolio presentations and reviews, and industry evaluations, with professional feedback from working professionals.

This course introduces learners to the concepts, vocabulary and skills associated with entrepreneurship. Learners will explore personal characteristics and evaluate their own potential as an entrepreneur.

This course exposes learners to the wide variety of social media tools and their uses for business and marketing. Learners will examine platforms for crowdfunding projects and create a professional online presence. Learners will learn about the relationships between different social media platforms and the importance of regular maintenance in order to stay current and relevant.

This is a project based course where learners will have the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to a personal business venture whilst being advised and supported by experts and professionals. Learners will develop a business idea aligned to their area of study by applying established processes, attitudes and skills in a real world environment. This is an opportunity for learners to try things out and make mistakes in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Risk taking and innovation will be encouraged without incurring penalties for unsuccessful attempts.

This course introduces the learner to new and emerging technologies that are relevant to the commercial photo industry through exploration of current technological innovations. Learners will be encouraged to explore communication and collaboration tools that may be used in the photography career path, through practical application and theory. The emphasis will be on discovering, utilizing and demonstrating these technologies. As well, this course will highlight professional standards regarding using these technologies effectively and lay some foundation skills for remaining current in the industry. In keeping with the nature of the course content and the application of this content in the photo industry, at least half of the course material, class discussion and assignment work, will take place online. Learners will use online tools and resources as they are used in industry, in addition to traditional classroom practice.

This course introduces learners to the core processes and principles of photography. Learners will learn basic capture, process and output techniques as well as fundamental lighting and flash techniques.

In this course you explore potential personal areas of photographic development and inquiry. Learners will explore the work of current and past photographers through a variety of activities and then discuss the processes and intent of these photographers. Learners will also identify processes and techniques which will facilitate the initiation and support the completion of long term personal projects.

In this course, learners will become acquainted with key people and events which led to the current photography industry. Through class presentations, lectures, and hands on projects, learners will investigate the evolution of photography within a cultural context.

In this course, learners will become acquainted with studio lighting, and will expand on their comprehension of editing tools and software (workflow). Learners will also expand on the speed lighting techniques and begin to explore location lighting. More advanced editing techniques including image restoration and portrait retouching will be introduced in this course.

Learners in this course will already be familiar with DSLR cameras and basic photographic techniques for capturing and processing still images. Learners will be introduced to the concepts and approaches associated with recording video on a DSLR camera and the different considerations required when planning for a video shoot such as how to translate still images to tell stories through video.

In this course, learners will discuss and identify how their personal work informs their professional practice and vice versa. Learners will begin to align personal approaches and techniques to commercial aspects of the industry.

This course offers students an introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) 1988 and WHMIS 2015. Course material provides basic knowledge in WHMIS principles that establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of particular controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of this course, students will attain basic WHMIS certification.

This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.