The Professional Photography program begins by teaching you the fundamental principles of photography and photo imaging. It’s your foundation for the rest of the year, learning how to control your image quality, use your gear, understand digital workflow and image management, and develop your expertise. You will also train for the proper set-up and tear-down of our studio lighting equipment, and get your certification so you can book the studio independently for assignments.
The Professional Photography program at VanArts is designed for you to master the technical, creative and business skills essential to life as a professional photographer. We offer the only intensive one-year program in Vancouver that focuses on business skills in addition to hands-on experience in the field and studio, all taught by successful working photographers.
Bring Your Own Device
A laptop is required for this program, Expand the 'Supplies and Equipment' section below for laptop specs and other equipment requirements.
PTIB Approved
This program has been approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Program Duration
12 Months
Start Dates
March 15, 2021
September 7, 2021
March 14, 2022
September 6, 2022
Curriculum
Moving into Term 2, your foundation expands and becomes more sophisticated, in everything from post-production to specific areas of specialization, interaction with clients and ethical considerations. Image processing extends to printing photo output on our professional printing equipment, and your coursework begins to reach beyond the computer lab and studio, out into the city and beautiful natural areas of Vancouver for shooting.
Courses in This Term
In Term 3, your work in the lab, in the studio, and on location becomes even more advanced, in terms of lighting, equipment and practice. You also now begin pursuing assignments specific to your chosen area of specialization for your photography business. Discussions begin with our faculty about subject preparation, team building, estimating and project management.
Courses in This Term
You’ve arrived at the final Term 4, and now it’s all about your business. Intensive business training and preparation gets into marketing strategies, web presence, social media, and your final portfolio. Forming an extensive business plan under the guidance of working pro photographers will prepare you for work in a very competitive field. One final critique from a portfolio review panel of industry leaders will provide the right amount of feedback and encouragement to launch a successful career.
Courses in This Term
Faculty
Degree Pathways
VanArts has articulation agreements in place with several well established universities/colleges in Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. These degree pathways allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as one year after your studies at VanArts. This gives you the advantage of two credentials; a professional diploma and an undergraduate degree. These partnerships may not only save you money in tuition cost, but allows you to transition easily from VanArts to the partner institution while continuing your educational pathway in your chosen field of study. For international students, completing your BA degree in as little as two years of additional study with our local university partners provides you with the option to apply for a Canadian work permit, which may lead to permanent residency or Canadian citizenship.
This list represents the pathways, universities and specific degrees available for graduates of Professional Photography at VanArts:
BCIT
Deakin University Australio
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Media School Auckland New Zealand
University of Gloucestershire
Woodbury University
Interested In Photography?
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We are proud to of the education received at VanArts and encourage you to see first-hand how amazing our classes are.
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Full Time Programs
There is a non-refundable $100 application fee required too submit your application. After applying, an advisor will contact you regarding the additional materials required to complete your application.
Part Time & Summer Courses
The full registration fee is required to submit your application.
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