Skip to content

Professional Photography Certificate

10-month certificate

Tuition: $6,900 approx + books/supplies
Where: Comox Valley
Starts: September, January
  • Take the first step towards an exciting photography career.
  • Learn about the industry and employment options as you develop your personal creativity and style.

Career possibilities: Graduates will find a wide variety of career opportunities in photography retail sales, portraiture, wedding photography, photojournalism, advertising, and fine art photography.

Why Choose North Island College?

  • Great resources, great instructors. As well as having studios that are well-equipped with up-to-date equipment, labs and technology, our instructors are also respected professional photographers.
  • An inspiring environment. The Comox Valley enjoys a very lively cultural scene. Trees, mountains, and beautiful settings surround the campus itself, and there are many accessible outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking at the doorstep. The combination of vibrant communities, rural locations, and natural settings makes the Comox Valley a perfect location for all kinds of photographic work.
  • Industry-savvy instructors. Professional photography instructors are working photographers who become teaching mentors to our students. The information and insights they share keep our students updated on current trends and directions in the photography industry.
  • Challenging and rewarding. Ten months of intensive studies are designed to teach you the skills necessary to establish your own business, begin an entry-level position in the photography industry, or to continue with further exploration of a specific area of interest. 

Program Highlights

In the first term, students study the fundamentals of photography, such as using a digital SLR camera, controlling light, colour theory, design and composition, introductory studio lighting and the basics of black and white darkroom processing.

During the second and third terms, students use their skills in specialty applications including portraiture, advertising photography, editorial and photojournalism, landscape, and nature photography. Students participate in field trips to a range of diverse locations.

Students also complete a two-week work experience practicum, giving them valuable hands-on experience in the field of photography. Student placements may be with portrait, wedding or commercial photographers, newspapers, photo retail stores, processing labs or graphic designers. Placements can be based either on Vancouver Island or elsewhere, if practical.

As part of their final evaluation, students assemble a portfolio of work representative of their photographic talent and technical skill.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Professional Photography certificate, career positions may include, but would not be limited to, photojournalist, fine art photographer, advertising, professional assistant, wedding photographer, and portrait photographer.

Supply List

This is a basic list of equipment and supplies; additional requirements may be added by specific instructors. The costs of b&w film, photographic paper, color ink jet printing, field trip expenses, framing for gallery show are not included. These costs could add about another $2,000 to those listed below. Students must also supply their own digital camera equipment.

  • 1 flash meter (Minolta 4F, Sekonic L308, L328, L358 Polaris or Calcu-Flash2)
  • 1 tripod with head (Manfrotto with 3-way or ball head, Slik or Gitzo)
  • 1 DTTL flash
  • 1 hot shoe voltage regulator (Weins, Metz)
  • 1 salon or Presentation portfolio case 11x14 or 16x13"
  • 1 500 GB portable hard drive
  • 1 memory card reader (CF &/ or SD)
  • 1 magnifying lupe (8 or 10x with glass lens)
  • 8 sleeves for 120mm negatives
  • 10 clear 81/2 x 11" pages
  • 1 bottle film cleaning fluid (optional)
  • 1 package lens cleaning tissues
  • 2 cans "air duster" canned air
  • 1 utility knife
  • 1 spotting brush (#0, or #1)
  • 2 or 3 Sharpie fine tip, black permanent markers
  • 1 roll masking tape 3/4”
  • 1 pair scissors (6” to 8”)
  • 1 combo bottle/can opener
  • 1 penlight flashlight


You will also need the following textbooks:

  • Light: Science & Magic
  • Nature Photography (not available until April)

The college has six medium format camera systems that students will use on a shared basis for free. You should provide proof of private insurance to cover replacement costs of the equipment otherwise you must pay repair and replacement costs. 

Admission Requirements

  1. Provincial English 11 with a C+ or equivalent, or an English assessment test;
  2. Minimum C+ in Math 10 or assessment test in Math 033;
  3. A portfolio of photography, and 
  4. A 300-word statement of expectations.

Program Requirements

Download a printable graduation checklist below:

Questions?

Contact:

Paul Bailey
250-334-5051

questions@nic.bc.ca

Apply Now