Full-time Programs
PHJN / PHJF - Photojournalism
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER, JANUARY (Fast Track)
Program Length
Two-year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Frank O'Connor | o’connor@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Acquire the new journalist “triple threat skill set” of shooting still images, writing stories and producing multi-media.
- Build a solid industry-standard portfolio that demonstrates that skill set.
- Work on Loyalist’s award-winning online community newspaper, The Pioneer, and QNET News.
- Apply for advanced standing entry if you have a university degree, college diploma or journalistic experience – and graduate in 15 months.
In The News
- Loyalist Grads and Students Take Home More Than 40 Media Industry Accolades
- A probing lens
- Photojournalism Students Recognized at the National Newspaper Awards
Related Links
- See student and grad work at loyalistcollegephotojournalism.ca
- Equipment List
- Graduate Profile: Michael Brethour
- Graduate Profile: Farzana Wahidy
- Testimonial - Julia McKay
- Testimonial - Shannon Storey
- Testimonial - Vance Lester
- Testimonial - Donald Weber
Career Opportunities
Intensive training in Canada’s only dedicated multi-year Photojournalism program gives Loyalist graduates a competitive advantage. Graduates are employed throughout Canada, from the biggest dailies to smaller weekly newspapers, wire services and other publications. They work as photojournalists, reporter/photographers, multimedia producers, picture and assignment editors, freelance photojournalists and photographers, and digital publishing specialists. A well-connected broad-based advisory board networks with students and industry to cultivate positions for graduates.
To maximize career opportunities, students should be willing to relocate and possess the equipment necessary to do the job. A valid driver’s licence is also essential for employment.
Program Description
Photographers who strive to be communicators with images, rather than simply collectors of images, come to this program from across Canada. Loyalist does not offer a photography program, rather a program that inspires the language of photography to tell a story, and one that deals exclusively with digital image capture.
The first year teaches the basic mechanics of journalism and photography, including reporting and writing, news judgment, camera operation and lighting, as well as electronic publishing, video capture and the principles of storytelling. The types of news photography are introduced, including feature, spot, photo stories, and general news and sports. Students are also exposed to the history, philosophy, traditions and ethics of photojournalism.
In the second year, students concentrate on advanced photojournalism techniques, expanding their skills with digital photography, video capture and computer-based image processing. Assignments may involve optional travel to capture documentary picture stories. Students apply their classroom training as they photograph, report, write and edit assignments for our online news service QNET News. Students contribute content throughout the year, building a strong portfolio of published work and transferable skills.
The program includes a 120-hour internship with a magazine, newspaper, website, wire service, photo agency, or with an editorial photographer. Students have interned at The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun, The Ottawa Citizen, The Ottawa Sun, The Calgary Herald, The Windsor Star, The Montreal Gazette, The Kitchener Record, Reuters, Outpost Magazine and Vue Picture Agency.
NOTE: Students must be prepared for an above-average commitment of time and intensity. Simultaneous part-time employment could prove difficult. Students are strongly encouraged to seek related summer employment between Years One and Two.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,547 (two semesters)
Consumables Fee: $60; 2nd Year: $60
Books: $200-$250
Additional costs, such as travel and parking, may be incurred during placements, internships and practicums
Note: Students must budget for a 120-hour internship at the end of Year Two. They must also be prepared for additional expenses such as books, cameras and lenses, photographic materials and incidental expenses during assignments and internships.
A driver’s licence is an asset as a student and should be acquired before graduation and employment.
Additional costs, such as travel and parking, may be incurred during placements, internships and practicums
Equipment and Supplies
Students entering the first year of the program must have a full-function digital SLR camera, as described in the equipment list. Students can expect to spend approximately $5,500 during the first year of the program. This amount covers the costs of purchasing a digital SLR camera, lens, photographic and miscellaneous supplies as needed to complete assignments. The estimated costs for the second year of the program are $2,700. For required camera details, please refer to the Photojournalism Equipment and Supply List, mailed to each student when their application is received by the College. The list can also be downloaded as a PDF file: Equipment List
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level, and
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
Recommended academic preparation –
- Computer literacy, basic photography, current events, history, geography, and public speaking.
Note: Physical demands of the program require sufficient eyesight to focus cameras in low light levels, and mobility sufficient to follow sports action and breaking news events from a variety of angles.
(b) Advanced Standing: Qualified students may apply for advanced standing in the Photojournalism program. Successful candidates will begin their formal association with the program beginning in January at the start of Semester Two.
Applicants must have prior post-secondary education and be prepared to demonstrate competency in the basics of photography and journalism, based upon the outcomes in Semester One.
Advanced Standing seats are limited and are competitive based on a portfolio submission and interview. Applicants are accepted through May 31 for the following January start.
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates from the Photojournalism program can reserve a place in the Sports Journalism or Public Relations post-graduate certificate programs at Loyalist. Students must apply through ontariocolleges.ca to be considered for admission.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2012:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details. Graduates may contact the university to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
MEDI 1002 Civic Literacy 1
This course is an analysis of prominent current events and issues and their relationship to key themes and concepts in economics, politics, law, ethics and twentieth-century Canadian history. The exact content of each course will vary to some degree to reflect developing major Canadian and International current events and issues. The goal is to increase learners’ understanding of, and ability to analyze, such events and issues and to generally equip them with the tools to understand the world around them. The course has significant web-based and seminar discussion components.
PHJN 1001 Introduction to Photojournalism
An introductory course for all first year students. Course covers cameras and their handling, composition, use of light, basic flash usage, and special techniques used by photojournalists. Part of the course is dedicated to the appreciation and critiquing of photographs, and to basic editing techniques.
PHJN 1002 History of Photojournalism
An introduction into the history of photojournalism and its impact and influences upon current practices and trends. The course will include research projects intended to develop an appreciation of the importance of photojournalism.
PHJN 1003 Photo Seminar
A seminar and project course which features respected industry professionals as guest speakers to introduce students to the realities, expectations and standards of the photojournalism industry and its professional activities.
PHJN 1004 Writing For Photojournalists 1
This course addresses the basic techniques of interviewing, reporting and writing news and feature stories and captions, applying the standards and guidelines of Canadian Press Style.
PHJN 1005 Software for Photojournalists 1
An introductory course to provide students with the skills necessary to work in newsrooms utilizing the latest computer picture handling tools. The course consists of practical assignments to familiarize students with the industry standard software Adobe Photoshop. The basic skills taught involve scanning black & white 35mm negatives, setting correct levels, touching up dust specks/other imperfections, understanding file size and resolution, cropping, burning and dodging etc.
First Year - Semester Two
MEDI 1003 Civic Literacy 2
Students will deepen their understanding of prominent current events and issues, and their relationship to key themes in media-related law, political ideology and international affairs.
PHJN 1006 News Photography
A basic course in newspaper photography for Photojournalism students who have completed the prerequisites in semester one. Content includes news, feature and sports photography using a variety of lenses. The development of a portfolio is also covered. Prerequisites: PHJN 1001 & PHJN 1004
PHJN 1007 Lighting for Photojournalists
An introduction to the techniques of field lighting using portable flash units. The techniques of using bounce light, multiple flash with slave units and fill flash combined with ambient sources are covered. Prerequisite: PHJN 1001
PHJN 1008 Portfolio Development
An introductory course in the development of a working portfolio . Student will build a photojournalism print portfolio worthy of presenting to prospective employer that will showcase their best work. Emphasis will be placed upon content impact and presentation. Prerequisite: PHJN 1001
PHJN 1010 Multiple Pictures
The course introduces the concept of using pictures in various multiple formats, including shooting and editing the basic sequence, photo story and essay production, and the concepts of designing and laying out photo pages for newspapers and magazines. Prerequisite: PHJN 1001
PHJN 1011 Software for Photojournalists 2
An advanced course designed to provide students with the advanced skills necessary to prepare images for use in creating digital portfolios and multi-media presentations. After prepping the images, students will create a number of digital portfolios and multi-media presentations some of which will include both photographic stills and multiple audio tracks. The use of a number of computer programs used in the creation of these multi-media presentations will help students bridge the transition to video editing and make them more marketable in this competitive industry. The main project will be created in Final Cut an industry standard in video editing software.
PHJN 1012 Writing For Photojournalists 2
Students learn how to cover various basic beats found on most newspapers. Further development of hard news writing skills, editing and critical thinking. Prerequisite: PHJN 1004
PHJN 1014 Photojournalism - Ethics
Students will learn how to recognize ethical challenges faced by journalists and engage in a sound decision making process. Ethical codes and guidelines will be explored through case studies in order to help the student journalist navigate through the gray areas of ethical decision-making.
PHJN 1015 Multi-Media for Photojournalists 1
Students learn the distinct techniques associated with video as opposed to still images and the tools of basic video editing.
Second Year - Semester Three
MEDI 2000 Civic Literacy 3
Students will deepen their understanding of, and their ability to analyze, prominent current events and issues, and their relationship to media ethics, and the role of journalism and the media in society.
PHJN 2001 Photo Editing
An advanced course in the decision-making process of photojournalistic editing. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of editing situations from self editing to editing the work of others, with an emphasis on the thought processes involved in both. Prerequisite: PHJN 1001 Intro to Photojournalism, PHJN 1006 News Photography
PHJN 2003 Web Pages & Digital Portfolio
Students learn advanced online skills to utilize new media as an important research and promotional tool. Students will create a web page and a digital published version of their portfolios. Prequisite: PHJN 1011 Photojournalism Software 2
PHJN 2004 Writing for Photojournalists 3
PHJN 2007 Documentary Photography
PHJN 2008 Freelance & Business Practices
The course prepares students for part- and full-time freelancing. It addresses aspects of small business operation, marketing and presentation techniques for the freelancer with ambitions in newspaper, magazine and editorial photojournalism. Prerequisite:
PHJN 2009 News Photography 2
A continuation of the second semester News Photgraphy 1 course, this course will look at covering specific types of subject matter with a view to honing the dual emphasis of content and technique.
PHJN 2010 Multi Media for Photojournalists 2
Second Year - Semester Four
INTN 2002 Photojournalism Internship
Students spend three weeks at a newspaper, magazine, agency or elsewhere in the print and electronic journalism industry. Students research and secure their own placements which are approved by faculty. The supervising editor grades the student's performance, ability and attitude in conjunction with the faculty. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
PHJN 2005 Publication Lab - The Pioneer
Students work in the journalism news-lab to produce The Pioneer, a weekly newspaper distributed throughout the community. Students learn how to apply their photographic and writing skills in an environment of teamwork. They are rotated through a series of positions so they can acquire experience in the newsroom as reporters and photographers. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first-year photo and writing courses.
PHJN 2006 Staff Photography
Photojournalism students who have successfully completed all prior course work put into practice what they have learned. This is an intensive, deadline-oriented course providing students with reality-based experiences similar to freelance photojournalism assignments or those given by a daily newspaper or magazine. Improving student portfolios is emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior course work.
PHJN 2011 Documentary Publishing Project
Description to come.
PHJN 2012 Writing for Photojournalists 4
Students continue to explore the relationship between images and words as they create integrated news and documentary pieces for publication.
PHJN Photojournalism Ethics
Description to come.
