Full-time Programs
PHJN / PHJF - Photojournalism
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Two-year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Frank O'Connor | o’connor@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
Do you enjoy telling stories through photographs?
- Prepare to set new standards of photojournalism in Canada.
- Build a portfolio with the expectation of publishing during the program.
- Work on Loyalist’s award-winning community newspaper, The Pioneer, and its web counterpart The Online Pioneer.
- Choose fast-track entry if you have a university degree, college diploma or significant related work experience, and graduate in just one year.
Career Opportunities
Loyalist graduates are employed across the country at daily and weekly newspapers, wire services and other publications. They work as:
- photojournalists
- reporter/photographers
- picture editors
- photo technicians
- freelance photojournalists
- freelance photographers
- digital publishing specialists
A well-connected advisory board works with the industry to cultivate positions for graduates. To maximize their career opportunities, students should possess:
- the equipment necessary to do the job
- a willingness to relocate
- a valid driver’s licence
Program Description
Photographers who strive to be communicators with images, rather than simply collectors of images, come to this program from across Canada. The program:
- is the only dedicated multi-year Photojournalism program in Canada
- prepares graduates with the skills editors are looking for
- deals exclusively with digital image capture
First-year students are exposed to:
- the mechanics of journalism and photography, including reporting and writing, news judgment, camera operation and lighting
- different types and objectives of news photography including feature, spot, photostories, and general news and sports
- the history, traditions, philosophy and ethics of photojournalism
- electronic publishing and digital imaging
- principles of photopage design
In their second year, students concentrate on advanced photojournalism techniques. Students build a strong portfolio of published work and transferable skills with:
- assignments (which may involve optional travel) to capture documentary picture stories
- expanded training in digital photography, video capture, and computer-based image processing
- photographing, reporting, writing and editing assignments for The Pioneer, Loyalist’s award-winning community newspaper, and its web counterpart The Online Pioneer
- experience producing The Pioneer and contributing content throughout the year
- increased expectations of outside publishing
The program finishes with a formal three-week internship in the photography department of a magazine, newspaper, wire service, photo agency, or with an editorial photographer. Students have interned at:
- Magnum Photo
- The Vancouver Sun
- 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 Record
- Reuters
- Canadian Press
- Outpost magazine
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
The Photojournalism Supply List is available for download.
Tuition: $2,688 (two semesters)
Books: $400 - $450
Consumables Fee: $90
Note: Students must budget for a three-week 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.
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.
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level
OR
- mature applicant
Recommended academic preparation –
English, 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) FAST-TRACK ENTRY: Photojournalism is one of the Media fast-track programs designed for applicants who have completed a university degree, college diploma, or who have significant related work experience. Students complete a six-week fast track semester in May and June and enter the second year of study in September. Please see the Loyalist College Calendar for details.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2006:
Athabasca University
Carleton University
Griffith University
Nipissing University
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Graduates may contact the university of their choice 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
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 Introduction to Photoshop
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
A continuation of Civic Literacy 1. Prerequisite: MEDI 1002
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 1009 International Photojournalism
A course designed to introduce the photojournalism student to the unique aspects of working outside of Canada. The course covers cultural differences and sensitivities, political considerations, equipment concerns, health issues, passport and visa requirements etc.
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 Advanced Photoshop
An advanced course designed to provide students with the skills necessary to colour correct images and procedures used for archiving images to CD. The course consists of practical assignments concentrating on colour images using the industry standard software, Adobe Photoshop. Prerequisites: PHJN 1001 & PHJN 1005
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
Second Year - Semester Three
MEDI 2000 Civic Literacy 3
A continuation of Civic Literacy 1 and 2, with an emphasis on news media ethics.
PHJN 2000 Studio Lighting
An intermediate course in studio work, including the use of studio lighting for editorial purposes. Course concept includes organizing and lighting portraiture, fashion, food and conceptual, illustrations from concept to execution. Prerequiste: PHJN 1001, PHJN 1007 & PHJN 1011
PHJN 2001 Photo Editing
An advanced course in the decision-making process of photojournalistic editing, with an emphasis on news and magazine work. Content includes picture choices, size relationships, and page positioning designed to provide the reader with maximum content and impact. The course will also focus on the basic operation of a photo desk, ethical and legal considerations, and the blending of both pictures and words through cutline writing. Prerequisites: PHJN 1001, PHJN 1006, PHJN 1011 & PHJN 1012
PHJN 2002 Photojournalism Ethics
A course in ethics as they pertain to the photojournalist. Issues such as conflict of interest, image manipulation, misrepresentation, and privacy are among those covered.
PHJN 2003 Web Pages & Digital Portfolio
Students learn advanced internet skills to utilize the world wide web as an important research and promotional tool, and learn how to create a web page and an electronic version of their portfolios. Prerequisite: PHJN 1011
PHJN 2004 Writing for Photojournalists 3
A course tailored to the writing needs of photojournalists. The marriage of words and pictures for maximum impact as a communicative tool is covered. Prerequisite: PHJN 1012
PHJN 2007 Documentary Photography
An advanced course in the planning and execution of picture stories and photo essays for photojournalism students who have successfully completed all prior course work. Emphasis is placed on the arrangement of pictures on the page in both newspaper and magazine formats. The course is designed to improve communications through words and pictures. Improving student portfolios is emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior course work.
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 2007 Documentary Photography
An advanced course in the planning and execution of picture stories and photo essays for photojournalism students who have successfully completed all prior course work. Emphasis is placed on the arrangement of pictures on the page in both newspaper and magazine formats. The course is designed to improve communications through words and pictures. Improving student portfolios is emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior course work.
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 corporate photojournalism. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all prior course work.
