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Applied Photography


Location(s):  Regina   

Applied Photography is a diploma program. It is currently subject to the high-demand admission process.

Note

Admission to the Applied Photography program has been suspended, effective April, 2010.

The application period for this program is October 1 to February 15 each academic year. All supporting documentation is required by February 28(29). If either February 15 or February 28(29) falls on a weekend or a holiday, the applicable deadline is extended to the end of the next business day.

International applicants are currently considered for admission to this high-demand program.

The program provides knowledge and skill development in the technical and creative aspects of photography. The program uses a hands-on, practical approach to help you become a dynamic, self-motivated and professional photography specialist.

Rapid changes in technology have impacted the photography industry in recent years, particularly with the introduction of digital tools. Our curriculum ensures a balance of developing foundational skills and digital expertise. The program focuses on developing:

  • photographic skills

  • digital skills

  • traditional skills

  • business, marketing and promotion skills

  • sales and service skills


You will receive training in:

  • portrait, commercial, editorial and architectural photography

  • digital imaging

  • retouching and restoration

  • photolab management

  • safe use and handling of photochemical components

  • black-and-white film processing and printing

  • colour film processing and printing

  • process monitoring

  • troubleshooting

  • studio operations and management

  • business methods and pricing

  • customer relations and management

  • employability skills


Courses in communications, computer skills and using the Internet will enhance your career preparation. You will develop a creative comprehensive portfolio throughout the program and, as a final project, you will display your portfolio at the SIAST gallery.

You will use a variety of camera types and be required to purchase a digital camera in the second year of your studies.

The program is affiliated with the Saskatchewan Professional Photographers Association (SPPA) and the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC). Students are eligible to join these organizations as student members.

Length: 66 weeks

Year 1 - 33 weeks; Year 2 - 33 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment or self-employment in portrait photography, commercial photography or photojournalism.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.


  • cinematographers
  • corporate communications technicians
  • custom printers
  • digital imaging specialists
  • photo lab managers
  • photograph retouchers
  • quality control technicians
  • studio assistants

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

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Admission Requirements


Note


Admission Method

High Demand

High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each SIAST location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be applied to all applicants:

  • Portfolio = 60%

  • Career Investigation = 20%

  • Essay (250 - 500 words) = 20%


For required information on preparing your application for this program, you must refer to the Application Selection Process Guide.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • You will use a wide range of camera equipment (35mm up to large format view cameras).
    • Field Trips
    • Photographic Projects (using film-based and digital technology)
      Home Study
      Online
      Work Experience
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • COMM 127  Industry Communications
  • You will practice fundamental employability skills related to oral and written communications. You will also practice employability skills related to working effectively with others. You will learn personal employability skills and the effect of attitudes and behaviours on successful job search and career advancement.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Independent Study, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   BCOM 120    COMM 127A    COMM 185    COMM 187    COMM 191    COMM 193    JOBS 190    TCOM 120    TCOM 140   


  • COMP 103  Computer Platforms and Operation
  • You will investigate the similarities and differences of the most popular computer platforms.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • COMP 104  Computer Peripherals
  • You will explore how peripheral devices are used to gather and export data.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 103  Black and White Negatives
  • Your studies will focus on correctly processing black and white negatives, optimizing the process to have negatives capable of making quality prints easily and storing those negatives in archival conditions.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 111 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 104  Black & White Print Production
  • You will discover how to select appropriate darkroom equipment and use it to make contact prints. This will be followed by making black and white photographic prints. You will go beyond exposing paper (to be in control of contrast and density) to make exhibition-quality prints.

    5.0 Credit Units
    75.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 103 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 105  Black and White Print Finishing
  • You will enhance the appearance and quality of your prints through the application of toning, spotting and handcolouring techniques.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 106  Workspace Management
  • You will become familiar with program facilities and practices (including aspects of program area utilization and maintenance). The course content includes workplace safety responsibilities and identifying chemicals in the workspace.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 108  Colour Print Production
  • You will combine colour theory and darkroom techniques to make colour-balanced contact prints and enlargements.

    4.0 Credit Units
    65.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 109  Colour Print Processor Maintenance
  • You will learn the maintenance, service and operating procedures of a photochemical processor.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 108 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • PHOT 110  Camera Mechanics and Operation
  • You will explore the mechanical variables that control exposure. You will discuss basic optical principles that explain the transmission and characteristics of light and their relevance to camera settings.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 111 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 111  Camera Equipment
  • You will learn how to correctly operate and care for 35 mm and medium-format cameras. You will also learn how to decide what equipment to take on an assignment and how to securely pack photographic tools for transport.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 112  Process Quality Control
  • You will learn how to plot the graphs that indicate the condition of colour photochemical processes. You will then monitor a chemical process, determine the condition of the process and be able to identify processing errors.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 109 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • PHOT 113  Portable Electronic Flash
  • You will become aware of and learn how to use some of the lighting techniques possible with on-camera flash equipment.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 114  Studio Flash Equipment and Light Ratios
  • You will acquire the skills needed to safely operate studio strobes and discover how light modifier tools change the quality and mood of light. You will also learn how the light ratio between shadows and highlights defines subjects using light.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 115 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 115  Properties of Light
  • You will discover the properties that define the characteristics and qualities of light. You will also discover how light meters work and how they are used to measure the colour and intensity of light.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 116  Camera to Subject Relationships
  • You will investigate compositional elements and how they are used to create interest in photographs.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 115 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 117  Mount Prints
  • You will attach photographic products to a variety of popular substrates.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 118  Time Management
  • You will discover techniques used to prioritize tasks to maximize work productivity.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 119  Business Transactions
  • You will develop the skills needed to document the transactions that occur in a photographic workplace.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHOT 120  Imaging Software Fundamentals
  • You will discover how the tools in Adobe Photoshop can select and manipulate digital image information.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMP 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 121  Digital Cameras
  • You will explore the principles of operating a digital camera.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 120 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 122  Digital Scanning Systems
  • You will discover various scanner types, explore their use and acquire image files using standardized techniques.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMP 104 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 121 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 123  Image File Exports
  • You will explore a number of image file export options that are employed to move digital information to photographic prints or film.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 122 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 203  Photographic Copywork
  • You will discover how to duplicate images by applying digital tools to copying techniques.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WORK 107  Work Experience 1
  • You will use your photographic skills in a workplace. Your photographic and employability skills will be evaluated by someone in the photographic industry.

    0.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 127 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 112 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 118 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 119 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 123 Minimum Grade of 60


    Year 2

  • PHOT 200  Workspace Monitor
  • You will delegate responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of the Applied Photography program. Areas of operations include mixing chemistry, general cleanup and equipment sign-out.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 118 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 201  View Camera Operation
  • You will learn how to solve photographic problems through the application of camera techniques made possible when working with a technical camera.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 108 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 110 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 114 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 117 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 202  Continuous Light Sources
  • Your studies will focus on using continuous light sources to define the tone, shape and textures of subjects.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 111 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 204  Digital Enhancement
  • You will explore the use of Photoshop tools to enhance and repair photographic images.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 205  Advanced Imaging Techniques
  • Using Photoshop, you will combine photographs and digital effects to build dynamic powerful images.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 206  Colour Management and System Calibration
  • You will learn how to calibrate the components of a digital photographic system in order to output predictable and repeatable image quality.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 207  Promotional Materials
  • You will use digital tools to create and assemble display materials to promote your photographic skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 204 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 205 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 208  Electronic Portfolio
  • You will design and create a Web page that showcases your photographic skills. It will be loaded on a server and available for viewing.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 204 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 205 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 209  Product Lighting
  • You will discover techniques of using light to describe the shape, tone and texture of objects.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 121 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 201 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 202 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 210  Advertising and Illustrative Images
  • You will design and create photographic illustrations by combining compositional rules and lighting techniques.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 209 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 211  Portrait Lighting
  • You will investigate the effects of lighting in defining portrait subjects. You will also learn how to incorporate props and backgrounds into portraits.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 121 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 201 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 202 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 212  Portraiture Techniques
  • You will add posing to your lighting skills to make dynamic portraits.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 211 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 213  Tonal Harmony
  • You will combine some elements of tone and colour to create mood in photographs.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 108 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 114 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 215  Studio/Client Dynamics
  • You will establish an environment conducive to making a portrait sitting a productive and pleasant experience.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 127 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 216  Cost Analysis
  • You will identify some of the costs involved in running a photography business.

    1.0 Credit Units
    18.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 119 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 217  Photographic Business Skills
  • You will discover the process of creating a business and learn how to develop an accounting system to track its financial state.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 127 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 216 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 218  Marketing and Promotion
  • You will explore methods of placing a value on the work you produce and selling those images at a fair price.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 207 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 216 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 219  Legal Issues in Photography
  • You will investigate the ownership rights of the work you produce and how to sell usage rights of your work.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • PHOT 220  Portfolio Projects
  • You will showcase the skills you have acquired while creating display materials for your portfolio.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 210 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 212 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 221  Photographic Exhibition
  • You will assemble a portfolio of images into a display from the assignments you completed in other courses.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 210 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 212 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 222  Photojournalism and Editorial Photography
  • You will explore the fundamental principles of making news-worthy photographs, from feature photos to hard news, with emphasis on the importance of the still photograph as a conveyor of information, and the power of the photograph as an influence on public opinion in contemporary print media. You will discuss ethical and moral considerations in photographing current events, freedom of the press, and the public¿s right to know.


    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PHOT 223  Stock Photography
  • You will explore the creation and marketing of stock photography. Topics covered will include stock agencies, marketing techniques, designing user-orientated conceptual images, presentation and packaging of submissions, and the business of stock photography.


    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 206 Minimum Grade of 60


  • WORK 202  Work Experience 2
  • You will use your photographic skills in a workplace. Your photographic skills will be evaluated by someone in the photographic industry.

    0.0 Credit Units
    66.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    PHOT 210 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHOT 212 Minimum Grade of 60



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