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Photography

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Program Code: PH211
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber's Photography diploma program is one of the most highly regarded and longest-running photographic training programs in the country. In this two-year diploma, you will develop a professional skillset and creative abilities to become job-ready for the visual communications industry.  

Through four semesters of study, students learn advanced photographic techniques giving them the ability to bring their visual imaginations to life. Classes are hands-on, and you will develop additional skills in planning, production and post-production. These assets, along with skills in communications and networking, will give students the solid foundation needed for their career ahead.   

From advertising photography to editorial, wedding and portraiture, to motion capture and e-commerce imaging, you will graduate from this program prepared to engage fully in a wide range of visual imaging career options. In this program, you will:  

  • be trained on DSLR, mirrorless and medium format digital cameras, along with professional studio and location lighting and grip equipment  
  • capture, process and edit content using current software applications such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One Pro and Premiere Pro 
  • create professional and archival digital prints 
  • learn historical and alternative processes in the darkroom 
  • learn the business side of photography including quoting, invoicing and building working relationships with clients  
  • learn to be an effective visual storyteller across multiple platforms  
  • produce assets from client layouts for digital and print end use  
  • produce corporate video and audio for web, social media and other applications  
  • shoot professional photographic images in both the studio and on-location environments  

Courses are designed with industry input, ensuring you are learning current and relevant information in state-of-the-art studios and labs from industry experts – people who know the trends and effective methods of visual communications.  

Following a field placement in the final semester, the program culminates with a graduate portfolio show where students network with industry and introduce their skills with portfolios, video footage and large format prints.  

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will participate in a mandatory in their final semester of study. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

The Humber Advantage

"Before I took this program, my knowledge of photography was superficial. I just didn't have the environment to learn about lighting before. I was doing a lot of street photography with natural light. After two years, I've learned from industry experts with top-quality equipment."

Gillian, 2011 graduate Professional Photographers of Ontario Judges Choice Award Winner (2011)

Chantal Denne

Chantal Denne

Chantal Denne, Media Technologist in Humber's Photography program talks about the program and some of the advantages for students.

Patricio Lara

Patricio Lara

Patricio Lara, a photography student at Humber, talks about why he chose Humber, how Humber has helped him grow, and advice he'd give to photography students.

John Narvali

John Narvali

Meet John Narvali, a graduate of Creative Photography, 1975 and now the president and owner of John Narvali Digital Photography.

Photography Graduate Showcase 2020

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Creative Photography Showcase

Creative Photography students showcase their portfolios

The Professional Perspective

Creative Photography student, Zoran posing for photos

Photography Program — How to Apply

Creative Photography portfolio image

Watch the video to learn some useful tips on how to choose images for your application portfolio.

Expert Faculty

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Lauren Cheong

Lauren Cheong has been a photography educator since 2011 and has been teaching at Humber College since 2018. She has bachelor of fine arts degree in Visual Arts from York University, a Photography diploma from Humber College and a master of education in Adult Education from Yorkville University. Lauren has been working in the commercial photo industry for years at leading food photography studios and was the in-house photographer for the design company Umbra Ltd.

In addition to working behind the camera, Lauren loves being in front of the classroom sharing her passion for photography and education with others. She was the program and staff development manager at GTA Photography Classes where she created new and exciting courses, trained instructors and expanded the business to multiple cities. She knows the importance of a well-balanced education that promotes both theoretical and practical components to encourage learners to think conceptually as well as technically.

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Greg Danbrooke

A graduate of Humber College's Photography program, Greg has been teaching in Humber's Photography program since 2008.

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Frances Juriansz

Frances Juriansz is a Toronto-based photographer and video artist who works on both commercial and personal projects. Her work has appeared in Time, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Ski, The Walrus, and enRoute among others, and has shot for clients such as TD Bank, Fairmont Hotels and Mercedes-Benz. Juriansz specializes in photographing people on location and travel stories, and has been teaching since 2016.

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Wayne Salmon

Wayne Salmon is a Toronto-based artist working in photography, film and installation. He completed a BA in English at York University and earned an MFA in documentary media (awarded with distinction) at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Salmon's writings have appeared in various publications. His photographs have been exhibited in Canada, China, and the US.

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Sam Sciarrino

Sam Sciarrino is as an internationally known portrait photographer and the owner of Horvath Photography located in Toronto, Canada. A second-generation professional photographer for over 30 years, he holds a Master of Photographic Arts from Professional Photographers of America and a Master of Photographic Arts from Professional Photographers of Canada. He has received the title of Triple Master of Wedding-Portrait Photographers International. He was selected as one of six first Nikon ambassadors in Canada and Album Epoca international master ambassador.

Creativity, technical knowledge and keen attention to his clients' individual tastes has garnered Sam a solid reputation of creating work of exceptional artistic quality. He has been featured in numerous leading photography magazines such as Rangefinder, Professional Photographer, Studio Photography, Photo Imaging, Photo Pro, PPOC Magazine, and Image Maker in the United Kingdom. Sam has lectured and held workshops in Canada, U.S.A., England, Italy, Greece and China. With his vast knowledge of technique and composition, he has enjoyed a personally and professionally rewarding career as respected lecturer on the world-wide professional photography circuit.

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David Scott

David is the photography diploma program co-ordinator and a full time professor at Humber, and has been teaching there full time since 2008. Born in Glasgow, David studied photography in the UK and before moving to North America and completing a Communications degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. For the past three decades, he has worked in commercial and editorial photography, along with developing an art based visual practice. David continues his photographic work in altered realism, and remote expedition photography.

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Jeff Stephenson

Freelance commercial and event photographer currently working in Toronto.

Study Abroad

We offer many global opportunities for you to explore during your time at Humber! We live in a very interconnected world and by participating in a global opportunity, not only will you gain new skills, but you may also be eligible for academic credits and/or co-curricular record (CCR). Some of the global opportunities at Humber include Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, faculty-led trips, Humber Global Summer School and many others! To learn more, please visit Humber Global Opportunities.

Your Career

This program can take you in a number of career directions including: 

  • assistant photographer
  • digital asset manager
  • digital technician
  • e-commerce photographer
  • freelance photographer    
  • image retoucher  
  • producer 
  • social media content creator/editor  
  • studio manager   
  • video producer 
  • wedding/portrait photographer

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Student Testimonial

Duane Cole Interview

Meet Duane Cole a graduate of Humber's Photography program and an editorial photographer who has worked with and been published by the likes of The Globe and Mail, The National Film Board of Canada, CBC, West End Phoenix and Sportsnet.


News Feed

Bachelor of Industrial Design Students Participate in BRP International Design Competition

Bachelor of Industrial Design Students Participate in BRP International Design Competition

Wed, May 10, 2023

The Industrial Design program was invited to return and participate in the BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) International Design Competition!

Read the Full Article
Industrial Design Third Year Students Design for Modern Living in Umbra/Humber Studio Project

Industrial Design Third Year Students Design for Modern Living in Umbra/Humber Studio Project

Fri, March 24, 2023

Driven by innovation, Toronto-based Umbra has become a global leader in product design, known for pushing boundaries in its approach to original design.

Read the Full Article
Annual By The Lake Book Club Scholarship Awarded to Emerging B.C. - Based Writer

Annual By The Lake Book Club Scholarship Awarded to Emerging B.C. - Based Writer

Mon, February 27, 2023

Layla Reeves, a Vancouver Island writer and student in Humber's Creative Writing Graduate Certificate program, is the 2022 recipient of a $1,500 scholarship.

Read More
Designs Created by Fast Students Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Designs Created by Fast Students Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Wed, February 01, 2023

Prof. George Paravantes (FMCA) and Dr. Dennis L. Kappen (FAST) proudly unveiled the results of the 2022 ARROW HMI - Humber Industrial Design competition.

Read More
Interior Design Students Visit Toronto’s Newest Athletic Fashion Stored

Interior Design Students Visit Toronto’s Newest Athletic Fashion Stored

Wed, February 01, 2023

Our Interior Design students headed downtown to visit Toronto’s newest athletic fashion store and its unique design.

Read More

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

David Scott, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4855
david.scott@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Portfolio

  • Applicants will present a portfolio that includes 12 examples of original work. The portfolio must contain a combination of colour and/or black and white images.

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Computer Laptop: 2.5GHz processor, 16 GB memory, 512GB SSD HD, 13.3-inch monitor Macbook Pro or PC latptop equivalent.
Software Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, Adobe Premier Pro CC, Adobe After Effects CC, Microsoft Office All required software can be purchased through the college. Instructions on how to do so will be sent to students upon acceptance into the program.
Camera Manual mode, interchangeable lenses, hot shoe, sync port, audio in port, must be able to tether to Capture One Pro, must be able to shoot HD video at 60 frames per second Canon EOS 6D Mk2, Canon Mirrorless EOS R, Canon Mirrorless EOS RP, Nikon D500, Nikon D750, Nikon D780, Nikon D850, Nikon Mirrorless Z6, Sony a7 Mk2, Sony a7 Mk3.

*Canon Rebels are not suitable for this program as some models do not have hot shoes that sync with studio transmitters.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

David Scott, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4855
david.scott@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,985.24
  • international: $17,589.38

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $2,500 - program-specified camera; $2,100 - Mac laptop. Students also require lenses, tripod, flash meter, professional flash and supplies (as required).

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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