| Program
Length:
Two-Year Diploma
Career Opportunities:
The Photojournalism program has been tailored to provide the skills
editors require of new employees and photographic staff. Advisory
committee members from many of Canada’s major newspapers and
magazines have helped shape this unique program, designed to develop
creative new talent for Canadian journalism. Graduates of the program
are working throughout Canada as photojournalists, reporter/photographers,
picture editors and photo technicians for daily or weekly newspapers,
wire services and other publications. Some graduates work as freelance
photojournalists or photographers, others as digital publishing
specialists. To maximize career opportunities, students should possess
the equipment necessary to do the job and be willing to relocate.
A valid driver’s licence is also essential for employment.
Program Description:
The Photojournalism program begins with a basic introduction and
orientation to the mechanics of journalism and digital photography,
including reporting and writing, news judgement, camera operation,
electronic publishing, and location lighting techniques. Also included
is an exposure to the history, philosophy, traditions and ethics
of photojournalism. As of 2004/2005, the Photojournalism program
will deal exclusively with digital image capture.
In the second semester, class work includes the honing of basic
camera techniques, and the types and objectives of news photography
including feature, spot, photo stories, and general news and sports.
The second semester also includes further exposure to electronic
publishing and digital imaging and to the principles of photo page
design.
In the second year, students concentrate on advanced photojournalism
techniques including assignments outside of the home area, multiple
pictures such as photo stories and essays, and editorial illustrations,
food and fashion. They also expand their knowledge of digital photography
and computer-based image processing. Students apply their classroom
training by photographing, reporting, writing and editing assignments
for The Pioneer, Loyalist College’s award-winning community
newspaper, and The Online Pioneer, its world wide web counterpart.
The program finishes with a formal internship in the photography
department of a magazine, newspaper, wire service, photo agency,
or with an editorial photographer. Students have interned at Life
magazine, Equinox, Magnum Photo, The Vancouver Sun, The Spokane
Spokesman Review, Maclean’s, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto
Star, The Toronto Sun, The Ottawa Citizen, The Ottawa Sun, The Calgary
Herald, The Windsor Star, The Kitchener Waterloo Record, Reuters,
Canadian Press, and with photographers Donna Ferrato, and the late
Erich Hartmann of Magnum, New York.
Students in the Photojournalism program may also reserve a place
in the post-graduate E-Journalism – Online Publishing and
Computer Assisted Reporting or Media Marketing and Sales programs
(see pages 104-105).
Approximate Costs (2003–2004):
Tuition: $2,358.00 (two semesters)
Books: $400.00 – $450.00
Consumables Fee: $90.00
Equipment and
Supplies
Students entering the Photojournalism program must possess a Single-Lens-Reflex
(SLR) Digital camera with both Automatic and full Manual operation,
and the capability of using interchangeable lenses. A complete Photojournalism
Equipment and Supply List is mailed to each student when their application
is received by the College. It can also be downloaded as a PDF file
(see below).
NOTE: Students are strongly encouraged to seek
related employment in the summer between Years One and Two. Prospective
students should also be aware that summer work on newspapers is
usually less remunerative than some traditional areas of interim
employment.
Admission
Requirements:
Required academic preparation -
• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced,
(C), (U), (U/C) or (O) or
• mature applicant
Recommended academic preparation:
Advanced English, computer literacy, basic photography, current
events, history, geography and public speaking.
Note:
Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire. They may also
be asked to submit a portfolio and/or be interviewed to confirm
potential aptitude for the program. 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.
Students must be prepared for an above-average commitment of time
and intensity. Simultaneous part-time employment could prove difficult.
Students must also be prepared for several expenses beyond fees,
such as books, cameras and lenses, photographic materials and incidental
expenses during assignments and internship.
The Photojournalism
supply list is available for download (pdf format, 51 k)
Download the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe.com |
