Today's successful photographers know more than just their cameras - they're ready to design, edit, market, connect, write and sell.
The Lambton College Advanced Photography program is a two-year, Ontario College graduate certificate program that provides students with the opportunity to expand their skills to work as professionals in the ever-evolving field of photography. Student learn advanced photography and post-production skills, as well as, learn how to utilize drones for professional photographic images.
Our students prepare for this fast-paced and expanding career using modern digital photographic equipment in a state-of-the-art photography studio. The program is laptop-based and fully hybrid (a combination of both online and in-class learning), offering students the benefits of flexible learning.
In today's Canadian photography industry, entrepreneurial spirit along with working with clients is paramount. As such, the curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including design and composition, digital darkroom, lighting and camera skills, and full, robust portfolio development. At the core of the program is our state-of-practice photography and video studio, equipped with strobe, video and continuous light kits. Students work in this space both individually and as a group, using professional quality equipment.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary
to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications
or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting one of the following scores:
- IELTS of 6.0;
- TOEFL iBT 69; or
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test.
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
Technology Requirements
Each student in the Advanced Photography program must purchase a laptop computer, certain software packages and a digital SLR camera. These tools should be considered an investment for the future, since nearly all photography jobs require this equipment.
Please visit the Costs tab for more information.
Course List
DPH-1403: Lighting Techniques I
This course provides an introduction to choosing the appropriate light for your creative vision and making informed technical decisions about this light. By using demonstrations, theory, and practice, students will be given an opportunity to explore methods for the control and manipulation of available light sources. Emphasis is placed on lighting principles, quality of light, techniques and effective use of associated equipment. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative, and critical thinking while encouraging the students to take a practical approach to capture quality images. This course is delivered in a hybrid delivery method, meaning, two hours per week will take place in-class/studio/on-location while the remaining hour will be provided on-line.
DPH-1102: Digital Darkroom I
This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge with an emphasis on image processing. Students will learn to use essential retouching tools and begin to develop professional, industry-standard techniques. Foundational skills for restoration, image manipulation and black and white conversion will be covered.
DPH-1003: Digital Photography Techniques I
This course is the introduction to the fundamentals of digital photography and primarily focuses on technical aspects associated with digital cameras, lenses, and associated equipment. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking, while encouraging the students to take a practical approach at capturing quality images. This course is delivered in a hybrid delivery method, meaning, two hours per week will take place in-class/studio/on-location while the remaining hour will be provided on-line.
DPH-1303: Design and Composition for Canadian Photographers
In this course students analyze the internationally recognized criteria for good image composition and design principles in photographic and multimedia applications. The Rule of Thirds (with layers), diagonals, texture, colour versus black and white, viewpoint and perspective, contrast and the theory of light and colour will be explored. Students will apply basic industry standards to critique the work of their peers and themselves.
DPH-3353: Popular Culture for Canadian Photographers
Industries of popular culture like fashion, music, art, and entertainment all enjoy a close relationship with photography. Mindful photographers are driven by popular culture to capture its most striking features and create provocative images that resonate with viewers. In turn, popular culture influences contemporary movements in visual art and photography. By practicing mindful critical thinking, students identify, interpret, and evaluate popular culture's dialogue with the photographic arts. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to examine the reciprocal relationship between popular culture and specifically the Canadian photography industry. This course is delivered in a hybrid delivery method, meaning, two hours per week will take place in-class/studio/on-location while the remaining hour will be provided online.
SCU-1603: FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship
FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship is a gamified business simulation where students assume the role of an entrepreneur pursuing their passion of selling clothing online and in their retail store. The player subcribes to the guidance of a business coach and will build a successful venture in a virtual neighbourhood. The player can upgrade their store and operations by completed learning modules and testing. Through self-paced gameplay, students learn important concepts from Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Health and Safety, Risk Management and more. In the process, they acquire the skills to effectively run a company as they upgrade their operation by completing learning modules and quizzes. Each student has a unique playing experience via ingame customizations, such as avatar creation, and store design. All content is contained within the game - no textbook is required. Students who have successfully completed MAN-1183 are not eligible to take this course.
DPH-1313: History of Art and Canadian Photography
This course will study the history of photography from its inception, including both technological and artistic innovations in Canada and around the world. The course will also provide an overview of Art History, concentrating on the period from the Old Masters through to modern times, and has a focus on how this has impacted photography in Canada. Students will relate the posing, lighting, and composition of artists to photographic techniques. Students do not require a camera.
DPH-2403: Lighting Techniques II
Lighting Techniques II is a continuation of DPH 1403. This course analyzes principles and practices of studio and location lighting using available, continuous and studio strobe light sources. It also provides students with technical and theoretical skills in lighting ratios, traditional portrait lighting techniques and three-dimensional contrast as well as emphasizing the importance of safe handling and management of studio lighting equipment. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking, while encouraging the students to take a practical approach at capturing quality images.
DPH-3203: Digital Darkroom II
Instead of using conventional darkrooms, today's photographers process digital images using computer software and monitors. Digital Darkroom II explores advanced digital image editing and processing, printmaking, colour calibration, enhancement techniques and asset management using Adobe Photoshop and Bridge. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking, while encouraging the students to take a practical approach at editing and creating quality images and prints. This course is delivered in a hybrid delivery method, meaning, two hours per week will take place in-class, while the remaining hour will be provided on-line.
DPH-2003: Digital Photography Techniques II
Digital Photography Techniques II is a continuation of DPH 1003 and explores advanced techniques and theories of digital photography. The course will consist of discussions, demonstrations and supervised shooting with an emphasis on shoot production and studio management. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking, while encouraging the students to take a practical approach at capturing quality images. This course is delivered in a hybrid delivery method, meaning, two hours per week will take place in-class/studio/on-location while the remaining hour will be provided on-line.
DPH-2113: Portrait and Wedding Photography I
This course provides extensive hands-on instruction on posing and capturing professional quality portraits and weddings, in the studio and on location. Students will also be taught the skills of running a portrait studio including marketing, pricing, dealing with clients and sourcing suppliers.
DPH-4123: The Business of Photography in Canada
Being a great photographer is only part of the equation: you also have to be a great business person. A photographer's longevity is based not only on talent and skill, but on the financial aspects of being in business. In this course, we will navigate our way to a successful Canadian photography business through the practice of maintaining your artistic integrity while carefully integrating the components of Canadian business commerce. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking.
DPH-1703: Video Production
As an introduction to video production, DPH-1703 will teach the fundamentals involved in video content creation from the perspective of a professional photographer. Photography students will learn foundational elements for planning, filming, and editing video productions for personal and professional use. During this course, students will have the opportunity to create their own video productions to showcase their photography work and to promote a local business.
DPH-3403: Commercial Photography
Recognize the inter-relationship between theory and practice of photography and the range of professional and commercial applications of photographic technique. The course explores commercial photography, the creation, sub-categories, marketing, sales and value of images produced for corporate, marketing and business purposes.
DPH-3113: Portrait and Wedding Photography II
This course explores the contemporary and historical methods of portrait and wedding photography. Through lectures and in-class demonstrations, students develop the skills of posing and capturing, as well as marketing and sales, of unique and professional quality portraits.
DPH-3223: Photojournalism
This course emphasizes the story-telling aspects of photography. From the historical importance to the ability to enact societal changes, photography is a powerful media that has a huge presence in our lives. With that presence, comes the ethical and moral issues that a Photojournalist must consider and understand. The course explores the many facets of Photojournalism including; sports; documentary; news; feature; portraiture photography.
DPH-3102: Digital Darkroom III
Instead of using conventional darkrooms, today's photographer processes digital images using computer software and monitors. Digital Darkroom III explores advanced digital image editing and processing, printmaking, colour calibration, enhancement techniques and asset management using Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge. The learning is evaluated through assessments that have been designed to promote technical, creative and critical thinking while encouraging the students to take a practical approach to edit and creating quality images and prints.
DPH-2703: Drone Photography
In this course students learn how to safely fly drones for photography. The course introduces the basics of aerial photography, drone systems, essential aviation knowledge and business possibilities. Students learn to plan missions, safely fly a drone and capture images from the air. During the course students fly drones to create a collection of aerial photographs they can add to their portfolios. The course covers the knowledge required to pass the Transport Canada Basic Drone Certification.
MKT-1103: Social Media Marketing
This course explores online marketing tools and tactics, such as social media, email, digital advertising and content marketing, that businesses can use to build a profitable relationship with their customers. Students engage in simulated social media, email and digital advertising campaigns to gain a better understanding of how to use these tools in their marketing efforts. Along with learning about digital and social media marketing, students learn general principles of marketing that are key for every business, regardless of industry or size: identifying who your customers are; understanding what needs they have that you are uniquely able to serve; creating a brand voice that speaks to them; identifying who your competitors are; deciding how to differentiate your offering from theirs; and creating a plan for engaging customers across social media and digital advertising platforms.
CPL-5559: WIL Project
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.
WIL Project Prerequisites (CPL-5559)
In order to continue onto Term 4, the following prerequisites must be met:
- Overall GPA of 2.0 or greater
- No more than two outstanding courses in addition to WIL Project
- These courses must be able to fit your WIL schedule conflict free
- Courses scheduled back-to-back with your WIL shifts are considered in conflict (applies to students studying in Sarnia ONLY)
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates pursue a variety of employment opportunities as travel, sports, portrait, photojournalism, wedding and fashion photographers. They can also work in the areas of photo manipulation or as restoration artists or multi-media professionals.
Careers exist in commercial, corporate, private or personal businesses.
Graduates are encouraged to understand their niche and pursue it passionately. Relocation should be considered depending on the career aspirations of graduates.