Professional Photography Program

Professional Photography Program

Take the next step towards your new career

Find out more information about start dates, requirements, tuition & financial aid

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Campus:
Online Campus
Winnipeg Campus
Delivery:
On Campus ,   Online
Program Length:
32 weeks
Diploma Issued:
manitoba

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Capture your Dreams.
Launch A Career In Photography.

Our grads have won national and international awards, and launched successful careers as free-lance photographers, photojournalists, archivists, artists, staff photographers and much more. Willis College’s Professional Photography Diploma Program (formerly known as PrairieView School of Photography) is one of the most comprehensive photo courses in Canada. We teach the art, science and business of photography in a state-of-the-art learning centre where discovery and creativity are celebrated. Upon completion of the program, our graduates will have perfected their ability to think critically and to see the world as an image-maker. They will have the technical skills and creativity necessary to create compelling photographs and meaningful portraits consistently. They will have built a professional photography portfolio, and they will have launched their own website. They will have all the tools necessary to launch their career in the photographic industry.

Is the Professional Photography program right for you?

The Professional Photography diploma program provides you with a well-rounded exposure to the professional world of photography environment through hands-on training, assignments and feedback. Our photography training helps you develop practical skills appropriate for various photography careers. With hands-on training with our program, you are job-ready the moment you graduate. Our diploma program contains courses on framing and subject placement, creating mood and meaning, motion imaging, branding, websites, social media marketing and more.

If you are interested in pursuing a professional photography career and want to join the workforce with experience within a year, the Professional Photography program from Willis College could be perfect for you.

This program is an excellent fit for:

  • Someone passionate about the art of photography
  • Someone who enjoys working with people
  • Someone interested in running their own business and setting their own hours
  • Someone who is looking for a career that is fulfilling both personally and professionally

Total program length is 32 weeks

Are you looking for our Photography Workshops? Find out more here.

Job Market

Successful graduates of this program may pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding professions, including:

  • Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer
  • Commercial Photographer (architectural, product, food, real estate)
  • Travel Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Stock Photographer
  • Sports Photographer
  • Nature/Wildlife Photographer
  • Fashion Photographer
  • Fine Art Photographer
  • Scientific Photographer

Salary Information

Average Wage ($/hr) – $27.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $38.70
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 5221, 5222
Source: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Why Choose Online Learning

Welcome to Willis College Online. A different way to learn.

Online learning is broken. The traditional online learning model of sending a student their learning materials and expecting them to complete things alone each week doesn’t work. Students feel alone, not sure if they are doing things right, constantly feel the pressure of feeling behind in their work, and the goal of graduating and finding a career seems far off in the distance. To fix this problem, we have taken an entirely different approach to how online learning is done. Willis College Online is bringing the benefits of learning on-campus right into your home.

What makes Willis College Online different?

  • Learn 100% online in a live, instructor-led program: You and your classmates will attend live lectures each day online. As well, since each lecture is recorded, you will have the ability to go back and review the materials taught by your instructor.
  • Instructor-paced program: You don’t need to worry if you are falling behind. Your instructor keeps you on pace to graduate on time.
  • Finish in under a year: Successful students will graduate in under a year.
  • Learn from anywhere in Canada: Our number one goal is to help you prepare for the right career no matter where you live in Canada.

Willis College Online is the newest and easiest way to get started towards your new career. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Take the next step and speak to one of our Admissions Advisors today.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.

For Mature Students:
If you don’t have a High School Diploma, we have admissions options specifically for you depending on which province you are in enrolling. Please contact us to see how our Admissions Team can help you achieve your new career.

Your application must include an original transcript from the last full-time school you attended as well as ten recent, assorted images. You may bring your transcript with you to your interview. Images should be sent via email to prior to your interview.

Program Outline

Please click on the course title to see the course description.

  • Image Capture

    Through hands-on instruction, studio time, and real-world shooting experience, this course will teach students the technical camera skills they will need to run a successful business. Camera basics such as shutter speed, light, and metering will be taught, as well as flash photography, portraiture, and studio lighting. Students will learn how to create strong, compelling client work and will build their portfolios.

  • Digital Techniques

    In Digital Techniques, students will learn how to process their images from beginning to end. Through extensive Lightroom and Photoshop lessons, students will learn to develop their personal style and master the tools needed to create amazing images in post-production.

  • Creative Imaging

    The Creative Imaging course draws from visual design theory, art history, and critical thought to help students develop their own unique artistic vision and aesthetic style that transcends photographic genres.

  • Motion Imaging

    Motion Imaging will teach students the fundamentals of video. Throughout the year, students will learn how to shoot different genres of video (from interviews to promo videos), proper workflows, and the foundation of editing a video in post-production. The skills they will develop in this course will allow them to visualize and create videos for future projects and clients.

  • Industry Studies

    This course covers all the basics of running your own business, from taxes to websites and everything in between. Students will graduate understanding the art of Instagram, marketing, and pricing, as well as have a well-rounded knowledge of what it takes to make it as a business owner in this industry.

  • Analogue Techniques

    The Analogue Techniques course teaches students the art of film photography and printing in the darkroom. Students will learn how to work with various types of film, develop their own film, scan negatives, and make prints in the darkroom.
“When I first started at Willis I was a shy, self-conscious girl… but Willis changed all that! My time at Willis was knowledgeable, fun and most importantly self-rewarding. The PSW program was amazing. I learned so much. All of the staff are absolutely awesome; they looked at you as a person and not just a number filling up a seat.” Rachel Goyer Personal Support Worker

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