Program Highlights

As a student in this program, you will develop basic to intermediate skills in the photo arts, focusing your studies on primarily black and white darkroom arts photography. Using an understanding of the great photography masters, technical developments, and theories extracted from photographic history, you will assess the impact of social and political issues as they shape creative process and thematic developments. Mixed media images, creative presentation, and the effects of light will be explored in the development of works which will build a foundation portfolio through quality studio time and critiques involving the analysis and interpretation of photo based images.

This 15-week program is delivered in an intensive format, and is the equivalent to two semesters of fulltime studies. It includes courses in design and history for photographers. These courses provide a foundation for the development of a strong personal portfolio.

Why Choose Fleming?

The program is delivered at Fleming College’s Haliburton Campus, in the spectacular environment of Northern Ontario, yet less than three hours northeast of Toronto. The light and airy architecture of the main building, which was completed in the fall of 2005, houses studios and classrooms which were carefully designed for visual arts and crafts studies. This is an immersive experience -- you will be able devote yourself to your artwork in a challenging and collaborative atmosphere.

As a Fleming student, you will enjoy a number of choices in selecting your areas of interest in visual arts, as well as the duration of your study. With two semesters of study in addition to any art certificate program, you can complete the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma (two year). You can also enjoy the benefits of a number of credit transfer agreements with other post-secondary institutions.

Faculty members are not only professional artists and designers, but also dedicated teachers who are intent upon the development of your technical skills, creative thinking, and artistic integrity. The 40-year history of the Haliburton School of The Arts is proof of the passion and focus of its faculty, administration, and support staff, whose collaboration provides an environment rich in potential for studies in the arts.

What it Takes to Succeed

An interest in photography is essential to your success in this program. Other skills, abilities, and attributes that would be assets include:

• oral and written communication skills
• an open mind
• willingness to learn
• an interest in exploring the creative you
• ability to commit to intensive format
• previous photography or art experience

Career Opportunities

You have started a life long learning experience in the world of art with endless options in your pursuit of a career in the art field. You might continue to pursue a career by taking more advanced studies, or work as a studio artist to further develop your talents. Graduates will have the skills to seek apprenticeships in glass studios, or be qualified to rent studio time in public studios.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

Related Programs

The Photo Arts Certificate comprises 14 of the elective credit requirements for the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma - also available at Haliburton School of The Arts.

Additional Costs

Supplies fees of $770.00 are included in the tuition/fees above.

University Transfer Agreements

• Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Art History XI: Photography I (1800 - 1965)	47.50
Art History XII: Photography II (Historical Processes)	47.50
Colour - Photo Arts	47.50
Design - Photo Arts	47.50
Marketing/Portfolio Development	47.50
Photo Arts - Beyond the Borders	47.50
Photo Arts - Black & White I	47.50
Photo Arts - Black & White II	47.50
Photo Arts - Black & White III	47.50
Photo Arts - Contemporary Issues	47.50
Photo Arts - Image and Object	47.50
Photo Arts - Lighting	47.50
Photo Arts - Portfolio Development II	47.50
Photo Arts - The Trailing Edge	47.50

Semester 1

Art History XI: Photography I (1800 - 1965)

Course Number: ARTS0633

This general survey of the history of photography provides an overview of the period from the early 19th century to the mid 1960's. The great masters, major movements, technical developments, theories, and art criticism of this period will be examined through slide lectures, group discussion, readings and personal research. The course will focus on the analysis and critical evaluation of significant works in terms of their artistic, aesthetic and social relevance and relationships, one to another. Students will be encouraged to draw on their learning to inform and stimulate their own work. A research paper will comprise a major part of the course evaluation.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Art History XII: Photography II (Historical Processes)

Course Number: ARTS0634

This hands-on course provides students with the opportunity to use the knowledge gained in History of Photography I. Students will work with the historical processes that parallel developments in black and white photography. The creative vitality of the great masters and major movements will be the stimulus for the development of the necessary technical skills required to experiment with a range of historical processes. These include photogenetic drawing, cyanotype, Van Dyke, sabattier, cliché verre, photomontage, etc. Most are black and white processes although some colour techniques will also be examined, as will the ways in which various contemporary art movements such as the Dadaists have incorporated photo techniques in their oeuvre. In-class discussion will focus on the general art trends and issues of the period. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the difference between historical working conditions and the current health and safety controls and regulations that must be implemented today when handling, storing and disposing of chemicals. In addition to the studio exploration, students will be expected to develop a small portfolio of historical processes, using a suitable presentation format.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Colour - Photo Arts

Course Number: ARTS0981

In this in depth colour study, students will examine the structures of colour theory and perceptual mechanisms of the additive and subtractive colour wheels, as well as the `printer's' colour wheel. Colour properties and colour systems will be applied to the visual design within a series of exercises in the photography studio. Particular emphasis will be given to the property of value, both in black and white, as well as in full colour. Colour contrasts as they apply to the creation of focal point, mood and story will be examined in samples of photography of different styles and eras, as well as in students work. Research, presentations and in class discussions will be used to develop stronger perceptual and critical skills.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Design - Photo Arts

Course Number: ARTS0982

The content of the space within the image area can be determined by random accident or with completely designed choices. In this course, the student will be introduced to the principles and elements of design as they apply to the art of photography. Focal point captures the viewer¿s attention, while visual pathways reveal the story of a photograph to the viewer over a period of time. Examples of photographers and their work from different periods will be discussed with relation to their design choices and styles of expression. Students will experiment with various possibilities for design solutions by manipulating the elements of their content, as well as the organization within the frame. Particular attention will be given to aerial perspective and the perception of three-dimensional space along with the impact of colour as an element of design. Research, presentations, and in class discussions will be used to develop perceptions and critical thinking.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Marketing/Portfolio Development

Course Number: MKTG0053

Practicing artists can choose from many different paths to advance their personal and artistic goals. This course examines the ways in which artists can assess choices in further education, financing and operating their own studio, presenting themselves, and promoting and marketing their work. Students will analyze the various aspects of developing a portfolio, photographing and editing quality images for promotion and documentation, and writing an artist's statement, cv, cover letters, and promotional materials. They will research and evaluate the services of trade/support organizations, marketing venues, the process for grant applications, artists residencies and internships. Resources for learning the issues in successfully operating a studio, along with the business practices and legal implications of these operations will also be investigated. Students will summarize their personal goals to establish their own specific set of options for continuing their artist's practices. In class sessions will involve research, writing, presentation, and critical discussion.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Beyond the Borders

Course Number: ARTS0642

In photography, the expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings are not always best expressed in a conventional framed format. This studio course will provide students with the opportunity to explore and create in a manner that pushes the normal borders and boundaries of a predictable photographic arrangement. Students will work with projections, altered scale, photographic manipulation, site-specific installations, inclusion of sound and / or voice and aspects of audience participation. Development of technical skills and personal expression will be facilitated by individual and group critiques, studio time and slide lectures.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Black & White I

Course Number: ARTS0635

Black and White I introduces students to darkroom procedures and protocol and the use and care of darkroom equipment. Health and safety issues, as well as the environmental impact of photo chemicals will be examined in-depth, as well as ways to reduce or eliminate that impact. This course introduces students to image making through the photogram. The photogram, is an image-making process that does not require a camera. Working with a range of found objects, students will explore this unique "silhouette" photo paper process while being introduced to the very basics of exposure control and image development. Students will then work with film, first processing and then enlarging negatives they have taken. Personal expression and technical competence will be addressed through construction demonstrations, studio time, slide lectures, discussion and critiques.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Black & White II

Course Number: ARTS0636

This course explores the essential tools of black and white photography and the theory and practice of creating a basic black and white print. Students will be introduced to the types, and selection of film and paper and the use of darkroom equipment, chemicals, and darkroom procedures. Special attention will be paid to health and safety issues and managing the environmental impact of photo chemicals. Student projects will progress to use of the 35 mm camera where proper exposure techniques, (aperture, shutter and depth of field relationships), and the basics of photographic composition will be explored. Course work includes an introductory examination of the work of the great masters of photography. Course delivery includes demonstrations, slide lectures, studio time, field trips and daily critiques.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Black & White III

Course Number: ARTS0637

This course is an extension and elaboration of Black and White 1 & II. Students will begin by continuing their introduction to image making by constructing a number of pinhole cameras and investigate a variety of light sensitive materials and types of film that can be used for negatives. This course enables students to expand upon, and refine, the repertoire of methods and techniques that the photographer can employ. The emphasis is on the development of personal style, the communication value of the print, and understanding of critical theory and practice at an introductory level. Reference to the work of the masters in photo arts will help to inform and stimulate thinking. Development of technique, personal style and expression will be facilitated through demonstrations, slide lectures, practice, individual and group critiques and maintaining a personal studio journal.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Contemporary Issues

Course Number: ARTS0639

Using knowledge of the history of photography, students will examine contemporary issues in this art form in a more informed and focused way. Developments in photography since the early 1970s, and the leading edge photographers who were challenging the established norms will be examined against the social and political context of the day, as well as the artistic climate in which photo images were created. The course will help students to develop an appreciation of the issues that drive the art form and which will ultimately influence their own practice as an artist. Slide lectures, critical analysis, group discussion, gallery visits, artist talks, selected readings and personal research will facilitate this process.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Image and Object

Course Number: ARTS0641

This course examines the inter-relationships between photography and other media. Artists, past and present, have explored the strong affinity between photography and painting, printmaking, bookmaking, and video, as well as other mediums. Image and Object creates an environment in which students can explore the effects of altering, or transforming, a single still image into a new expressive art object. Whether it is through computer manipulation, sequencing, incorporating text or using a different surface / medium, there are an infinite number of ways to broaden the scope and application of a single photograph. Students will be encouraged to pursue a variety of explorations based on their interests and previous experience. Slide lectures and visiting artists¿ demonstrations will complement the studio objectives.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Lighting

Course Number: ARTS0638

Light is the heart of photography. Understanding light and its properties and qualities, is paramount to the success of any photographic process. In this studio course, students will begin an exploration of the properties of light, the types of light available to the photographer (natural, available, incandescent, studio strobe, etc.) and the diversity of its application. Course activities include safe handling of equipment and management of electrical hazards, demonstrations of a wide range of lighting scenarios and environments, group work, slide lectures, studio projects, site photography, daily critiques and the keeping of a studio journal.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - Portfolio Development II

Course Number: ARTS0644

In this extension of Portfolio I, students can expect to spend more time refining their technical skills, including exhibiting and documenting their work and writing with a purpose. In addition, time will be spent on exploring post-graduation career paths and work opportunities, as well as understanding some of the challenges encountered by the creative photographer. These include the nature of freelance markets, sales, copyright law, grant applications, exhibit planning, marketing and promotion, continuing education and professional development. Course outcomes will be accomplished through studio time, discussion with representatives from the arts community, group discussions, simulations, real world projects and individual critiques.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50

Photo Arts - The Trailing Edge

Course Number: ARTS0640

In the last fifty years, there have been a significant number of technological changes in camera design, standards of developing and presentation formats. Demonstrating the adage that, "what's old is new again", this studio course introduces students to the creative possibilities of tools and materials that others may consider dated or unusable. However, when put in the hands of artists, these techniques have taken on a new meaning of creative expression in contemporary photographic vernacular. Students will build on the historic and alternative processes explored in the History of Photography II, with the creative use of toy cameras, hand colouring, transfer processes, enlargement emulsions, instant photography, found negatives and more. This will be accomplished through studio time, slide lectures, classroom demonstrations, group discussions, daily critiques and keeping of a studio journal.

Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50