Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
(Oakville)
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Overview
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Courses
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Admission Requirements
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Careers
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Co-op
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Degree Completion
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Learning Outcomes
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Internship
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Fees & Financial Aid
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FAQs
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Labs & Technology
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Financial Planning Certification
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Professional Sales Certificate
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Program Transition
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Earn your Masters degree
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Transfer Opportunities
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Clinical Placements
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Articulation Agreements
Master the practice of professional photography.
Program Overview
An industry-focused professional photography program
With its entrepreneurial focus, this program prepares you for a dynamic professional photography career in communications. You’ll create conceptually and visually compelling still and moving images, and explore photography’s potential in existing and emerging fields. Through your studies and a hands-on internship, you’ll be prepared for work in the expanding world of image-based storytelling.
Work with the latest photography technologies
Our equipment and facilities are unmatched in Canada, and among the best in the world. Our studios are outfitted with state-of-the-art DSLR, medium format digital and video cameras. Students also work with advanced strobe and LED studio/location lighting. Sheridan’s labs have advanced displays and printers, the full Adobe Creative Cloud software suite and Capture One Pro software.
Benefit from Sheridan's outstanding industry reputation
For over 50 years, Sheridan's Bachelor of Photography has maintained an outstanding reputation and close relationship with the industry. This translates into meaningful internship positions and opportunities for graduates. These relationships also yield regular guest lectures and portfolio reviews, as well as judging and curatorial involvement in our graduate exhibitions.
Additional information
Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Photography program provides many opportunities for you to immerse yourself in image-based communications and creative visual problem solving. Through hands-on project work you will learn to manage problems and issues; research, collect, and evaluate ideas; synthesize and express concepts and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Throughout the program, you'll study the following areas:
- Product advertising in studio and on location
- Portraiture, fashion and food photography
- Editorial and documentary photography
- Architectural and industrial photography
- Emerging photographic applications
- Visual storytelling with still and moving images
- Histories and theories of photography
- Business of photography, including social media, branding and marketing
Equipment provided and additional costs
Students do not need to own camera equipment, as all project work in the curriculum is produced using equipment provided by Sheridan. Students are issued a full-frame DSLR camera kit for their exclusive use from September to the end of April for each of the first two years.
In years 3 and 4 they choose from a wide array of high-end digital video, DSLR and medium format digital cameras to produce projects. Students are also not required to own a laptop computer, as program computer labs are set up for post-production and academic work.
Additionally, the program features fully-equipped lighting studios and professional computer labs. A variety of accessories such as portable hard drives, Intuos Wacom tablets and other accessories required by the curriculum are given to students to keep.Students also receive Adobe’s Creative Cloud software for home use for the length of their studies at Sheridan.
You should plan to spend $500 per year in supplies (e.g. printing and mounting costs; props for studio and location shoots).
Internship
The internship is a distinctive element of Sheridan’s photography program. This 420-hour placement is completed in the summer between years 3 and 4, locally or internationally, in one or more professional work settings. Students work with and learn from a variety of industry professionals, gaining valuable experience towards their photography career. Internship preparation and guidance is provided by Sheridan’s Career Centre.
Program length
This four-year photography degree program includes eight academic semesters and one 14-week internship at the end of Year 3. The program will provide the degree-level credential typical of photography internationally.
Location
Sheridan Honours Bachelor of Photography courses are held at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Courses
Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.
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Semester 1
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 19278 Introduction to Studio 3 VDES 17900 Digital Production 1: Image Processing 3 VDES 10229 Photography Basic Design 1 3 VDES 13314 Conceptual Process 1: Photographic Expression 3 ENGL 1789GD Composition and Rhetoric (Mandatory Breadth Elective) 3 Total: 15 -
Semester 2
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 18406 Studio Practice 1: Light and Form 3 VDES 24310 Digital Production 2: Workflow 3 VDES 29353 Photographic Language 3 VDES 23314 Conceptual Process 2: Photographic Communication 3 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15 -
Semester 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 24995 Studio Practice 2: Specialized Lighting 3 VDES 18795 Moving Image 1 3 VDES 19120 Studio Portraiture: Posing and Lighting 3 HIST 17545 History of Photography 3 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15 -
Semester 4
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 37933 Studio Practice 3: Product Illustration 3 VDES 27174 Moving Image 2 3 VDES 21254 Studio Portraiture 2: Professional Applications 3 HIST 24857 History of Advertising Photography 3 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15 -
Semester 5
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 32002 Studio Practice 4: Fashion 3 VDES 39187 Location Photography: Outdoors – Architecture and Products on Location 3 VDES 33775 Documentary Photography 3 VDES 36084 Photographic Theory 3 Breadth Elective 3 COWT 10023 Cooperative Education Internship Forum – Degrees Total: 15 -
Semester 6
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 38956 Studio Practice 5: Product Advertising 3 VDES 36456 Location Photography: Interiors and Corporate Architecture 3 BUSM 24198 Photography Professional Business Practices 1 3 VDES 39820 Advanced Practice Special Topics 3 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15 COWT 18888 Internship (Degree Programs) -
Semester 7
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 44444 Photographic Studies 1 3 VDES 34361 Photographic Narrative 1 3 BUSM 33027 Photography Professional Business Practices 2 3 VDES 48249 Electives – Master Classes – Emerging Trends 3 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15 -
Semester 8
CODE TITLE CREDITS VDES 43431 Photographic Studies 2 3 VDES 41280 Photographic Narrative 2 3 VDES 40123 Photography Portfolio Project 6 Breadth Elective 3 Total: 15
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4U)
plus
- One Grade 11 or 12 Visual Arts credit at the (M) or Open level
- Four other Grade 12 subjects at the U or M level
- Minimum 65% overall average
or
- Two semesters of postsecondary education including required courses with minimum 65% overall average
Applicant Selection
Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses), and the results of their portfolio, letter of intent evaluation and participation in an information session. There is a portfolio assessment fee.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an Entrance Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Ministry Consent
Sheridan has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting June 12, 2017 and subject to renewal thereafter. Application to the Ministry for renewal of the consent is a prescribed and cyclical requirement for degree programs at all Ontario Colleges. Sheridan will ensure that all students admitted to the Honours Bachelor of Photography program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame. Credentials earned during the period of consent remain valid, even if Ministry consent to offer the program is withdrawn in the future. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Photography program begin their photography careers as assistants or freelance photographers, and then work their way into full-time employment or operate their own studios.
Sample employment areas
- Advertising photography
- Corporate photography
- Fashion and editorial photography
- Image bank photo editing
- Industrial and architectural photography
- Magazine photo editing
- Photojournalism
- Public relations and event photography
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Co-op
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Degree Completion
Faculty: Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design
Program Code: PBAPP
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Designation: Honours Bachelor's Degree
Campus: Trafalgar Road
Start Date: September
Program Information
The Honours Bachelor of Photography – Degree Completion program is designed for graduates of qualifying two-year Ontario photography diploma programs who are looking to further their education and develop the additional skills and knowledge required to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Photography.
The Degree Completion program consists of 6 academic semesters, and a 14-week industry work placement (not required for students with documented, equivalent industry experience). Degree Completion students will be required to take 105 credits to complete the degree.
Admission Requirements
Completion of an Ontario College Diploma in:
- Digital Photography and Imaging (MTCU Code 51830) or
- Photography (MTCU Code 51831)
- Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Photography (MTCU Code 71831)
The individual must have completed the program no earlier than 2005 and graduated with a GPA of 2.4 or better.
There is no portfolio requirement for applicants to the Honours Bachelor of Photography – Degree Completion program.
Core Courses
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1: | ||
| VDES 24995 | Studio Practice 2: Specialized Lighting | 3 |
| VDES 18795 | Moving Image 1 | 3 |
| VDES 10229 | Photography Basic Design 1 | 3 |
| HIST 17545 | History of Photography | 3 |
| VDES 13314 | Conceptual Process 1: Photographic Expression | 3 |
| ENGL 17889GD | Composition and Rhetoric (Mandatory Breadth Elective) | 3 |
| Semester 2: | ||
| VDES 37933 | Studio Practice 3: Product Illustration | 3 |
| VDES 27174 | Moving Image 2 | 3 |
| VDES 21254 | Studio Portraiture 2: Professional Applications | 3 |
| VDES 29353 | Photographic Language | 3 |
| HIST 24857 | History of Advertising Photography | 3 |
| VDES 23314 | Conceptual Process 2: Photographic Communication | 3 |
| Semester 3: | ||
| VDES 32002 | Studio Practice 4: Fashion |
3 |
| VDES 39187 |
Location Photography: Outdoors - Architecture and |
3 |
| VDES 33775 | Documentary Photography | 3 |
| VDES 36084 | Photographic Theory | 3 |
| COWT 10023 | Co-Operative Education Internship Forum-Degrees | 0 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| VDES 38956 | Studio Practice 5: Product Advertising | 3 |
| VDES 36456 | Location Photography: Interiors and Corporate Portraiture | 3 |
| VDES 39820 | Advanced Practice Special Topics | 3 |
| BUSM 24198 | Photography Professional Business Practices 1 | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| VDES 44444 | Photographic Studies 1 | 3 |
| VDES 34361 | Photographic Narrative 1 | 3 |
| VDES 48249 | Electives – Master Classes – Emerging Trends | 3 |
| BUSM 33027 | Photography Professional Business Practices 2 | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| VDES 43431 | Photographic Studies 2 | 3 |
| VDES 41280 | Photographic Narrative 2 | 3 |
| VDES 40123 | Photography Portfolio Project | 6 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Breadth Elective | 3 |
Work Placement
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| COWT 18888 | Internship (Degree Programs) – 14 weeks | 0 |
Note: This takes place between semesters 6 and 7.
Courses subject to change.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Learning Outcomes
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Develop appropriate and innovative solutions, working within the dynamics of the target market, with consideration for the requirements of an employer or client.
- Incorporate the knowledge of photography theories, principles and historical practices into the conceptualization and development of effective photographs.
- Integrate the principles of photographic language and design as well as knowledge of contemporary visual culture, into the creation and evaluation of one’s own work (in traditional and emerging media) and into the assessment of the work of others.
- Develop thematic bodies of photographic work that investigate and record the visual world and that explore and express ideas.
- Create photographic images utilizing a variety of technologies and workflow processes (image capture, manipulation, output, and distribution) in alignment with conceptual/visual objectives.
- Exhibit professional attitudes and behaviours, as well as effective leadership skills when working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Develop a professional practice strategy, including career opportunities and business models that includes effective project management, ethical and legal behaviour and thoughtful networking among professional colleagues and clients.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Internship
This program contains a mandatory internship for all students during the summer (May–August) between the 3rd and 4th year.
Internships are a form of work-integrated learning that links classroom learning with work experience within a professional environment. Internship work terms are related to the academic studies of the student and may be paid or unpaid. The work terms provide an opportunity to learn by doing. You'll apply theory to practice, develop a meaningful view of the working world, and cultivate an awareness of yourself as a professional.
Students receive in-class and 1-on-1 career education support to help prepare for the Internship. The Internship component is delivered by Sheridan's Co-operative Education Office, which facilitates over 1,800 Co-op/Internship work terms per year Sheridan-wide.
Learn more about Co-operative Education and Internships at Sheridan.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program Fees
Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.
The fees shown here are for the 2020–2021 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic terms of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent terms are not reflected on this website.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to Brock University.
Fees for Canadian students
$10,226.02
Fees for International students
$24,913.02Financial Aid & Awards
Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Labs & Technology
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Financial Planning Certification
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Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Professional Sales Certificate
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Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program Transition
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Earn your Masters degree
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Transfer Opportunities
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Clinical Placements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Articulation Agreements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Designation
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Duration
4 yrs (8 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program availability
Honours Baccalaureate Degree
Full-time 4 years Program code: PBAAP
| Start date | Campus | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville) | Available |
Become inspired
Go inside the creative minds of Sheridan’s photography students and learn what inspires them in their photography practice. Working with state-of-the-art equipment and evolving dynamic concepts, students produce compelling work to build a solid portfolio.
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