How do I apply?

The steps to apply are listed on the Langara website here. If you have difficulties with the application process (such as uploading documents/transcripts), please use the contact form on that page. If you have questions about the program or portfolio requirements, contact us here.

What type of portfolio do I need to have to apply to the program?

As part of the interview process, applicants must present a portfolio of their photography work. The portfolio could be a traditional printed portfolio, a website, or images hosted online. Some applicants bring a laptop or tablet to the interview to show their work, while other applicants send a link to the portfolio before the interview starts. The images in the portfolio may be captured with any camera, including a smartphone. The portfolio should demonstrate some knowledge of a camera, composition, and creative vision.

The minimum requirements for the program, technically, is the ability to use a camera on manual mode. For applicants who are stronger in composition and aesthetics rather than technical capabilities and we therefore recommend taking PHOT1100 (Photography Fundamentals) prior or during their first term at Langara.

What is the entry interview like?

One of the program instructors will conduct the interview. The interview may take place via video call or in person at the college. The interview aims to discern whether Langara is a good fit for the applicant - we want all our students to know what type of school we are, our areas of focus and what they can expect when they graduate. At Langara, we focus on commercial and portrait photography and want to ensure applicants will have success completing our program and in the industry after graduation. The Langara Professional Photography Department receives a high level of applicants, so we want to ensure everyone in the program is on the right path. During the interview, the applicant will present their portfolio (see portfolio options above).

How long does it take to complete the program?

Two years is the minimum amount of time it will take to complete the program, and three years is the average. The program runs from September to April, and there are no classes held during the summer. Students are welcome to complete the program at their own pace; however, please note that not all classes are offered every term, and some may only run once a year. Additionally, some classes may be prerequisites for others. Due to the prerequisites and availability of classes, it is recommended to complete the program in two or three years.

Check out the academic planner to see the course loads. Please note: choosing either 2 or 3 years will start the students in September, and the 2.5 year option is for a January start. It’s recommended to follow the planner exactly, and if going off-schedule, please see the department chair for advice.

I would like to take one or two classes a year. How do I sign up for this?

Langara Professional Photography Department offers a Citation program in Photography. For the citation program, no interview or portfolio is needed. The citation program focuses on photography fundamentals and photography adjacent classes. For classes PHOT1100, PHOT1200 and PHOT1120, a camera is loaned to the student for the duration of the term.

The citation program does NOT take place in the photography studios; these are classroom and on-location-based courses. This is a great introductory course where students learn how to use a camera.

I already have photography courses from another institute. Can I enroll directly in the advanced studio classes?

Please visit BC Transfer Guide to see if your classes transfer over. Classes do not transfer to Langara unless they are listed on the BC Transfer Guide.

I took manyclasses at Langara’s Continuing Studies program. Do these classes transfer over to the Professional Photography Diploma Program?

No, the Continuing Studies Department is a separate school from the Professional Photography Diploma Program. You will need to start at the beginning of the diploma program and take the classes in the same order as the other students. The Professional Photography Diploma Program has prerequisites for nearly every course, and courses must be taken in order to access the advanced studio courses. We unfortunately have no program in place similar to Continuing Studies.

I’m a professional photographer who would like to improve my studio and lighting skills. Can I take second-term classes and skip the introduction classes?

In order to take the second term and advanced classes, all first-term and prerequisite classes must be completed.