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Welcome, and congratulations on your acceptance into the Photography and Videography program at the Prince of Wales Campus.

You are about to begin a very exciting and busy new chapter of your life! The information provided here is intended to help you prepare for the upcoming semester. Please read through it carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.

Essential Information

Below is the list of required courses for year 1 of your program. To complete your course registration, log in to Self Service. For further information and step-by-step instructions, please visit our course registration guide. 

2026 PS Fall

  • PHOT-1000-PHOVI
  • PHOT-1015-PHOVI
  • PHOT-1025-PHOVI
  • PHOT-1035-PHOVI
  • PHOT-1045-PHOVI
  • SAFE-1005-PHOVI

2027 PS Winter

  • PHOT-2040-PHOVI
  • PHOT-2045-PHOVI
  • PHOT-2055-PHOVI
  • PHOT-2065-PHOVI
  • PORT-2050-PHOVI

Holland College - Key Dates:

  • First Day of Classes (Fall Semester): September 8, 2026
  • Last Day of Classes (Fall Semester): December 18, 2026
  • First Day of Classes (Winter Semester): January 5, 2027
  • Last Day of Classes (Winter Semester): April 23, 2027
  • February Break (No Classes): February 22-26, 2027

For a complete list of important dates, please consult the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar: https://www.hollandcollege.com/student-experience/registrars-office/academic-calendar.html

Required Books

  1. Photography (eBook) by Barbara London, Jim Stone. Publication Date: December 22, 2023 | ISBN-13: 978-0137988617 | Edition: 13

  2. Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2026 Release) – Paperback. Publication Date: January 4, 2026 | ISBN-10: 0135495008 | ISBN-13: 978-0135495001 | Edition: 1
 
These books will be available at Samuel’s Campus Store by the middle of August. They may also be available for purchase on Amazon.ca or ordered through your local bookstore. Please note that only the specific editions listed above will be accepted, so use caution when purchasing.

Required Materials & Tools

Lab Fee:

The Photography & Videography Program charges a lab fee to ensure that students have access to the supplies and materials needed for both assigned projects and independent creative work. The fee is based on the estimated average cost of materials used throughout the academic year. The Admissions Department collects the lab fee along with your tuition. You may also be eligible to claim this fee as a deduction on your income tax return.

For a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees, please visit the Holland College Photography & Videography program page. We believe in being transparent about program costs so you have a clear understanding of your investment before enrolling.

Additional Materials and Supplies:

A small amount of supplies will still be required beyond what the lab fee provides. These items should be acquired prior to the start of classes in September. Please refer to the list below for more information and do not hesitate to contact the program instructor directly if you have any questions. All items are commonly available at your local hardware and office supply stores.

  • Notebook
  • Pens and pencils (a selection of each, good quality)
  • Black waterproof marker (Sharpie, fine point)
  • Large utility “box cutter” type knife with “snap-off” retractable blades
  • Wide masking tape (1 roll)
  • Duct tape (1 roll)
  • Combination lock(s) (1 or 2 as required)
  • Portable hard drive (3-5 TB)

Note: Hard drive can be one you already own, but if so, it must be empty and may need to be formatted for use with Macintosh operating systems (or both Mac and PC)

Required Technology

As part of the Photography and Videography program, you will work extensively with Adobe software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro. You are responsible for purchasing your own Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps subscription. Having access to only Photoshop or the Photography Plan is not sufficient; it must be the full All Apps subscription.
 
Adobe offers a student discount, which significantly reduces the cost for eligible post-secondary students. While the subscription is billed monthly, it requires a 12-month commitment. You’ll find a link to the most up-to-date pricing information further down the page.
 
It is mandatory to purchase your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription before classes begin, so you’re ready to dive into the software on day one. Since you won’t yet have your official Holland College student ID before classes begin, Adobe allows you to verify your student status using other documentation. The following forms of proof are acceptable and can be accessed through your Holland College Self-Service portal once you have officially enrolled in your classes:
 
• Your Holland College email address
• A class schedule or tuition receipt
• An official confirmation of enrollment
 
These documents must be recent and clearly display:
 
• Your full name
• The school’s name
• A date confirming your current enrollment (e.g., semester or academic year)
 
For the latest student pricing and subscription details, visit:

Your First Day

  • Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Location: Room 28W, Charlottetown Centre, Prince of Wales Campus
  • What should I bring? Pen and paper to take notes

Program-Specific Information

Students are required to enter the program with a suitable DSLR or mirrorless camera system that supports interchangeable lenses and includes the option for an external flash. While there are various brands available in the market, Canon equipment is mandatory for the following reasons:

  • Holland College program currently stocks a wide range of Canon lenses, studio flashes, and other accessories, making it easier for students to access and borrow additional equipment.
  • Canon cameras have a strong track record in the photography industry, ensuring that students are using reliable and widely accepted gear.
We recommend considering the following Canon camera kits that meet the program's standards, though several other quality options are available. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on current retail trends, so it's advisable to check with multiple retailers for potential discounts. In addition to the "normal zoom" lens typically included with Canon cameras, a "telephoto zoom" lens is recommended but not mandatory. Telephoto zoom lenses with a range of 55-200mm or 70-200mm are suggested.
 
It is important to note that failure to secure a camera by the start of classes in September will result in dismissal from the program.
 
Please note that there are numerous other quality (Canon) options available in the market, and you can explore different models to suit your preferences and budget. If you have any doubts about your camera or lens choice, please feel free to contact the program instructor for additional support.
 
Student Level
  • Canon EOS Rebel T8i DSLR (24MP) w/18–55mm IS STM -- $1200 *
  • Canon EOS 90D DSLR (32MP) w/18–135mm IS USM -- $2000 *
  • Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless (24MP) w/18–45mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM -- $1500 *

Note: If possible, request the R10 with a 18–150mm f/3.5–6.3 lens instead of the standard 18–45mm.

Advanced Student Level

  • Canon EOS RP Mirrorless (26MP) w/24–105mm f/4–7.1 IS STM -- $1600 **
    Note: Consider the 24–105mm f/4L instead, as the kit lens listed above is relatively slow.
  • Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless (24MP) w/24–50mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM -- $2300 **
    Note: If possible, request the R8 with a 24–105mm f/4L lens instead of the standard 24–50mm.
  • Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless (32MP) w/18–150mm f/3.5–6.3 IS STM -- $2600 *
Professional Level
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR (26MP) w/24–105mm f/4L IS II USM -- $2900 **
    Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless (24MP) w/24–105mm f/4–7.1 IS STM -- $3600 **
    Note: Consider the 24–105mm f/4L instead, as the kit lens listed above is relatively slow.
High-End Professional Level
  • Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless (45MP) w/24–105 f/4L IS USM -- $7000 **

* This camera features a cropped sensor
** This camera features a full-frame sensor
Note: Due to studio trigger compatibility issues, the Canon R50 and Rebel SL2 and SL3 do not qualify.
 
Mirrorless vs DSLR:
Given where the industry is headed, and if your budget allows it, you should consider favoring mirrorless bodies over DSLRs (especially going forward). Studying and training on mirrorless means better futureproofing.
 
Consider slightly older but very good mirrorless full-frame bodies: For example, the original R6 (not Mark II) or an R5 (first version) might be available used or refurbished for less and still offer very strong spec-for-spec.

Please shop wisely and purchase quality equipment from knowledgeable and trusted sources. The following is a list of retailers we have experience with and feel comfortable recommending:

For inquiries regarding confirmation, registration, or campus resources, please contact Recruitment and First Year Advising at recruitment@hollandcollege.com.

For specific questions related to the Photography and Videography program, camera equipment, or any other matters, feel free to contact me directly using the email or phone number provided below my signature. Despite some upcoming vacation time during the summer, I always closely monitor my communications and will gladly assist you with any questions to the best of my ability.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you in September!

Jean-Sébastien Duchesne (JS)
Photography & Videography Instructor
jduchesne@hollandcollege.com
(902) 566-9551

A Message from the Program


Welcome and congratulations on being accepted into the Photography and Videography program at Holland College. I am looking forward to working with you this coming fall. We have an exciting and creative year ahead, filled with hands-on projects, new experiences, and opportunities to grow both technically and artistically. If you do not currently feel fully prepared for the start of classes, please do not hesitate to contact me for guidance or further information.

This intensive one-year program is designed to help you develop both the creative and technical skills needed to work in today’s visual media industry. Throughout the year, you will gain hands-on experience in photography, video production, lighting, editing, studio work, storytelling, and portfolio development using industry-standard equipment and software. Projects are practical, fast-paced, and designed to reflect real-world creative challenges while encouraging you to develop your own visual style. By the end of the program, you will leave with a professional portfolio and a strong foundation for careers in photography, videography, content creation, or further creative studies.

Contact Information