Photography & Videography Admission Portfolio Description & Criteria
Portfolio Submission Guidelines
Students applying to the Holland College Photography and Videography program are required to submit a portfolio (collection of images) in support of their application. The purpose of this portfolio requirement is to establish the applicant’s level of foundational understanding of the elements of photography and/or videography, and to confirm their commitment and dedication to photography and videography. We are looking for applicants who show potential, visual curiosity, and a clear desire to learn how to create engaging and impactful content.
Your portfolio should accurately reflect your photographic exploration and experimentation, creativity, personal vision, and technical proficiency. It should also include a wide variety of subject matter and genres such as candid and formal portraiture, landscape, architecture, nature detail, still life, abstract study, travel, sports, animals, and wildlife.
We suggest including images taken from different angles and perspectives, close-up shots of objects or people, wide-angle shots where even small background elements become part of the story. We also encourage the use of different types of light such as side lighting or back lighting, indoor light, or the portable power and predictability of an external camera flash. Black and white images are also welcomed. If Photoshop is already your passion, you are welcome to include some of your best composites.
Remember that your portfolio is a selection of your best images that showcase a wide range of subject matter all taken from your personal point of view. You will be sharing your unique way of capturing the world around you. Let your personal sense of style shine through to ensure your submission stands out from the rest.
Portfolio Submission Details and Specifications
Your portfolio should include 12 to 15 still images:
- Digital submissions only
- Acceptable file format: .jpg or .pdf
You also have the option of including original video content. Be sure to edit your best work before submitting, mainly for run time (maximum 5 minutes total).
If submitting through link/URL:
- Send the link in the body of an email to: jduchesne@hollandcollege.com
- Verify that the link is active and accessible from any computer.
- Ensure all files are well organized and can be viewed by any computer (other than the one used to create your portfolio).
- An email reply will be sent to you as confirmation of receipt.
If submitting as attachments to an email:
- Send your email to: jduchesne@hollandcollege.com
- Please include your first and last name in the body of the email.
- Keep in mind that email servers will not transmit messages larger than a certain total size (usually 10-20MG), so keep your individual image size small (but not too small).
- If using email, we recommend sizing each image 1920 pixels on the longest edge.
- If multiple emails are required, make all efforts to send everything in the fewest messages possible, and indicate in each subject line how many emails you are sending in total, to ensure we have everything (i.e., 1/3, 2/3, 3/3)
- Ensure all files are well organized and can be viewed by any computer (other than the one used to create your portfolio)
- An email reply will be sent to you as confirmation of receipt
SUBMITTING WITH WETRANSFER.COM IS AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO EMAIL (RECOMMENDED)
- It is easy to use, and you can send up to 2 GB at once for free.
- This option is more convenient them email, especially if you are submitting video(s).
- If you have never used it before, you will have to create a free account before you start.
- In the “Email to” section, enter: jduchesne@hollandcollege.com
- Please input your first and last name in the “Message” section.
- Ensure all files are well organized and can be viewed by any computer (other than the one used to create your portfolio).
- You will receive an email confirmation form WeTransfer once your images have been successfully downloaded by us.
If submitting on a memory stick:
- Please ensure your first and last name, your email address, and the program name (Photography and Videography) are on or attached to the memory stick.
- Ensure all files are well organized, can be easily located, and can be viewed on any computer (other than the one used to create your portfolio).
- Memory sticks must be delivered by hand, courier, or regular mail to the address below. Clearly identify it as portfolio material. It will be kept in the Photography and Videography office for a maximum of one year. Applicants will be contacted by email to make arrangements for pick-up or delivery.
- MAIL TO:
Holland College Admissions Office
Photography and Videography Portfolio Submission
140 Weymouth Street,
Charlottetown PE Canada C1A 4Z1
Option to submit additional material to earn bonus assessment points
- Submitting social media links to strong and impactful social media content (both photos and videos), in addition to the 12-15 portfolio images requested, may add up to two (2) bonus points to your official portfolio score.
- Possible options include Facebook Albums, Instagram, Flickr, etc.
- This bonus social media content does not replace your actual portfolio.
- You can send in your portfolio and social media links simultaneously, or your links can be sent in a follow up email to jduchesne@hollandcollege.com. (Please include your full name in the email so that you are easily identifiable).
If at any time you have questions about assembling and sending in your portfolio as part of your application to the Photography and Videography program, do not hesitate to email jduchesne@hollandcollege.com.
Admission Portfolio Assessment
Applicant Portfolio Includes:
- All components (12-15 images, optional video 3-5 mins in length).
- A variety of genres and subject matter, including portraits.
- Images that demonstrate understanding and intentional use of basic camera settings.
- Well-exposed and focused images that attend to effective composition and lighting.
- Portraits that clearly capture the main subject with expression, lighting, posing.
Assessment Rubric
Criterion
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Not Yet (1)
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Beginning To (2)
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Well Developed (3)
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General Impressions (Demonstrated Interest in Exploration & Creativity)
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|
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A limited variety of genres and subject matter are included
A few of the images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer
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Some variety of genres and subject matter are featured
Several of the images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer
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A wide variety of genres and subject matter, including portraits, are featured
Most or all images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer
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Technical Skill (Demonstrated Knowledge & Intentional Control)
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|
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Few of the images:
- are well composed
- use effective focal length & depth of field
- are well-exposed with intentional use of diverse lighting conditions
Collection does not include portraits, or includes portraits, but needs work on expression, intentional use of lighting, posing, etc.
|
Many of the images:
- are well composed; collection demonstrates limited variety of camera angles
- use effective focal length & depth of field
- are well-exposed with intentional use of diverse lighting conditions
Collection includes portraits that capture the main subject with expression, intentional use of lighting, posing, etc.
|
Most or all images:
- are well composed; collection demonstrates a variety of camera angles
- use effective focal length & depth of field
- are well-exposed with intentional use of diverse lighting conditions
Collection includes portraits that clearly capture the main subject with expression, intentional & effective use of lighting, posing, etc.
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Learning Skills & Work Habits
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|
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- Fewer than 9 or more than 18 images are included
- Video (if included) under 2 or more than 6 mins in length
- Submission emails/files are disorganized and/or difficult to access
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- Fewer than 12 or more than 15 images are included
- Video (if included) is shorter than 3 or longer than 5 mins in length
- Submission emails or files are somewhat organized
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- 12-15 images are included
- Video (if included) is 3-5 minutes in length
- Submission emails or files are well-organized and easy to access
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A minimum of 6 points must be achieved for admission into the program.
Bonus Points
Criterion
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1 Bonus Point
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2 Bonus Points
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Additional Social Media Content
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Relevant social media content featuring a variety of locations, lighting situations, and subject matter. Includes only photos, or mostly photos with a small number of videos.
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Relevant, polished, well-curated social media content featuring a wide variety of locations, lighting situations, and subject matter. Includes both photos and videos.
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