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Photography & Videography Admission Portfolio Description & Criteria


Portfolio Submission Guidelines

Students applying to the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ 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:

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:

If submitting as attachments to an email:

SUBMITTING WITH IS AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO EMAIL (RECOMMENDED)

If submitting on a memory stick:

Option to submit additional material to earn bonus assessment points

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: 

 Assessment Rubric  

Criterion 

Not Yet (1) 

Beginning To (2) 

Well Developed (3) 

General Impressions (Demonstrated Interest in Exploration & Creativity)

 

A limited variety of genres and subject matter are included 

A few of the images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer 

Some variety of genres and subject matter are featured 

Several of the images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer 

A wide variety of genres and subject matter, including portraits, are featured 

Most or all images make a powerful initial impact to the viewer 

Technical Skill  (Demonstrated Knowledge & Intentional Control) 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

Learning Skills & Work Habits 

 

  • 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 
  • 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  
  • 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 

A minimum of 6 points must be achieved for admission into the program. 

Bonus Points 

Criterion 

1 Bonus Point 

2 Bonus Points 

Additional Social Media Content

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. 

Relevant, polished, well-curated social media content featuring a wide variety of locations, lighting situations, and subject matter. Includes both photos and videos.