Students in Humber Polytechnic’s Creative Photography program showcased their work at a portfolio grad show on April 15, highlighting a range of styles and approaches to visual storytelling.
The free exhibition at Twist Gallery, 1100 Queen St. W., Toronto, featured graduating students presenting portfolio books, framed prints and digital work, offering the public a look at their final projects.
Lauren Cheong, a full-time educator in the Creative Photography program, said students develop their creative voice through a mix of assignments and independent projects.
She said the program focuses on helping students communicate ideas while building the technical skills needed to execute them. She said students face challenges during the program, particularly with time management while building a portfolio alongside other commitments.
“There are a couple of different challenges that sometimes students face with building portfolios. One of them is just simply time management. Sometimes that can be really daunting to have to build a portfolio while still balancing school and other projects and life outside of school,” she said. “Checking in with them on a regular basis, providing different timelines and schedules for them, to keep them on track.”
Cheong said instructors also guide students in navigating emerging tools such as artificial intelligence.
“Everyone's talking about AI, as that's having a big impact in a lot of the things that we do in different industries. Within post-production and Photoshop, not necessarily teaching them the mechanics of those tools. It's not a helpful approach to teach them,” she said. “But just teaching them how to approach AI in a thoughtful way, using their critical thinking, and also thinking about the ethics of AI, thinking about how that's going to apply to their practice as they move forward, and don't be afraid of it.”
She said storytelling remains central to photography across all genres.
“I think storytelling is very important. At the end of the day, it's sort of the foundation of everything that we do right in photography, whether it's journalism or photo documentary work, whether it's family portraits, even commercial product photography. There's always some sort of story that we're trying to tell with the images that we create,” she said.
Cheong said building confidence is key for students entering creative industries.
“In creative industries, there's always a lot of self-doubt. As creatives, we're always questioning if our work is good enough and if we have what it takes. With students, it's just trying to get them to see their images outside of their own perspectives,” she said.
She said they encourage taking risks when producing creative work.
“It's reassuring them that even if you take a creative risk, whether it's on a project or a concept that maybe you want to shoot for your portfolio,” she said. “ It's reassuring them that even if that doesn't work out in the way that they want, it doesn't mean that that photo shoot was a failure. Even just the experience of experimenting and trying something new is super valuable.”
She said creating a supportive classroom environment is essential.
“Developing that safe space in a classroom that they feel that they can do that, that they feel that they are supported and in a safe environment where they can try new things. I think that's really important,” Cheong said.
She said she is motivated by helping students reach their individual goals.
“As an educator, I'm really inspired and driven to help students accomplish their goals, whatever those goals might be. Something that really inspires me with working with students is seeing that progression throughout the two-year program,” she said. “Wanting students to be successful in whatever that means to them. Whether that is working in industry, finding jobs right away. For other graduating students, sometimes it's just having this passion and love of photography that's always kind of there in their lives. Maybe it's like a side hustle sometimes.”
Cheong said the program's equipment booking centre, known as the “cage,” is a key resource that allows students to access professional gear.
“Our equipment, booking centre, and our cage is one of the biggest assets that we really have. We are extremely fortunate to have the equipment that we have and the quality of equipment that we have,” she said.
Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez, 23, a student in the program, said confidence is important for photographers starting out.
“Honestly, just be yourself. When I first started, I started to feel confident in myself, and at first, I was scared people would judge my work. Just take a deep breath, do the thing you love,” she said.
Gonzalez said her favourite photograph was taken in Toronto.
“My favourite piece I really loved to work on, was when I took one of this lady I had just met and she was wearing a blue dress and the background was the CN Tower and it was my favourite moment,” she said.
Jaime Marin, 47, said he discovered his passion for photography after moving to Canada.
“When I moved to Canada, I felt very lonely, and then I bought a new camera and started to do street photography and travelling. I decided to join the program at Humber, and now I am finishing in two weeks and graduating in the summer.”
He said he remains open to different opportunities in the field.
“Naturally, as always, I am the guy who likes to do everything. To be honest, I haven’t decided what I am going to do after this; I just have a passion for this. To take my camera and picture whatever is in front of me and whatever I can frame,” he said.
He said he will miss his time in the program.
“I’m 47, about to finish my program, and I just feel like I am going to miss this.”
Marin said he would recommend the program to others.
“I gotta say, I am very lucky I got to do this program. All of the parts of it, the facilities, the school, and everything is just amazing, I have to say,” he said. To anyone thinking about this program, just try, don’t think about it, just do it. Humber has an amazing program, and I would do this program over and over again.”
Stefanie Alexander, 21, said she works across multiple areas of photography, including beauty, commercial, editorial, and product work.
“My portrait class in my first semester taught me a lot about lighting and very simple techniques. I think I enjoyed that one the most, the teacher was really nice and informative as well," she said.
She said creativity is a defining part of the program.
“I think the amount of creativity, you can do whatever your vibe is, and everybody here is so different but so creative in their own way, and I think it is really nice that everyone has their own style,” she said.
Aidan Aaltoneen, 23, said his interest in documentary-style photography has shaped his approach.
He said he previously studied photojournalism before enrolling in the program. He said he also had the opportunity to be a cage-side photographer at an MMA event, which was a highlight of his experience.
“The meaning of photography is all about connection and true real-life stories. How you are able to look at it, connect to other people, whether it's through places, clothing, a drink. All sorts of things, you never know. I think it is all about connection,” he said.
Program Coordinator David Scott said students are often pushed outside their comfort zones through assignments.
“Whether it is to go talk to someone and interview from the industry. Whether it's photographing someone they don’t know and it forces them to talk to talk to a stranger,” he said.
Scott said students are increasingly working across multiple formats, including digital and video content.
“They move into all kinds of places where visual images are made or needed. Maybe you're going to do a company's LinkedIn, or write a copy, maybe you'll maintain and update web content, headshots, short videos for promo use and advertising. You have to do a number of things, that's one thing we have noticed.”
He said the two-year diploma includes 22 courses covering studio work, location shooting, and post-production.
"They learn still life, tabletop photography, and shooting people in different situations, available light, studio lighting,” he said. “Forming themselves as creative professionals who can offer their services to clients.”
Scott said students spend several months preparing their final portfolios.
“For this show, the content they are showing is a portfolio book printed, and a website, as well as a couple of framed prints. They start thinking in December and early January to April, it's four months of work.”
The show also includes industry sponsors, providing students with opportunities to connect with professionals as they prepare to enter the field.
