MEDIA RELEASE

VANCOUVER, BC (January 3, 2007) - As a part of its unique advantage to stay ahead of the competition, in September 2006 VanArts (Vancouver Institute of Media Arts) started its first intake of students for its brand new Diploma Program in Digital Photography. This one year, full-time diploma program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment as studio, commercial and product photographers.  Several students already have paying clients utilizing their services after only 4 months of enrollment in the program!

This is the first program in North America to focus primarily on photography in digital format, since the vast majority of commercial photography has shifted to digital. At the same time, the program incorporates the fundamental elements of pre-digital photographic technique to ensure students develop the skills required to enter the commercial photography field. The program concludes with a 4-week practicum.  The facilities at VanArts are state of the art, including a fully functional photography studio space and computer lab, each student with their own personal Mac workstation.

The program has been developed by professional local photographer Marc Koegel, director of Vancouver Photo Workshops, an organization that brings high profile photographers like Ralph Gibson and Mary Ellen Mark for speaking and instruction. Says Marc, “One of the things that attracted me to starting this diploma program with VanArts was the fact that they share the same vision for bringing master craft people in their respective fields to Vancouver.”  Marc himself teaches many of the core classes, along with his team of industry professionals to provide hands-on training and career guidance.

To apply for the full year diploma program, students must be high school graduates or at least 19 years of age. The next start date is scheduled for February 26, 2007 and applications can still be submitted.

For more information about the program, including a short video preview, visit www.vanarts.com/prog_dp.  For an opportunity to visit the school and meet students and instructors, please contact the Admissions Department at (604) 682-2787 or email admissions@vanarts.com.

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, VanArts was founded in 1995 with Academy-Award winning animator/director Lee Mishkin as its program director. VanArts is fully accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia and offers diploma and certificate programs in 2D and 3D animation, game art and design, visual effects and digital photography. For more information visit www.vanarts.com.