Media and Communication Studies student Tamia McPherson secured a paid job after impressing brand client in Elaine Chan-Dow’s class
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class and learning from Elaine. She gave me so much knowledge that I’ll carry forward as I continue producing strong, professional brand photography.” — Maya Greenspoon, MCS student
With the snap of their cameras, University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) Media & Communication Studies (MCS) students in Elaine Chan-Dow’s reimagined MDST*2510 Studio Lighting Fundamentals course went beyond technique and creativity in the studio. New for the fall 2025 semester, students had the chance to work with real brands, equipping them with the business acumen needed to succeed in the competitive media and marketing industries.
Chan-Dow secured brand partnerships with Dillon's Small Batch Distillers, Château des Charmes, Graydon Skincare, and Helena Lane Skincare, which provided products for the students to shoot. She also had the students approach companies for another photography assignment to shoot their products according to brand guidelines, just as they would in the professional world. This included some rejection until they found a “client." The course culminated in students presenting their work at the Photography Showcase in December 2025 at Guelph-Humber.
“To have a successful career in photography requires both the technical and the creative, but also the business side, especially as an entrepreneur or a freelancer,” Chan-Dow said of the experience the course offers students. “When you're new, it's seldom [that] the brands approach you and give you the artistic freedom.”
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Originally, the course only focused solely on studio techniques, but Chan-Dow wanted to incorporate content beyond what she felt students could easily teach themselves. While she still taught the basics, Chan-Dow tapped into what she wanted to learn as a student and realized what was missing was working with brands themselves, including “hustling” to gain clients, communicating with clients, shooting campaign photos, and following established marketing directives. Her goal was to prepare students for what they’d experience upon graduation, simulating the working world.
She added that through her revamped course, students also built a professional portfolio of work they could use when applying for jobs or securing clients as freelance entrepreneurs.
“Having students work with brands and the business side of things gives them confidence to approach people and negotiate, whether it's pricing or timeline or commitments,” Chan-Dow explained.
And after approaching curly haircare company OutNo.d for her assignment, third-year MCS student Tamia McPherson also secured a work opportunity with the brand after impressing the owner with her photos and professionalism.
“This was a great introduction to how I'll have to interact with people professionally,” McPherson said about what she valued in the course. “Even sending emails and proposals and having meetings with the owner ahead of time was a big process, so I made sure I was prepared.”
This professional simulation prepared McPherson for working with OutNo.d again, this time, for pay instead of credit. She will be taking product photos for the company’s website. She felt the course helped her build confidence and gave her perspective about what to expect in the workforce as she aspires to build her own photography business.
“I got as much hands-on experience as possible. It's important for any student, especially when you're in this industry, because textbook work and understanding theory is great, but getting into the studio and having to work with other people is crucial,” she said.
Furthermore, MCS student Christina Auciello said the opportunity to take this course was “incredibly educational,” giving her insight into what a career in the field looks like. She cited the most significant lesson she learned was to research a brand’s style and guidelines, but also their social media presence and past advertisements to understand the brand’s vision. This allowed her to deliver a final product that aligned with what the client wanted.
Her classmate, Maya Greenspoon, shared similar sentiments. She said the course helped give her an understanding of how to translate brand identity into strong visuals, whether that’s dark and moody, or light and refreshing.
“Setting up lights taught me how to shape a brand’s mood by highlighting key product details, while staying true to the creative brief,” Greenspoon said. “I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class and learning from Elaine. She gave me so much knowledge that I’ll carry forward as I continue producing strong, professional brand photography.”
The course shaped students into becoming entrepreneurs with strong skills behind the camera, and Chan-Dow supported students every step of the way, being a source of knowledge and guidance in and out of the studio.
“Elaine Chan-Dow provided a deep understanding of how to properly work with brands in a professional manner and supported our creative process through the course,” MCS student Michael Cianfarani said, who approached and worked with Sardo Foods.
To experience this innovative course, learn more about the Media & Communication Studies program here.
