Focal Point photography school closes after 39 years

by Stephen Hui on Sep 17, 2012 at 12:59 pm
I shot this photo of a tire swing on Granville Island during a Focal Point field trip in 2010.
Stephen Hui

Lots of aspiring photographers have taken classes at Focal Point in Vancouver over the years. I'm one of them.

Unfortunately, other would-be students will now have to look elsewhere, as the photography school at 4474 West 10th Avenue closed its doors earlier this month.

My email to the school today (September 17) received the following auto-reply:

Focal Point is now closed.

Thanks for 39 years!

It was great to be able to help all the thousands of photography students!

We wish you the best in your photographic endeavours!

Established in 1973, Focal Point offered a full-time diploma program as well as part-time courses in genres such as street and night photography. The school was accredited with B.C.'s Private Career Training Institutions Agency.

In any case, I'm sure I'm not the only photo enthusiast who will miss shooting the interesting characters who often served as models in Focal Point's downstairs studios.

You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Comments (12) Add New Comment
public
Sep 17, 2012 at 5:11 pm
why?
2
2
Rating: 0
Natalia
Sep 17, 2012 at 6:44 pm
From what I was told, the owner of the school had other priorities and could not afford to keep the school running. I was very upset they closed because out of all the schools in Vancouver I felt they had the best education and passion for the art there :(
3
3
Rating: 0
Psge Turner
Sep 17, 2012 at 7:36 pm
My guess is this September's student registrations were not sufficient to keep the place going. I will miss it too, I took a course there in the eighties. I had hoped to take a course with Alex Waterhouse Hayward there, as he was a regular instructor for several years. While the cost of any of the courses was considered reasonable by most, it proved prohibitive for me.
2
3
Rating: -1
Photofun
Sep 18, 2012 at 5:32 pm
It is truly sad to see an institution like this go in Vancouver! Good thing that we still have Vancouver Photo Workshops. They just renovated their space and have a great Gallery in the upstairs. The teachers are true professionals and very inspiring.
3
4
Rating: -1
Eliot
Sep 18, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Sad news. As one of the interesting characters who used to model there, I'll miss this place!
3
4
Rating: -1
Jen L
Sep 19, 2012 at 5:09 pm
I'm so sad to see that Focal Point has closed. It was a great school filled with amazing teachers and creative students.

It will always have a special place in my heart, as it was Focal Point where I first laid eyes on my fiance Carlos. It was this month 5 years ago, that 2 hours and 55 minutes into the 3 hour class, Carlos walked in and said "I think I'm late." And he's continued to make me laugh ever since!

So Dear Focal Point, thank you for not only teaching me photography skills, but for giving me a moment that forever changed my life by introducing me to the most amazing man I've ever met
3
4
Rating: -1
Megan Morrison
Oct 6, 2012 at 10:45 am
I am so sad - I took two courses at Focal point and rented their studio - soooo sad that I can no longer come back
2
2
Rating: 0
Chelsey
Oct 24, 2012 at 10:20 pm
I finished in July and have yet to receive my 750$ deposit back . Ridiculous!!!
4
2
Rating: +2
Kathryn M.
Oct 27, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Devastated! I just finished their basic course in the spring which I loved. My instructor, George S., was the best! Was hoping to continue on but now that won't be happening there. Sad for everyone involved.
2
3
Rating: -1
TaniaC
Oct 29, 2012 at 3:48 pm
I was going to enroll for the November classes and couldnt fine the information I pulled in August, thats 2 bad, anyone have advise on where a newbie can get some training??
2
4
Rating: -2
Douglas Williams
Oct 29, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Lots of us photography instructors at Langara College used to teach at Focal Point.
Try the Langara courses.
1
1
Rating: 0
Photog in Van
Feb 4, 2013 at 8:00 pm
So disappointed to see Focal Point close. I took the Basic course there and was just checking into taking the intermediate course. I learned so much there, the in-depth level of details, techniques, and practise situations. Such a great school, I pity all those who missed out and congratulate all those who attended.

Was the closure due to abnormal increases in Vancouver property taxes over the last decade that so many other businesses are failing because of?
1
2
Rating: -1
Add new comment
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.