Commercial Photography is a concentration under the curriculum title of Photographic Technology. This curriculum provides in-depth study of professional commercial photography. Its segments, business practices, tools, techniques and applications are explored via demonstrations, assignments, and on-the-job internships. Course work includes in-depth study of advertising photography and product illustration; studio and location camera techniques and lighting; model, food and architectural photography; layout specifications and art direction; corporation and stock photography; digital imaging applications; and current commercial business practices.

Graduates should be thoroughly prepared to successfully perform the duties required in entry-level positions within the commercial photography industry.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Photography is a competitive field with many opportunities for sharp, aggressive individuals. Places of employment for graduates include commercial and portrait studios, educational institutions, newspapers, magazines, and corporations. Working conditions vary widely depending upon the major field of study within photography. For example, a biomedical photographer would work almost entirely inside, while a photojournalist would frequently work outside or on location. Entry-level salaries vary widely, usually $19,000 – $28,000 annually.

COURSE INFORMATION

Major Courses

Photography (20 courses) - These courses cover the basics of black and white photography; materials and processes of black and white and color photography; materials, processes and techniques used in custom color printing; traditional mounting and corrections techniques used in color and black and white photography; basic perceptual and design skills; hands-on study of the large- and small-format cameras; studio lighting for object illustration, portraits and products; digital imaging; digital photography; commercial photographic illustration; advertising photography; and computer-based multimedia production; and planning, executing and presenting a professional portfolio.
Cooperative Education (2 courses) - These courses consist of work experience with a College-approved employer.

General Education Courses

Electives (2 courses) - Commercial Photography majors are required to take a 3-credit-hour social/behavioral science course and a 3-credit-hour humanities/fine arts course.
English (2 courses) - These courses emphasize the writing process and professional communication skills.
Math (1 course) - Topics include applications to percent, ratio and proportion, formulas, statistics, functional notation, linear functions and their groups, probability, sampling techniques, scatter plots, and modeling.

Faculty Advisor

The faculty advisors for Photographic Technology are:
Greg Stewart, (336) 633-0325, gtstewart@randolph.edu;
Chuck Egerton, (336) 633-0283, caegerton@randolph.edu;
Ashley Fetner, (336) 633-0285, asfetner@randolph.edu;
Bill Thompson, (336) 633-0285, wethompson@randolph.edu;
Irene Townsend, (336) 633-0283, pitownsend@randolph.edu;
Kevin Eames, (336) 633-0237, kceames@randolph.edu.