Photography Classroom

Photographic Technology

Do you have a passion for photography, visual storytelling, and creative media? Enter the exciting and rewarding world of professional imaging through Randolph Community College's Photographic Technology Program.

Students gain hands-on experience across a wide range of photographic disciplines, including commercial photography, portrait and wedding photography, multimedia journalism, video production, and digital content creation. Coursework explores camera and lighting techniques, studio and location photography, digital imaging and retouching, visual design, multimedia storytelling, and current industry business practices.

Creative concepts, technical skills, and professional workflows are developed through demonstrations, projects, portfolio-building assignments, and internship opportunities. Students learn to create compelling visual content while gaining the adaptability and problem-solving skills needed in today's evolving creative industries.

When you graduate, you'll be prepared for a variety of careers in photography, visual communications, multimedia production, social media content creation, photo editing and retouching, studio operations, and related fields.

[A30280]

Courses for this A.A.S. degree program are offered day, evening, online and/or hybrid, with the exception of PHO courses. They are only offered during the day.

First Year: Fall Semester (16 Semester Hours Credit)

  • ACA 111 - College Student Success
  • ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry
  • PHO 110 - Fundamentals of Photography
  • PHO 112 - Design Laboratory I
  • PHO 113 - History of Photography
  • ---- Humanities/Fine Arts

First Year: Spring Semester (16 Semester Hours Credit)

  • GRD 183 - Concept, Design, and Process
  • PHO 115 - Basic Studio Lighting
  • PHO 132 - Small-Format Photography
  • PHO 139 - Introduction to Digital Imaging
  • PHO 241 - Digital Image Technology

First Year: Summer Semester (7 Semester Hours Credit)

Second Year: Fall Semester (17 or 18 Semester Hours Credit)

  • PHO 217 - Photojournalism I
  • PHO 235 - Commercial Photography
  • --- Communication Elective
  • --- Multimedia II Elective
  • --- Natural Sciences/Mathematics

Second Year: Spring Semester (15 Semester Hours Credit)

  • PHO 210 - Professional Wedding Photography
  • PHO 216 - Documentary Photography/Multimedia
  • PHO 220 - Business of Photography
  • WBL 112P - Work-Based Learning - Photography
  • ---- Social/Behavior Science

Second Year: Summer Semester (4 Semester Hours Credit)

  • WBL 122P - Work-Based Learning II - Photography
  • ---- Capstone Elective

Total Semester Hours Credit: 75 or 76

Students will take WBL-112P and WBL-122P.

Capstone Elective

  • PHO 231 - Commercial Portfolio Capstone
  • PHO 232 - Multimedia Journalism Portfolio Capstone
  • PHO 233 - Portraiture Portfolio Capstone

Communication Elective

  • COM 110 - Introduction to Communication
  • COM 120 - Intro Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 231 - Public Speaking
  • ENG 112 - Argument-Based Research
  • ENG 114 - Professional Research & Reporting
  • ENG 116 - Technical Report Writing

Humanities/Fine Arts

Multimedia II Elective

  • PHO 243 - Multimedia II Journalism
  • PHO 244 - Multimedia II Commercial Photo
  • PHO 245 - Multimedia Portrait Photo

Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective

Social/Behavioral Sciences

  • ECO 251 - Principles of Microeconomics
  • GEO 111 - World Regional Geography
  • PSY 150 - General Psychology
  • SOC 210 - Introduction to Sociology

Courses in this certificate are offered day and hybrid.

First Year: Fall Semester (5 Semester Hours Credit)

  • PHO 110 - Fundamentals of Photography

First Year: Spring Semester (7 Semester Hours Credit)

  • PHO 132 - Small Format Photography
  • PHO 139 - Introduction to Digital Imaging

Total Semester Hours Credit: 12

Upon successful completion of all Photographic Technology Concentrations, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to control photographic exposure.
  • Execute photographic imaging processes.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in digital photography workflow.
  • Utilize lighting equipment.
  • Utilize design elements to produce photographs.

Students enrolled in the Photographic Technology program must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the following essential functions:

Criterion: Cognitive

Standard

A) Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information.

  1. Example: Measure and calculate accurately when performing photographic tasks such as mat cutting, studio setup, lighting placement, print presentation, and exposure calculations.
  2. Example: Apply reasoning and critical thinking to evaluate lighting, composition, visual communication, and technical solutions during photographic assignments.
  3. Example: Analyze photographic works by historical and contemporary artists, as well as one's own work and the work of peers, to support creative and technical growth.
  4. Example: Integrate knowledge gained through lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and hands-on experiences to develop and produce effective photographic solutions.

Criterion: Communication

Standard

A) Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with students, faculty, clients, and industry professionals.

  1. Example: Work collaboratively with classmates, faculty, clients, and production teams during classroom, studio, and location assignments.
  2. Example: Interact professionally with clients, models, art directors, stylists, vendors, and members of the public.
  3. Example: Participate respectfully in critiques by giving and receiving constructive feedback.
  4. Example: Build and maintain professional working relationships while demonstrating respect, accountability, and cultural awareness.
B) Communicate effectively using verbal, written, and digital communication.
  1. Example: Prepare and present project proposals, creative concepts, business plans, estimates, invoices, licensing agreements, and other professional business documents.
  2. Example: Communicate clearly and professionally through email, presentations, production documents, and client correspondence.
  3. Example: Follow and communicate written and verbal instructions during classroom, studio, internship, and client assignments.
  4. Example: Present ideas, photographic work, and technical information clearly to clients, faculty, classmates, and industry professionals.

Criterion: Motor Skills

Standard

A) Demonstrate sufficient motor skills to safely operate photographic equipment and complete production activities.

  1. Example: Safely operate analog and digital photographic equipment, including cameras, enlargers, film processing equipment, and related darkroom tools.
  2. Example: Assemble, adjust, operate, and safely use studio lighting systems, grip equipment, light stands, modifiers, tripods, and other production support equipment.
  3. Example: Operate computers and related technology to edit, organize, archive, and deliver digital photographic work using industry-standard software and input devices.
B) Demonstrate sufficient physical endurance to participate fully in classroom, studio, and field experiences.
  1. Example: Participate fully in classroom, darkroom, studio, and location photography assignments.
  2. Example: Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb ladders, and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
  3. Example: Safely lift, carry, and position photographic equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
  4. Example: Maintain the physical stamina required to complete photographic assignments of varying duration and complexity.

 

Criterion: Professional Conduct

Standard

 

A) Function effectively and adapt to changing production environments.

  1. Example: Remain composed and productive while working under deadlines or changing project requirements.
  2. Example: Adapt to changing lighting, weather, schedules, equipment, and client needs during photographic assignments.
  3. Example: Demonstrate professionalism while working independently and as part of a production team.
  4. Example: Make sound decisions while managing multiple priorities in classroom, studio, and field environments.
B) Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  1. Example: Follow program, college, and industry safety standards while using photographic equipment and facilities.
  2. Example: Respect client confidentiality, copyright, licensing, intellectual property, and ethical standards of professional practice.
  3. Example: Demonstrate appropriate behavior and professional communication in classroom, studio, internship, and professional settings.
  4. Example: Treat clients, classmates, faculty, and members of the public with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
C) Demonstrate integrity and accountability.
  1. Example: Complete assignments and projects by established deadlines.
  2. Example: Accept constructive feedback and incorporate it into future work.
  3. Example: Accept responsibility for equipment, facilities, and assigned work.
  4. Example: Demonstrate honesty, reliability, and accountability in academic and professional settings.
D) Present oneself professionally.
  1. Example: Maintain appropriate appearance and personal hygiene suitable for classroom, studio, internship, and client environments.
  2. Example: Wear appropriate attire and personal protective equipment when required.
  3. Example: Conduct oneself in a manner that reflects positively on the College and the profession.
E) Utilize technology effectively and professionally.
  1. Example: Use the College's learning management system and other instructional technologies.
  2. Example: Use industry-standard photographic software to organize, edit, archive, and deliver digital files.
  3. Example: Communicate professionally through email and other approved digital platforms.
  4. Example: Manage digital assets, file organization, and electronic records using accepted professional practices.

Criterion: Sensory

Standard

 

A) Demonstrate sufficient hearing ability to participate in educational and production environments.

  1. Example: Hear and respond to verbal instructions, safety information, and classroom discussions.
  2. Example: Monitor audio recordings and recognize equipment alerts, warning signals, or changes in equipment operation.
  3. Example: Participate effectively in classroom, studio, and location environments where verbal communication is essential.
B) Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to perform photographic tasks.
  1. Example: Observe subjects, lighting, composition, focus, and image detail during image capture and editing.
  2. Example: Distinguish color, tone, contrast, and brightness when evaluating and processing digital images.
  3. Example: Read camera displays, computer monitors, and other digital interfaces necessary for photographic production.
  4. Example: Safely work in studio and location environments that may include repeated exposure to electronic flash, strobe lighting, and changing lighting conditions.

 

Randolph Community College does not discriminate nor does it approve of discrimination against students or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that is protected by law.

Photographic Technology Fast Facts

A photography program ranked as one of the best on the East Coast. A state-of-the-art, newly renovated 37,000 square foot facility with ample studio space and modern computer labs. Over 50 years of experience in training some of the best photographers in the country.

Full-time tuition (16 or more credit hours/semester):

In State (North Carolina)

  • $1,216/Semester*

Out of State

  • $4,288/Semester*

*approx. based on 2015-2016 academic year

  • 35,500-square-foot lab & studio
  • Four digital imaging computer labs
  • Black and white film/print, C41 lab
  • Extensive film, digital, and a/v equipment

Full-time faculty/staff plus adjunct faculty serving up to 140 students annually.

Due to the amount of training required for use of the facilities and available equipment, all photography students start in the fall with ACA 111, PHO 110, and PHO 112. These courses are the pre-requisites for PHO courses that follow.

  • Two-year Associate Degree
  • 21-24 photography courses depending upon concentration
  • 6 semester, daytime, year-round curriculum and internships
  • Curriculum can be taken part time

Julia Dean, Jim DiVitale, Katrin Eismann, Lois Greenfield, Gregory Heisler, David Kennerly, Matthew Lewis, Charles Moore, Arnold Newman, Stewart Powers, Chip Simons, Michael Traister, Lindsay Adler, Tim Tadder

(part of each concentration)

Examples of past internships:

  • Black Star
  • Nick Vedros
  • Stewart Powers
  • Lisa Valle Evans
  • Michael Grecco
  • Jim Erickson
  • Smithsonian
  • Chip Simons
  • Duke University Medical Center

  • American Society of Media Photographers
  • National Press Photographers Association
  • Southern Short Course in News Photography
  • Photo Marketing Association International
  • Professional Photographers of America
  • Wedding & Portrait Photographers International
  • Professional Photographers of NC Society for Photographic Education

Contact Us!

Have more questions about the Commerical Photography Program? We're here to help.

Dhanraj Emanuel
Instructor, Photographic Technology
dnemanuel@randolph.edu
336-633-0283

 

Fill out this interest form to get your journey started today!

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