PHOTOGRAPHY

Career Summary

Photographers produce, prepare and record images using film, video, and digital technology to illustrate or explain an idea in a visual manner. They use a combination of cameras, films, lenses, filters, and lighting to create and produce the final picture. To create quality photographs both technical expertise and creativity is required. Modern technology allows greater creativity and technical control, using computerized and special software. Photographers are able to manipulate and enhance scanned and digital images to create a desired effect such as larger, more colorful and accurate prints. Photographers must have hands-on knowledge of computer editing software to be competitive. Graphic images are used in business, science, medical research, law enforcement, journalism, and entertainment. Photographers generally specialize in a particular subject matter such as portraits, landscapes, nature, news, buildings, models, artifacts, and merchandise. The difference between opportunities lies in the subject matter, work experience, pay, design knowledge, and overall creative ability. Although there is no systematic way of entering this occupation, determination, skill, formal preparation, design knowledge, creative ability, and a sizable portfolio are important factors for success.

Program Description

Photographic Arts programs are designed to prepare people as free-lance photographers, studio photographers, graphic arts photographers, and motion picture photographers. Classes enable students to become skilled in still and motion-picture camera use and maintenance, and all aspects of the film exposure and development. Programs vary, but many universities, community colleges, vocational-technical schools, private colleges, and art schools provide training and photography courses. Most associate degree programs concentrate on photographic techniques, while graduate programs focus on advanced photographic technology and theory, with concentration on related programs such as film studies, cinematography, picture and television and photojournalism. Photographic Arts programs generally include small classes, individual instruction, laboratory work, and individual projects.  GCC students may choose the Certificate or  the Associate in Science degree in Photography. The recently constructed state-of-the-art photo laboratory offers student both traditional fine arts equipment and new, modern, high-technological software programs. The lab features a black and white darkroom, a fantastic lighting studio, alternative processes, and Photoshop software. Advanced classes include Imaging with Photoshop, Special Effects with Photoshop, Digital Photography, Web Page Creation, and Interactive Web Animation with Flash. There are classes for the novice as well as the expert.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should consult with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss university transfer requirements.

Key Skills and Characteristics

	Creativity and the ability to visualize pictures from objects
	Understand photographic procedures and techniques
	Ability to discriminate and distinguish between colors, shapes, and sizes.
	Capable of meeting production deadlines with precision
	Experience and knowledge of computers and software is recommended
	A thorough understanding of camera operations, lighting, composition, darkroom procedures and special properties of films and paper