Photographic Technology
Photographic Technology program teaches students the basics of camera operation, lighting, photographic process, digital imaging, and photojournalism.
The photography field is unique because it provides a wide range of niches that can be filled, offering an array of employment opportunities. Because of this, the Photographic Technology program at CVCC teaches a wide range of hands-on classes ranging from documentary, portraiture, commercial, fine art, to photojournalism. Students work two semesters on portfolios based on career interests. This approach prepares students to enter the workplace or continue their education.
Our learning environment includes two Mac computer labs, a studio, darkroom, and student lounge area. Student galleries are located throughout the CVCC main campus and community including a permanent installation at the Catawba County Health Department. Many classes include “real life” experiences to work with local community partners and publications with Red Hawk Publishing including, "Newton: Then and Now" and the "Henry River Mill Village Food Culture: A Cookbook."
To help prepare students to enter the workforce, students compete in SkillsUSA, which is an organization that holds state and national competitions to develop technical, academic and employability skills. The CVCC photography students have won first place Photography Post-Secondary (PS) from 2013-2019 during state competition and has won third place in Nationals in 2014. Our students have also won second place in 2018 and first place in 2019 in PS Digital Cinema Productions during the state competition.
» Photographic Technology Portfolio
» CVCC Student Photographic Society Facebook Page
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Photographic Technology, AAS
- Photographic Technology Certificate
- Photographic Technology Certificate High School Pathway 1 Certificate
- Photographic Technology Certificate High School Pathway 2 Certificate
- Photographic Technology Commercial Photography Certificate
- Photographic Technology Portraiture Photography Certificate
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
Studios
The unique laboratory and classroom setup at CVCC maximizes the learning experience. There is virtually no distinction from lecture to practice in the lab. Instructors work alongside students in the labs, mentoring them as they pick up new skills and fine-tune their craft.
We provide a wide variety of professional equipment that our students use free of charge. We have high-end digital cameras, professional large- and medium-format cameras, scanners, and printers.
Careers
CVCC's Photographic Technology program graduates can go in a lot of different directions. Some have pursued the "never a dull moment" world of photojournalism while others go into the more predictable, controlled environment of studio photography. Others specialize in food, aerial, furniture, police, medical, or scientific photography.
Some photographers focus on providing digital images specifically for use on the Internet. Others license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies. Graduates can also start their own business or transition to other related fields, such as public relations or equipment sales.
Curriculum
The Photographic Technology program curriculum offers training in photographic techniques and their application in professional photographic disciplines. Where offered, students will receive comprehensive course work in four areas of concentration: biomedical photography, photojournalism, commercial photography, and portrait studio management.
Special emphasis is placed on developing skills in the following areas: fundamentals of camera systems, lighting, photographic process, digital imaging, design, and business practices.
Course requirements also include developing a resume, business cards, and a portfolio. Opportunities are available to exhibit student work on campus and around the area. Projects that involve students in the real world help them develop communication skills and get experience meeting important deadlines.
Career Outlook