What You Will Learn
Whether you aspire to start your own photography business as a commercial photographer, transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree or want to work as an artist, the faculty within the Photography Technology program at CCM are committed to providing you with skills that fit your personal ambition and career goals.
Hands-on experience is prioritized to develop both the creative ability and the technical skills essential to photography careers. Following a foundation year of digital and darkroom photography, the second year includes specialized courses in lighting, video, virtual reality, postproduction techniques, color management and portfolio building.
Curriculum
Our Photography Technology program includes an impressive 40-credit core featuring Photography I and II, Color Photography, Contemporary Photography, Integrative Studio, Studio Lighting, Moving Images, Portfolio Preparation, Professional Studio Photography, Documentary Photography, Analog Photography Techniques, 2D Digital Design and the option to take 3D Digital Design or Photography and the World.
Careers in the Field
An Associate of Applied Science degree in Photography Technology from CCM is a fantastic start for creative careers, such as:
- Art Photographer
- Cinematographer
- Content Creator
- Event Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Portrait Photographer
- Re-Toucher
- Real Estate Photographer
- Studio Manager
Transfer Opportunities
This is a solid foundation program equal in content and quality to major art programs throughout the country, setting up the potential for a smooth transfer to a four-year institution. We are proud that our students have transferred to some of the most prestigious colleges in the state and around the country, including:
- Art Institute of Chicago, IL
- Jersey City University, NJ
- Montclair State University, NJ
- Parsons The School for Design, New York City, NY
- Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
- Ramapo College, NJ
- Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
- Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
- Rutgers University, NJ
- The Corcoran College of Art and Design, DC
- The Museum School of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
- The School of Visual Arts, New York City, NY
- William Paterson University, NJ
Why Study Photography Technology at CCM?
- The internationally recognized faculty has the pulse of contemporary photography and image-making trends.
- Access to outstanding facilities including Mac-based digital imaging labs for still and moving images, virtual reality lab, traditional wet-lab darkroom, and lighting studio.
- Usage of a wide range of equipment from professional 360-degree video cameras to traditional large-format film cameras and an array of lighting equipment
- Build a portfolio that is required in today’s world to showcase your skills to potential employers and clients or for admission to a four-year institution.
- Opportunities to join the student-run Photography Club or one of 50 other campus organizations.
- Eligible to potentially be awarded the Jim Del Giudice Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship, established in memory of former faculty member and photographer, Jim Del Giudice
Paying For Your Photography Technology Education
Earning an associate degree in photography technology is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! In addition to the awarding of the Jim Del Giudice Memorial Scholarship to two full-time students annually, the CCM Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Photography I
In this entry level photography course, students will be introduced to a basic digital photography workflow: from image capture to output. Through a series of technical exercises and creative assignments, students will explore the fundamentals of photography as a visual language. Assignments will emphasize the key elements of photographic form (light, composition, time, vantage point, symbolism), and the basics of industry standard imaging software – all in service of transforming reality into a complex photograph. Students will discuss aesthetic, technical, historical, and formal issues through demonstrations, exercises, and critiques.
Studio Lighting I
In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of lighting techniques, both in the studio and on location. In a sequence of hands-on exercises, students will learn how to see, shape, and control natural and artificial lighting for a range of applications: commercial, fashion, still life, photojournalism, contemporary art photography etc. Combining lighting technical skill set with an ideas-based practice, students will complete assignments to advance their understanding of image-making possibilities across all areas of photography.
Moving Images
In this studio course, students will be introduced to the principles, techniques, and aesthetics of video and film production. They will examine all aspects of the production, including pre-production (planning, screenplay writing etc.), and post-production (editing). Through a series of assignments, students will explore different video and film genre, ranging from commercial to documentary and experimental. In class, screenings of the works of relevant contemporary figures in film and video will complement the hands-on experience. Working individually, with the instructor, and peers, students will be given the space and guidance to develop and articulate a thoughtful, creative voice.
Photo Munch
CCM Photo Club
Are you a current or potential photography student at CCM? If so, we hope you will consider joining Photo Munch! Here you can find information about photography courses, find out about club activities, and view student portfolios!
Your Photography Technology Faculty Advisor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
