Degree Overview: Associate of Photographic Technology
Majors Overview August 9, 2013In this article, you will learn about associate degree programs in photographic technology, as well as obtaining information on job prospects, requirements, and courses to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Photographic Technology
Students enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in photographic technology degree programs are instructed on the aspects of commercial and portrait photography, fine art, professional photography and photojournalism. Various certificates may be offered by the programs; these include a photographic artist certificate and a digital assistant certificate. Such certification will assist students in getting employment in certain aspects of professional photography.
Students are instructed on various camera formats along with lighting and composition, among other things. An associate’s degree program in photographic technology usually takes between two and five years to complete. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma, in addition to submitting standardized test scores. After completion of the associate degree program, students will be ready to continue their education by enrolling in a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Program Coursework
Photographic technology programs areas of focus might include portraits, wedding photography, mixed media, fashion photography, and advertising. Students will also learn about medical photography, commercial photography, managing a portrait studio, and photojournalism. Program course topics may include the following:
•Retouching photographs
•Darkroom techniques
•Mass media
•Cinematography
•Art studies
•Composition and literature
•Photo imaging
•Business practices
•Digital imaging
•Design
•Lighting
•Photographic processes
•Fundamentals of camera system
Career Options
Photographic technology associate degree program graduates will have different options when choosing a career in the photography industry, including self-employment as professional photographers. Imaging, design, photographic laboratories, and sales technology are a few of the areas in which graduates might be qualified to work. Graduates may pursue the following career options:
•Photo lab technician
•Web designer
•Portrait photographer
•Photographic equipment salesperson
•Biomedical photographer
•Photography assistant
•Photojournalist
Information on Continuing Education
Upon completion of an associate’s degree program, graduates may choose to further their education by enrolling in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in photographic technology. Students enrolled in such programs will be taught about different types of photography, such as advertising and commercial and the courses offered could cover photojournalism, nature photography, photography themes, and art comprehension. A bachelor’s degree in photojournalism or photography could prove beneficial to some interested individuals. Through the photojournalism programs, students are taught about magazine design, staff photojournalism, photo-editing and the law of mass communication.
