Photography - Associate Degree
A photography program graduate will be prepared for a variety of photography careers. They will be skilled in the latest lighting, software, output, and digital photography technologies necessary to succeed in this creative profession. Our program will provide them with the branding and business skills necessary to succeed in the field of photography. Career choices include portrait and wedding photographer, real estate photographer, commercial photographer, photojournalist, staff photographer, sport and event photographer.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $10,778, Books: $370, Supplies: $0
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=102031
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Apply the principles of design and storytelling to develop media products and services.
- Develop proficiency in the use of media software, tools and technology.
- Implement creative solutions from concept through completion.
- Communicate creative rationale in formal and informal settings.
- Implement project management skills to meet customer and market demands.
- Apply effective and ethical business practices.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Digital Photography technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
Course Descriptions
Course provides an overview of the interconnectedness among careers within Digital Arts. Learn how various fields within the broader industry each play an integral role and how a personal brand fits into preparing you for your career choice. (Corequisite: 10-890-101, College 101)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearn basic digital camera operations for capturing still images. Develop skills needed to create a proper exposure in various camera modes in addition to lens selection, lighting basics and creative compositions. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPhotoshop is the essential tool for digital image manipulation in graphic design, web design, and photography. Students develop technical skills in solving visual design and production problems. Instruction covers Photoshop’s vast array of tools, filters, and procedures including workspace basics, image resizing, output preparation, layer management, selection strategies, editing and adjustment basics, composites, filters, and effects. A portfolio of digitally generated and manipulated images is completed to demonstrate course competencies and learning objectives have been met.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springorganize and manage a library of images by applying metadata and backup solutions. Course content covers functions of Adobe Lightroom. Creatively edit photos using basic retouching, image detailing and color correction in preparation for publishing or print.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAll college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the accounting cycle, recording business transactions, preparations of the financial statements, financial statement analysis, accrual accounting, accounting for cash and internal controls, and payroll.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIdentify and control qualities of light. Setup and photograph multiple light scenarios with speed-lights, strobes, and continuous lights. Work with natural light and light modifiers. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required. (Prerequisite: 10-203-104, Photography-Digital)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringLearn business practices needed to succeed in the photography industry. Develop contracts, release forms, set a pricing structure, understand copyright, among other entrepreneurial and corporate practices.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringVideo basics for photographers. Create video using proper resolution, frame rates and exposure settings. Develop skills in composition, story development, basic video editing, and delivery formats. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringExplore new technologies and trends to effectively navigate a constantly evolving digital landscape. From web design and search engine marketing to online advertising and email marketing, you will learn how to build a strong online presence and drive results for a business.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExplore the current state of social media and provide perspective on trends moving forward. Learn about the opportunities social media provides, what interactions mean for a business, and how communication has changed. A strategic plan will be developed to understand the needs of a social media marketing campaign through research, discovery, and thoughtful content creation.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudy the development of media for online content through advanced use of multiple Adobe software applications. Course content covers exploration of web builders, interactive content creators, and social media, emphasizing delivery using integrated media techniques as well as the development of an interactive online portfolio. (Prerequisite: 10-111-101, Photoshop Fundamentals).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDigital editing through advanced tool usage and masking in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Non-destructive editing through RAW and smart objects. Learn color correction, advanced retouching, automation, and develop reusable presets/compositions. (Prerequisite: 10-111-101, Photoshop Fundamentals; 10-203-180 Photography-Lightroom).
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringCreate professional resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, understand interviewing techniques, participate in a mock interview, evaluate outcomes of interview, and prepare for Career Experience. (Prerequisites: 10-105-100, Careers in Business OR 10-107-117, Careers in IT OR 10-201-100, Careers In Digital Arts)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPhotograph landscapes and water, night and low light, flora and fauna, and macro images to showcase natural scenes and textures. Learn equipment needed, safety in the field, and post-production techniques. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required. (Prerequisite: 10-203-104, Photography Digital)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPhotograph in the specialized areas of commercial, portrait, and wedding. Techniques and topics include set design, studio and location lighting, posing, portraiture styles, event and post-event workflow. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required. (Prerequisite: 10-203-178, Photography-Lighting)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringFundamentals of video production and editing including project and media management, organization and workflow. Emphasis on hands-on production and post production experience using current technologies in digital video. (Prerequisite 10-203-126 Photography-Video Intro for photography students)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringContent takes on many different forms including print, events, podcasts, blogging, email, images, and video. As channels and platforms grow, the course explores how to create and position content to achieve marketing goals. Learn how to write, produce, or record content for a target audience as part of an overall marketing strategy.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepare and print images for portfolio presentation, assemble a professional portfolio, color management workflow for photographers, and choosing printers or print labs. Requires portfolio presentation. Note: It is strongly recommended this course be taken last. (Pre-requisite: 10-203-130 Photography-Specialties)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringStudents can select any hands-on experience related to: Internship, Field Research, Service Learning, Capstone, Industry Related or International Experience. Instructor approval required. (Prerequisite: 10-203-187, Photography-Digital Editing; 10-105-103, Career Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Spring