Digital Photography Associate Degree
Photography Certificate

The Digital Photography Program has been created to satisfy the growing need for qualified digital photographers in the short and long term in Columbus and central Ohio. This program is designed to allow graduates to take full advantage of the benefits of a comprehensive college education while building a strong foundation in a broad range of courses spanning digital design, marketing, communications and Web design courses. This multi-disciplinary digital integration reflects the needs of the professional digital photography industry. This digital evolution has lowered the barriers to professional entry, forcing existing film photographers to switch to digital while allowing many new people in related fields to pursue the craft of digital photography.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in a variety of digital photography, digital services and imaging-related fields, be able to pursue self-employment options or be prepared to continue their education at a four year institution. The majority of the digital photography curriculum will revolve around digital capture, digital workflow, and digital image management. Students will develop a balance of technical and aesthetic skills that relate to digital photography, equipment and related software that is complemented by coursework in digital design, Web site design, interactive video/audio, and marketing/branding on the Web.
Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Digital Photography the graduate will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles associated with the craft, scholarly theory, and profession of digital photography.
• Recognize, evaluate, combine and utilize all appropriate skills and techniques of digital photography in relation to digital capture, digital equipment imaging needs, and digital workflow management.
• Learn to balance complex technical and aesthetic concerns when fulfilling digital photography assignments from conception to completion.
• Develop strategic, business and implementation plans for digital photography projects including budgeting, software and hardware procurement and use, staffing, training, and legal issues.
• Describe how digital photography is utilized in local and regional career applications and processes.
• Demonstrate appropriate digital image-editing software and computer skills that directly support digital photography editing/enhancement and post-production workflow techniques.
• Demonstrate aesthetic and technical problem-solving skills to determine the best visual solutions for different assignments and situations.
• Think critically.
• Communicate effectively.
• Model professional and ethical behavior.
• Recognize the value of human diversity.
• Demonstrate self-management skills, life management skills, and interpersonal skills.

Students will need to own class-specific equipment to pursue this degree. For example, FOTO 111, 150 and 160 require a student-provided, film-based SLR camera. A Digital SLR (DSLR) with a minimum of 6 meg. capture will be needed to enter any 200 level course that is focused on digital capture. The school will provide medium and large format film cameras for in-class projects and use. Check with the photography advisor to discuss specific course needs and options.

The Photography Certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as photography assistants in the photography industry. This program focuses on the development of skills and competencies in the use of traditional and digital cameras, advanced black and white and color photography, and studio photography. A course on how to develop and manage a successful photography business is also included.

Digital Photography Associate Degree

Photography Certificate