| What is Photography? |
Gwinnett Tech’s Photography programs include engaging, hands-on instruction, lecture, demonstration, critique and dynamic lab time. The photography program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and relevant occupational knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The structure and length of the program allows for a practical, focused, intensive photography education. Additionally, the programs provide opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of photography. Students leave the program with professional photographic and business skills represented in substantial marketing materials, pertinent resume, print portfolio, and website. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diploma in Photography and/or Specialized Certificates.
The program entrenches students in a solid foundation of photographic technical and creative skills. Emphasis is placed on strong understanding and proficiency in basic camera exposure & capture, lighting control, video production basics, creative & visual acuity, and digital image post-processing & output skills. Degree and diploma students, in their second year, choose an area of interest and specialization. The intention is to cultivate and refine creative acumen, along with teaching relevant, marketable, occupational skills preparing students for a successful career as a professional photographer.
- The associate of applied science degree program includes commercial photography courses and diploma-level general education courses. This program is offered as full or part-time, with day, evening and workshops courses. (Program Length: 6 semesters minimum)
- The photography diploma program includes commercial photography courses and diploma-level general education courses. This program is offered as full or part-time, with day, evening and workshops courses. (Program Length: 6 semesters minimum)
- The certificate programs include photography courses emphasizing specific photographic skills. These programs are offered as full or part-time, with day, evening and workshops courses. (Program Length: 3 semesters minimum)
Note: Some courses in this program may be subject to a livework/supply fee.
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| Degrees and Certificates |
- Photography, AAS
- Photography, Diploma
- Digital Photographic Technician, Certificate
- Portrait Photography Specialist, Certificate
- Video Photography Specialist, Certificate
- Event Photography Specialist, Certificate
- UAV/Drone Photography Specialist, Certificate
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| Prerequisite Courses |
- FYES 1000
- Degree level proficiency required to take degree level General Education courses.
- Diploma level proficiency in English, reading and math required to take PHOT technical courses. Please refer to course descriptions in the online catalog for specific prerequisites.
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| Length of Program |
Degree/Diploma: 6 semesters minimum
Degree: 69 Credit hours
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| Semester Program Begins |
Fall and spring semester |
| Application Process |
Applicants to the Photography program must meet all Admission requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee. Individuals apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu and submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required. |
| Program Deadlines |
You may enter in the fall, spring, or summer terms. |
| For more information, contact: |
Judith Pishnery, program director, JPishnery@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6629. |
| For admission and enrollment, contact: |
Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email BusinessArtDesignTeam@GwinnettTech.edu. |
Quick Facts
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| (This data was compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) |
| 2016 Median pay |
$25,000 - $90,000/year |
| Entry level education |
Associate degree, diploma, certificate |
| Number of jobs, 2016 |
124,900 |
| Job growth, 2008 - 2018 |
7 to 13% |
Photographers use creative and technical skills to expertly make images that preserves and tells a story in a variety of published mediums. At Gwinnett Tech, students are engaged in hands-on instruction, learning the technical and creative aspects of commercial photography that includes portraits and events, as well as various other commercial and industry applications. Degree, diploma and certificate tracks are available.
Salary/Job Growth Numbers courtesy of www.salary.com and www.innovatorsquide.org
Based on a survey on Salary.com http://www1.salary.com/photographer-Salary.html, the median annual photographer salary is $59,997, as of December 28, 2016, with a range usually between $48, 220-$68,558, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. Their team of Certified Compensation Professionals has analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to present this range of annual salaries for people with the Jobey title Photographer in the United Sates.
Employment Trends
Opportunities and employment are increasing with more businesses interested in working with skilled photographers and videographers to market their goods and services. With Georgia’s growing economy and healthy economic outlook, prospects are increasing for creating advertising and self-promotions for service individuals, retail and real estate marketing, virtual walk through, products in use, news, corporate and industrial marketing materials and training videos, as well as photos and videos using drone technology for construction, military, agriculture, land management, energy, real estate, law enforcement, film industry, events and weddings. Feature film and TV production companies are working with photographers for location scouting, and production stills.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers as Photographer is growing field. Although the job outlook for 2014-2014 has a growth rate of 4%, the need for skilled workers is paramount. The listed median pay for 2015 was $40,280 per year and $19.37 per hour, however, self-employed individuals and those with enhanced skills have higher earning potential. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes274021.htm
Related Career Fields
Professional photographer, photojournalist, advertising photographer, commercial photographer, portrait photographer, videographer, photographer’s assistant, digital technician, digital imaging specialist, digital retouching artist, aerial/drone photographer, medical or scientific photographer, location scout, forensic photographer, photo editor, custom printer, and architectural photographer
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