Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2024-25 Academic Catalog Program: Digital Photography - DPHO.AS Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Digital Photography - DPHO.AS

The Graphic Communications & Photography Department offers a curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in printing, graphic design, social media, and commercial photography. The department’s courses cover a wide cross section of imaging technologies, from traditional printing and print preparation techniques through the latest digital processes, including studio-based digital photography. They combine a strong theoretical foundation with hands-on laboratory experiences in practical application.

An associate degree in Graphic Communications & Photography will provide the education necessary to begin a successful career in the graphic design or photography, as well as many of the diverse emerging technologies such as social media. Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as other institutions offering programs in the various imaging technologies, accepts credits from the STCC Graphic Communications and Photography programs toward their advanced degree programs.

The department offers two Associate in Science degree options, one in Graphic Design, and one in Digital Photography. In addition, two Certificates of Completion are offered in Graphic Design and Digital Photography. Minimum Grade Requirement: The minimum passing grade for any individual course in this department shall be a “C-” (70%). The minimum average for graduation from the program is a “C” (73%).

The Digital Photography Associate in Science program’s areas of study include portrait, fashion, product, location, editorial, advertising and fine art photography. Courses in social media design and advertising campaign development round out the curriculum. Graduates will be ready to go out on their own as professional freelance photographers, and will be well qualified for a variety of entry-level professional photography jobs. This program is best suited for students desiring an A.S. degree that may be transferable to 4-year colleges, and includes a wider range of coursework than what is included in the one-year certificate of completion.

Upon the successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Graphic Communication and Photography will be awarded

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in posing, lighting and corrective techniques used in portrait photography.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in product photography, suitable for advertising and marketing.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in location photography with OCF (off-camera flash) lighting, reflectors, and scrims.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in studio and location fashion photography, posing, and lighting.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in indoor and outdoor architectural photography.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in digital imaging and image processing technologies. 
  • Run their own freelance professional photography business. 
  • Employ creative approaches that distinguish themselves from other photographers in the field.

Computer and Software Requirements

The Graphic Communications & Photography Department now requires that all of our students have a computer and subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud software.

We anticipate that the cost of a new laptop will be from $550 to $2400 depending on the computer chosen (less if choosing a refurbished or reconditioned computer). Either Mac or Windows PC platforms, and either laptop or desktop models are acceptable. However, if you plan on purchasing a computer, a laptop computer is preferable due to its mobility. Reconditioned, refurbished, or new computers are acceptable, as long as the specs are met. While the basic minimum computer is acceptable to run the required software, a computer with 16GB of RAM is recommended for the best results.

Apple Mac Specs: Intel core i5 or higher (2.0 GHz or faster processor); 8GB (16GB recommended) of system RAM; minimum 256GB hard drive; minimum screen size: 13 inches (15 or 16 inch recommended); OS 10.13 (High Sierra) or higher 

PC Specs: Intel core i5 or AMD Ryzen; 8GB (16GB recommended) of system RAM; minimum 256GB hard drive; minimum screen size: 13 inches (15 or 16 inch recommended); nVidia GeForce GTX 1050 or equivalent, nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 or Quadro T1000 video card is recommended; Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 update (64-bit) version 1809 or later

Again, we recommend 16GB of RAM to ensure that your computer will run software as smoothly as possible, especially for those of you that will be taking Digital Media Production (DMP) courses. Adobe requires 8GB of RAM for their programs. 

Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Students pay $19.99/mo the first year, and $29.99/mo after that. Go to Adobe.com and click on “Learn More” under “Students save over 60% on Creative Cloud.”

(DPHO.AS) Curriculum

Semester 1

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-150 - Introduction to Professional Photography 2 credits
GAT-150L - Lab: Introduction to Professional Photography 1 credits
GAT-151 - Digital Photography/Studio Module 2 credits
GAT-162 - Digital Imaging-Photoshop 2 credits
GAT-162L - Lab: Digital Imaging-Photoshop 1 credits
ENG-101 - English Composition 1 3 credits
EL-SOC - General Behavioral/Social Science Elective 3 credits

Select one:

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-160 - Introduction to Web Design 2 credits
GAT-160L - Lab: Introduction to Web Design 1 credits
MKT-101 - Principles of Marketing 3 credits

Total: 17 credits

Semester 2

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-125 - Typography and Layout Design 2 credits
GAT-125L - Lab: Typography and Layout Design 1 credits
GAT-152 - Advanced Professional Photography 2 credits
GAT-152L - Lab: Advanced Professional Photography 1 credits
GAT-262 - Advanced Digital Imaging Techniques 2 credits
GAT-262L - Lab: Advanced Digital Imaging Techniques 1 credits
ENG-102 - English Composition 2 3 credits
EL-MATH - General Math Elective-101 Level or Higher 3-4 credits

Total: 15-16 credits

Semester 3

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-250 - Photographic Illustration 2 credits
GAT-250L - Lab: Photographic Illustration 1 credits
GAT-252 - Location Photography 2 credits
GAT-252L - Lab: Location Photography 1 credits
GAT-140 - Social Media Tools 3 credits
EL-SCI - General Science Elective 3 credits

Select one:

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-174 - Airbrushing Techniques 1 2 credits
GAT-174L - Lab: Airbrushing Techniques 1 1 credits
DMP-250 - VFX, Compositing and Motion Graphics 2 credits
DMP-250L - Lab: VFX, Compositing and Motion Graphics 1 credits

Total: 15 credits

Semester 4

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
GAT-141 - Social Media Campaign and Analytics 3 credits
GAT-238 - Integrated Advertising Campaign Development 2 credits
GAT-238L - Lab:Integrated Advertising Campaign Development 1 credits
GAT-251 - Advertising Photography 2 credits
GAT-251L - Lab: Advertising Photography 1 credits
EL-HUM - General Humanities Elective 3 credits
EL-GED - General Education Elective 3 credits

Select one:

Course NamecreditsTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
EL-GAT - GAT Elective 3 credits
DMP-110 - Writing for Digital Media 3 credits

Total: 18 credits

Total (DPHO.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 65-66

Program Personnel

Name Title Office Phone

Email

John Wakelin Professor/Department Chair 02/718 413-755-4194 JWakelin@stcc.edu
Matthew Kriftcher Professor 14/211 413-755-4312 mbkriftcher@stcc.edu
Philip Ruderman Professor 14/210 413-755-4324 ruderman@stcc.edu
Daniel Misco Associate Professor 02/716 413-755-4573 DMMisco@stcc.edu
Joshua Girouard Technical Assistant II 02/717 413-755-4205 JGirouard@stcc.edu

 

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