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Use Technical Expertise, Creativity, and Composition Skills to Produce and Preserve Images

The Professional Photography program at Pickens Technical College is a comprehensive, two-semester program designed to prepare students for entry into the photography career field. These courses will take you from the basics of Exposure Theory, Digital Camera Operation, and Adobe Editing Tools through Studio Lighting, Video Production, and a Creating a Professional Portfolio. Upon successful graduation, you will be prepared to freelance, serve as a photography and videography assistant or continue on with your photography education by transferring to one of Colorado’s community colleges.

Program Flyer Steps for Enrollment Pickens Lookbook See the Classroom

What Our Students Learn

  • Commercial photography and videography
  • Digital camera operation
  • Video Production and Editing
  • DSLR camera operations
  • Exposure theory
  • Professional Inkjet Printing
  • Studio and location lighting

Program Experience

  • Students spend 50% of their time learning concepts in a classroom, and 50% of their time with hands-on practical work
  • Students gain experience in a simulated studio environment with industry-grade equipment
  • Enrollment options are available for both high school students and post-secondary students
  • 1 year of classes

Erik Schubert

Instructor, Professional Photography
303-344-4910 ext. 27918
erschubert@aurorak12.org

Industry Certifications & Degrees:

  • MFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art & Design
  • BFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago

Accredited Certificate Courses (30 credits)

All credits earned at Pickens technical college are recognized by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), and are eligible for transfer to other colleges within the state of Colorado.

Emphasizes the fundamental operations of a DSLR camera. The general operation of the camera, proper camera handling and maintenance, exposure control, depth of field, lenses and the visual characteristics of lenses, and an understanding of how digital capture works are emphasized. Additional topics include: f-stops, shutter speeds, metering modes, use of the histogram, auto focus, auto bracketing, and exposure compensation.

Teaches digital imaging workflow from capture to output. Including structuring and organizing large image libraries as well as parametric image editing for a variety of outputs and delivery formats.

This course is a continuation of Digital Capture Processing I and focuses on digital image processing and printing. Topics include: visual understanding of print quality, basic RAW processing, various digital workflows, further development of vocabulary of digital darkroom terminology, creating and utilizing actions in Photoshop, and further advancement of Photoshop technique.

Explores the creative uses of studio lighting from the perspective of fine art photography with an emphasis on portraiture, three dimensional object photography, and two dimensional collage photography.

Teaches the technical and aesthetic aspects of studio and location portrait photography. This course explores the personal style of portraiture, history of the field, and portraiture as a visual language and creative expression. This topic also includes lighting, composition, posing, and equipment selection.

Explores aesthetic development of personal style and vision as they relate to historic and contemporary practices and trends in various photographic genres. Students will create a portfolio of images that are unified by their stylistic qualities and within a chosen genre, such as photojournalism, editorial, commercial, and portraiture. Class will include discussions on professional practices, organizations, workflows, and ethical standards based in various genres.

Creates a foundation for freelance work, business practices, procedures, and models unique to a career in photography. Course topics include determining price structures, examining varying forms of photography based on students’ career plans, equipment and studio needs, business forms, business planning, tax structure, licenses and registration, and self-promotion. The course may include visits by professionals in the field and discussion of career opportunities.

The course is the terminal/capstone course for the Professional Photography program. Completion of all classes or concurrent enrollment in the remaining classes of the program is a requirement. In this class, students will create a computer-based portfolio and a printed presentation portfolio. Different techniques necessary for the production of the portfolios and styles of portfolios are covered. Resumes, cover letters, promotional pieces, presentation techniques, and skills related to the pursuit of careers and furthering education are covered in this class.

Offers an introduction to the principles and techniques of videotape production, including camera operation, basic script writing, lighting, sound and basic digital editing. Detailed examination of the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, as well as aesthetics, will be included.

Introduces to digital non-linear video editing. Students will capture, compress, edit, and manipulate video images using a personal computer. Assembly techniques including media management, editing tools, titles, and motion control; transitions and filters, and special effects are explored.

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