Owens Community College has announced the creation of a new commercial photography technology associate degree program being offered within the School of Arts and Sciences this fall at the Toledo-area campus.

The two-year associate degree program, which recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents, is the only commercial photography technology academic program in Northwest Ohio.

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ photography programs have experienced “phenomenal” enrollment growth and popularity among students during the past several years, according to department chair Doug Mead.

“In a one-year span, the enrollment in photography increased by nearly 60 percent and the department anticipates even greater growth with this new academic program,” he said. “The creation of the commercial photography technology degree program will open new doors for students and help support the continued growth and development of the photography industry.”

The associate degree will require approximately 70 credit hours of coursework, which includes contemporary business, black-and-white photography, introduction to visual communication, color photography, digital photography, studio photography, introduction to small business, and history and theory of photography.

The program is designed to prepare students for employment in the photographic industry. Students will develop strong knowledge in both traditional and digital photographic techniques, as well as learn darkroom skills for black-and-white and color processing and printing. They will also acquire skills specific to digital image manipulation, enhancement and color management, and technical and creative control of studio lighting.

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts recently unveiled a new digital photography computer laboratory and a new photography large-portrait and commercial studio for experiential learning. The facilities will feature state-of-art technology and equipment, including large- and medium-format professional printers, Wacom interactive pen display tablets, PocketWizard transceiver/relay radio slave units, Apple MacBook laptops, and film and flatbed professional scanners.

Upon completion of the program, student will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in entry-level or higher employment positions as photographers, photographers’ assistants or photo technicians in areas that include wedding, portrait, advertising, corporate and editorial/stock photography. Other career opportunities include working as studio/location personnel specializing in digital imaging applications or as freelance photographers.

In addition to the new commercial photography technology associate degree program, the Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers an associate’s degree in photography for those with an interest in photography who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine art photography, as well as a certificate in commercial photography technology.

For more information, call 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext 7081.
 

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