AA in Photographic Imaging at Atlanta College of Art Georgia
Photographic Imaging — Associate in Arts
Successful photographic professionals do not rely on talent alone. They must possess a thorough understanding of the composition of light as well as a wide array of technical skills-from choosing the right equipment to perfecting production techniques while capturing visually compelling images. Students must be creative, imaginative, and attentive to detail as they prepare to enter the field. While building an awareness of visual style, students also develop core values based in professional standards and practices and a skill set with a solid technical and design foundation.
In addition to courses in art and design, students in photographic imaging study the history of art and the history of photography as they explore the principles of photographic design and the significance of visual style in the commercial sector. They study the application of professional cameras, lenses, and related processes-small, medium, and large formats-as they apply to commercial uses such as photojournalism or advertising photography.
Students use the professional equipment to develop the techniques required for successful location and studio photography, as well as learning to solve problems in both natural and artificial lighting. Students apply all the tools of contemporary photographic techniques to the digital workflow of modern photography. Studios and darkrooms feature program-specific hardware and software.
Associate in Arts
In the associate program, students develop skills by learning the basics of color, design, various camera techniques and applications, and digital imaging. At the end of the program, they assemble a portfolio of their work in the program. Graduates in the associate program may choose to continue into the bachelor of fine arts program, or they may seek entry-level positions in the field as studio assistants or as staff photographers with publishing companies, photography studios or labs, and production companies.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Students in the bachelor’s program are challenged to expand their varied skills and proficiencies in developing a personal specialization to reflect their personalities and artistic styles. These students may choose to participate in quarter-long programs abroad or on short-term trips to locations such as Ireland, Italy, or China. In addition to opportunities like these trips, internships help students as they strive to develop a solid photographic identity, purpose, and direction, and to produce a portfolio that reflects this specialization along with a general portfolio that reflects a sophisticated set of photographic skills.
Bachelor’s degree graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as commercial photographers, editorial photographers, or photographic editors with advertising agencies, publishing houses, magazines, and production companies. Some graduates may open their own studios or freelance.
Total Credit Hours: 96
6 Quarters