Art Degrees Online

The photography program has, as its underlying basis, the recognition of photography as a unique and elegant blend of science and art which has evolved into one of the most influential media of communication on the planet. As a fine art that works directly from reality and is, therefore, grounded in truth, it is an extremely potent and evocative means of self-expression. As the preferred means of news reportage, it has, since its inception, been the primary force in documenting global events, and, in some cases, even shaping world history. As the medium of choice for product advertising, it accounts for billions of dollars of consumer trade, annually. And now, with the advent of digital photography, the creative power and control of the individual photographer is almost unlimited.

A two-year Associate in Fine Arts degree, or a two-year diploma, is offered for students wishing to prepare for this field. Also, a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Digital Imaging has been designed to cover the increased digital needs of our students, as well as to continue to offer the skills, concepts and history of traditional gelatin/silver photography. This program has been carefully designed to accurately mirror the dynamic merger of traditional and digital imagining which is currently evolving in the field.

The BFA program offers the student a unique experience that covers both fine art and commercial photography. Students will be given the opportunity to acquire skills that enable them to choose from many different photo career directions which is currently evolving in the field.

Career opportunities in photography are quite varied, and include portraiture, photojournalism, architectural photography, product photography, wedding photography, photographic processing and printing, and many forms of prepress digital manipulation.

Associate of Science degree in Digital Photography

The Associate of Science degree program in Digital Photography teaches students traditional photographic skills as well as emerging technical skills in the ever-changing digital world of professional photographers.
Students enrolling in the Digital Photography degree program will study course content covering career-relevant skills training in commercial, advertising, portrait photography, photojournalism and wedding photography. They will also complete hands-on projects using industry-standard cameras, lighting, grip, software and techniques. Résumé- and portfolio-building opportunities are also emphasized throughout the degree program. The comprehensive course of study is design to provide them with opportunities to:
Create dramatic lighting effects, direct models, organize digital workflow and manipulate images.
Work on creating fashion, lifestyle and advertising images.
Cover sporting events, photograph weddings and create memorable portraiture and product photography.

The photography program is designed to teach entry-level skills for careers in the photographic industry. Students interested in photography as visual expression or an adjunct to a vocation will also benefit.

Flexibility of the advanced program allows a student to concentrate upon a specific photographic career area.

Students planning to prepare for a four-year degree in Photography should consult the lower division requirements of the university to which they plan to transfer.
Career Opportunities
Studio Photography, Portrait & Wedding Photography; Photographic Lab Technician; Photojournalism; Industrial and Architectural Photography

Some Career Opportunities may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some Career Opportunities or for preparation for transfer to a university program.
Highlights
Modern Lab and Studio Facilities
Sixteen Color Enlargers
Sixteen Black & White Enlargers
Digital Media Lab
Digital Scanners and Printers
20″ Rapid Access Processor
Color Film Processor
Field Trips to a variety of photographic businesses in Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Field study courses in Yosemite, the Eastern Sierras, and Monterey
Special Seminars

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree
Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.
Field Study Classes at Cosumnes River College
Nature is often the best classroom! Come learn outside in Cosumnes River College’s field study courses. These classes consist of short classroom sessions followed by extended trips to some of the most unique and beautiful environments in California, including Big Sur, Monterey Bay, Mt. Lassen, Point Reyes, Yosemite and more! These short-term classes are offered by several departments, including Biology, Geography, Geology, Photography, and Physical Education. For more information about specific classes, consult the class schedule or contact each department.