Professional Photography - A.A.S. Degree - Dakota County Technical College | DCTC - a 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs to the Twin Cities, MN

Professional Photography - A.A.S. Degree

This is a suggested sample course sequence.
Please contact your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

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2023-2024 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
ENGL 1150 Composition I ENGL - 1150: Composition I Description ENGL 1150 This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning. Meets MnTC Goal 1. Prerequisites: See course details in eServices for prerequisite information. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Please go to E-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 MNTC Goals: 1 Course Outline: ENGL1150 — PDF	3
PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT - 1050: Camera Skills Description PHOT 1050 This course gives the student a introduction to most of the controls and adjustments available on today?s complicated digital SLR cameras. Through hands-on projects we will experiment with both manual and automatic exposure controls with a main emphasis in exposure control, depth-of-field, and motion adjustments. Discussion of camera types, lenses types and uses, and accessories will compliment the practice of capturing images that illustrate composition and storytelling. An introduction to management of images and proofing techniques will be included. This course is specially designed for those who plan to make a career out of providing photographic services. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1050 — PDF	2
PHOT 1110 Lighting Basics PHOT - 1110: Lighting Basics Description PHOT 1110 All photography makes use of some form of lighting and this course will introduce the student to both natural, ambient, and artificial lighting situations. Lighting equipment operation and use light modifiers and meters will be the main emphasis throughout this course. Lighting variables, metering techniques, and light control will be practiced by distinguishing the qualities of light in terms of direction, color, contrast, form, and intensity. This course will give the student an understanding of all types of lighting and practical hands-on experience with meters, lights, and modifiers used both in studios and on location. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1110 — PDF	2
PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT - 1310: Adobe Lightroom Description PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom helps photographers organize and manipulate their images. It works hand in hand with Adobe Photoshop and Bridge but adds many new options and features. This course will explore the power and features of Lightroom and how it can import, catalog, save and organize thousands of images and save the photographer a lot of time upfront in the workflow. Then Lightroom's develop and print modules can modify, manipulate and improve digital images in a non-destructive manner. We will wrap up this class with practice outputting images to web, to CD and to labs to create products and images for client viewing. Bring a few hundred images to class for hands-on practice during this class. Prerequisites: NONE Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1310 — PDF	2
PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers PHOT - 1320: Photoshop for Photographers Description PHOT 1320 Photographers not only need to master their digital camera but also master the software that, manipulates, enhances, modifies, and outputs their images for the clients. Of the two main softwares (PhotoShop and Lightroom) used in photography, this course will cover introduce Adobe Photoshop: it?s tools, editing techniques, non-destructive image enhancement, correction and modification options. Students will practice workflow essentials and image techniques needed by photographers in order to compete successfully in this highly digital field. Skills in the use of the computers operating system and workflow techniques will be covered as well. Prerequisites: PHOT 1310 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1320 — PDF	2
PHOT 1420 Studio Portraits PHOT - 1420: Studio Portraits Description PHOT 1420 This course covers the use of studio lighting and cameras to produce professional looking portraits. Emphasis will be on the use of time-proven techniques and equipment to capture creative images of individuals, couples, small and large groups of people. A critical skill in this area is the ability to use the correct lighting and posing to enhance the character and features of the customer. Projects will include typical business, family, high school senior, on-location, and group portrait techniques.Prerequisites: PHOT1050 and 1110 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1110 Lighting Basics Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1420 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	13

First Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
ENTR 1170 Introduction to Small Business ENTR - 1170: Introduction to Small Business Description ENTR 1170 Students taking this course will learn what it takes to own, operate, and grow a small business successfully. The student will learn the personal traits and characteristics necessary to succeed in the fast-paced small business environment. This course will also examine the various ways small business can start. Some of these ways include starting a business from scratch, buying an existing business, or buying a franchise. Various case studies will be examined as to why some businesses fail, while other succeed. In addition, the student will identify their individual strengths and weaknesses and will learn which of these areas help or hinder the success of small business ownership. Although there is no way to 100% "failure-proof" a business, the student will learn the three main secrets to launching a small business successfully. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Course Outline: ENTR1170 — PDF	2
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡ (Any MnTC Goal Area)" aria-hidden="true"> GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	3
PHOT 1550 DSLR Video PHOT - 1550: DSLR Video Description PHOT 1550 Course Description: This course is designed to introduce the visual artist/technician to the concepts, uses and operation of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) video cameras. Emphasis will be placed on the use of DSLR camera and video/audio equipment to augment the practice of photography for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, and other events. Camera capture techniques using different compositions, zooms, views and angles will be covered along with basic storyboarding. Basic video editing will cover importing, organizing, clip management, transitions, special effects, and adding audio tracks that can be used to create multimedia presentations. Information on storage and presentation to the client and customer will also be covered. Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 and 1310 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT1550 — PDF	2
PHOT 1610 Advanced Software PHOT - 1610: Advanced Software Description PHOT 1610 This course will bring the student to the advanced level of image processing by building on the tools and skills from PHOT 1310 Lightroom and PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers. This project-based course will simulate many real-life projects and challenges that a photographer will face in this industry. Some of the skills that students will expected to master will be advanced portrait retouching, non-destructive based editing, image enhancement, corrective techniques, creating composites and solving image problems. Prerequisites: PHOT 1050, 1310 and 1320 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT1610 — PDF	2
PHOT 1651 Product Photography PHOT - 1651: Product Photography Description PHOT 1651 In this course, students will take part in the planning, photography, and post-production of product-type photography projects. Emphasis will be given to studio lighting, and students will apply lighting and aesthetic skills to a variety of assignments including architecture, food, still-life objects, glassware, and people. Students will also replicate industry work as they make images according to client specifications regarding size, cropping, file format output, color, and other layout considerations. The student will review and investigate all the variables, controls, and characteristics related to a professional photo shoot in an effort to create a higher quality digital image and a better understanding of the advancing technology. Prerequisites:PHOT1050, 1110, 1310, 1320 and 1420 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1110 Lighting Basics PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers PHOT 1420 Studio Portraits Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT1651 — PDF	2
PHOT 1680 Photo Business Preparation PHOT - 1680: Photo Business Preparation Description PHOT 1680 Course Description: Successful photographers have a set of skills that include time management, organization, marketing, professional ethics, accounting and general business policies. These are the topics covered in this courses all while building a indepth business plan customized to your ideas. The purpose is to prepare the individual for all the aspects of the business side of this industry. Whether the photographer or technician works for themselves as an entrepreneur or is employed by a photography company this knowledge will be beneficial to their success. Prerequisites: PHOT 1050, PHOT 1420 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT1680 — PDF	2
PHOT 1830 Location Portraits PHOT - 1830: Location Portraits Description PHOT 1830 Many professional photographers will go to the client?s location of choice to take portraits thus prompting the need for proficient with portable lighting equipment and setups. This course covers the use of the combination of portable lighting equipment and ambient location lighting to produce professional looking portraits. Emphasis will be on the simulation of typical location portraits such as senior portraits, family, children, baby-style portraiture. A critical skill in this area is the ability to control the lighting direction, form, intensity, color and contrast in unusual conditions and unique locations. Prerequisites: PHOT 1050,1110 and 1420 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1110 Lighting Basics PHOT 1420 Studio Portraits Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT1830 — PDF	2
Technical Electives * TECH - 0000: Technical Electives Description TECH 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: TECH0000 — PDF	1
Total Semester Credits:	16

Second Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
COMS 1020 Interpersonal Communication COMS - 1020: Interpersonal Communication Description COMS 1020 This course is intended to increase student's awareness of the processes, models, and theories of interpersonal communication relative to relationships that impact people's personal and professional lives. Through self-analysis and reflection, case studies, practical application, and critical thinking, students will examine the influence of communicative behaviors on themselves, their personal relationships, groups, and society. Concepts include self-esteem, self-fulfilling prophecies, perception, ethics, emotion, conflict, cultural awareness, language, nonverbal communication, social media, and listening. Meets Goal 7. Meets MNTC Goal 1 Fall 2016 and after. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 MNTC Goals: 1,7 Course Outline: COMS1020 — PDF	3
ENTR 1760 Selling & Negotiating for Small Business Owners ENTR - 1760: Selling & Negotiating for Small Business Owners Description ENTR 1760 Your success as a business owner is directly related to your ability to sell yourself, your company, and your products or services. This course is ideal for the new business owner especially if they have never sold before. The entire sales process is clearly defined and broken down into seven steps that lead the student through all aspects of sales. Each student learns how to sell his or her own product or service and is given ample opportunity to practice selling his or her own products and services in a safe setting. In addition to learning how to sell, the student will also learn how to negotiate and will be able to practice negotiating skills in a safe environment. The student will learn the importance of a ?win/win? negotiation and learn the consequences when one party wins and the other party loses. The student will be part of a negotiation team and the team will be part of a negotiation role play. ** This course is cross-listed with MKTC1100. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Course Outline: ENTR1760 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡ (Any MnTC Goal Area)" aria-hidden="true"> GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	3
PHOT 1120 Natural Light Portraits PHOT - 1120: Natural Light Portraits Description PHOT 1120 This course covers the use of natural outdoor and window lighting and cameras to produce professional looking portraits. Emphasis will be on the use locations and posing to capture creative images of individuals, couples, small and large groups of people. A critical skill in this area is the ability to use the correct lighting direction, form, intensity, color and contrast to enhance the character and features of the customer. Projects will include typical family, high school senior, on-location, and group portrait techniques. Prerequisites: PHOT 1050, PHOT 1110 Credits: 1 Prerequisites: PHOT 1050 Camera Skills PHOT 1110 Lighting Basics Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1120 — PDF	1
PHOT 1510 Color Management PHOT - 1510: Color Management Description PHOT 1510 This course builds on the skills introduced in the prerequisite courses by providing advanced color theory and practical application of digital color management techniques by using various types of calibration equipment. At the heart of this course is a thorough understanding of color theory, color application, color recognition and color adjustments as it relates to the production of high-quality color images. The student will use various monitor calibration and profiling techniques to develop a system of consistent and predictable image quality. An introduction to small and large format printing will enhance the application of these new skills. Prerequisites: PHOT 1310 and 1320 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: PHOT1510 — PDF	2
Technical Electives * TECH - 0000: Technical Electives Description TECH 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: TECH0000 — PDF	4
Total Semester Credits:	16

Second Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
ENTR 1860 Business Plan Development ENTR - 1860: Business Plan Development Description ENTR 1860 This course will give the student all the necessary tools to create a business plan that gets results. The student will, during the course of the semester, create his or her own business plan, which is the main objective of the course. The business plan process will be broken down into five areas: vision, customers product/service, numbers, and team. Numerous business plans will be examined and good points and bad points will be examined in each. Students will also be given the opportunity to present their plans to the group in a safe setting and have them critiqued for clarity and effectiveness. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Course Outline: ENTR1860 — PDF	3
MKTC 1000 Principles of Marketing MKTC - 1000: Principles of Marketing Description MKTC 1000 Marketing is the building of business relationships between an organization and a consumer. This course examines the business function of marketing. Students will learn how marketers deliver value in satisfying customer needs and wants, determine target markets best served by the organization, and decide upon appropriate products, services, and programs to serve these markets. Students will explore topics including legal issues, consumer behavior, ethics, competition, economics, technology, and global factors affecting product and services, pricing, promotion, personnel, and distribution decisions. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Course Outline: MKTC1000 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) ‡ (MnTC Goal 3)" aria-hidden="true"> MNTC - 3: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) Description MNTC 3 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC3 — PDF OR General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) ‡ (MnTC Goal 4)" aria-hidden="true"> MNTC - 4: General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) Description MNTC 4 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: MNTC4 — PDF	3
PHOT 2560 Digital Printing PHOT - 2560: Digital Printing Description PHOT 2560 Using the skills and knowledge from the Color Management course and the skills introduced in the prerequisite courses the student will print large format and high quality images for clients. The student will use numerous computer systems and printing devices to produce color photographs ranging from wallets to large enlargements. Different substrates, surfaces and ink applications will provide the student with a thorough understanding of many of the options that the client may request. The ultimate test of skills in this area is for a photographer or photo technician to be able to create large high-quality photographs in order to stay competitive in the industry. Prerequisites: PHOT 1310,1320,1510 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers PHOT 1510 Color Management Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT2560 — PDF	2
PHOT 2651 Advanced Photo Projects PHOT - 2651: Advanced Photo Projects Description PHOT 2651 Course Description: This course will give the student a chance to apply the advanced software skills to reality-based photo projects typically required by clients in this industry. This project-based course will practice advance workflow techniques of client interaction, location shooting, image prep and organizing, advanced editing and delivery of products. . Continued practice of advanced, non-destructive based editing will help student master the techniques needed to survive and flourish in this business.Prerequisites:PHOT 1310, 1320, 1610 and 1510 Credits: 2 Prerequisites: PHOT 1310 Adobe Lightroom PHOT 1320 Photoshop for Photographers PHOT 1510 Color Management PHOT 1610 Advanced Software Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT2651 — PDF	2
PHOT 2710 Portfolio Development PHOT - 2710: Portfolio Development Description PHOT 2710 Course Description: This hands-on course will guide the student through the creation of a photography-based portfolio and prepare student for entering the workforce upon graduation. Students will begin by assessing their interests, strengths, goals and clarifying the steps needed to enter into the industry. Concepts in assemble techniques, display options and presentation methods will be at the heart of this course. Upon completion the student will have multiple industry-ready photographic portfolios in preparation for career exploration. Emphasis will be given to the idea that portfolio is a process not a project, and therefore requires planning and continuous review and development. Prerequisites: Should be taken during the last semester prior to graduation so all required photo courses should be completed with exception of PHOT 2650, PHOT 2550 and 2510 with are typically taken concurrently. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Course Outline: PHOT2710 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	15

Total Credits:	60

* Select Technical electives from the following subject areas: ( PHOT ).

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

Professional Photography - A.A.S. Degree

2023-2024 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

First Year - Spring Semester

Second Year - Fall Semester

Second Year - Spring Semester

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STUDENT LINKS

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Rosemount Campus