Oct 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Photography, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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The Photography AAS program is designed to prepare students for employment as commercial photographers. Students gain basic and advanced knowledge in digital photography, commercial photography, portrait photography, and photojournalism along with advanced editing processes. Students gain a broad understanding of traditional techniques while developing your own personal style. Current industry-standard software and techniques are utilized. Students also learn to communicate with customers and consider social and environmental issues in the context of their work.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Photography AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a portfolio of photography work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective photography.

Semester 2


Total Credits Required to Complete this Degree - 64


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 5 Semester 5
Books (approx) 200 150 250 250 275
Supplies 150 200 200 200 200
Equipment 400 200 150 150 150
Camera, lenses 550-1500        
Portfolio       300 300

Approximate total for the program: $16,627-$17,577**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.
 

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Produce creative images under pressure.
  • Produce images using traditional techniques.
  • Produce images using electronic techniques.
  • Produce images for magazines, advertising, weddings and posters.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Use current Photoshop software to produce finished images.
  • Be able to take a project from start to finish.
  • Work with a diverse group of people.
  • Make necessary changes to bring work up to industry standards.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree?


  • Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
  • Require hours at work and home to complete projects.
  • Produce accurate work with original ideas.
  • Will need to update tools as technology changes.
  • Average starting salary $34,070 per year (Source:ONET OnLine 2017 data https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-4021.00)
  • Other sources for employment and salaries would be the following employers: JCPenney, LifeTouch, Mittera, Grey Dog Media, Meredith Corp, Nordstrom Studio, August Homes Publishing, etc

Program Competencies


  1. Describe camera equipment and accessories used for commercial photography assignments
  2. Describe various qualities of light and be able to recognize, produce, and control various lighting conditions including: diffused, direct, direct diffused and back light
  3. Identify different flash units used in the studio for commercial lighting
  4. Integrate the multi-step process of “workflow” while working commercial photography assignments
  5. Demonstrate the appropriate use of the camera controls on a digital camera
  6. Identify memory devices and file types associated with digital cameras
  7. Demonstrate the principles of art, design and composition
  8. Demonstrate understanding of digital image resolution
  9. Analyze digital images in both a printed and/or electronic format
  10. Demonstrate On-Location Lighting
  11. Demonstrate how to prepare a computer to correctly display digital images
  12. Demonstrate effective communication with customers
  13. Incorporate social and environmental issues in the context of work

AY2025

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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