Photographic Technology

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Program Overview

Carteret Community College proudly offers the only community college photography program east of Raleigh, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. As one of only four photography programs in the state of North Carolina community college system, we are dedicated to delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for both creative and commercial photography careers.

Students can expect to gain knowledge in the following areas:

  • Photographic Technology – Master the fundamentals of photography and digital imaging
  • Commercial Photography – Develop skills for advertising, marketing, and product photography
  • Fine Art Photography – Explore creative expression through photography as an artistic medium
  • Wedding & Portrait Photography – Learn the skills to capture special moments and build a successful photography business

Our hands-on classes take place in state-of-the-art facilities, allowing students to gain practical experience with professional equipment and industry-standard techniques. Whether you're interested in fine art photography, portraiture, or commercial work, our curriculum covers a broad range of approaches to help you succeed.

Our state-of-the-art facilities offer hands-on training in:

  • Camera systems and lighting techniques
  • Digital imaging and photographic processes
  • Multimedia design and composition

Designed for flexibility, this program can be completed in as little as one year, with night classes available to accommodate busy schedules. Additionally, students are not required to purchase equipment, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for aspiring photographers.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level careers in commercial photography, portrait photography, equipment sales, photographic laboratories, and imaging technologies.

Start your journey in photography today and turn your passion into a profession!

Diploma - Photography

Diploma programs are designed to provide focused, entry-level training that can typically be completed in about one (1) year. These programs may stand alone or be structured within an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree pathway. This allows students to enter the workforce quickly or continue their studies by completing additional coursework to earn a full AAS degree.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
ART-171Digital Design I3
PHO-113History of Photography3
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
Sub-Total Credits14

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
ENG-111Writing and Inquiry3
Sub-Total Credits14

Summer Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-226Portraiture4
PHO-235Commercial Photography4
COM-120 or COM-231Introduction to Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 39 credits

Certificate - Foundational Photography

Certificate programs are short-term training options that can typically be completed in one (1) year or less. They are designed to prepare you for employment, upgrade your skills, or provide retraining—helping you quickly gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to advance in the workforce.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
PHO-113History of Photography3
ART-171Digital Design I3
Sub-Total Credits14

Total Credits: 14 credits

Certificate - Intermediate Photography

Certificate programs are short-term training options that can typically be completed in one (1) year or less. They are designed to prepare you for employment, upgrade your skills, or provide retraining—helping you quickly gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to advance in the workforce.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
Sub-Total Credits5

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 16 credits

Pathway - Foundational Photography (CCP)

Career & College Promise (CCP) offers high school students the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements. In about two years or less, students can complete college credits, certificates, or other credentials—giving them a valuable head start on their education and career goals. By enrolling in CCP, students save time, save money, and gain the confidence of knowing they are already on the path to success in college and beyond.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
PHO-113History of Photography3
ART-171Digital Design I3
Sub-Total Credits14

Total Credits: 14 credits

Pathway - Intermediate Photography (CCP)

Career & College Promise (CCP) offers high school students the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements. In about two years or less, students can complete college credits, certificates, or other credentials—giving them a valuable head start on their education and career goals. By enrolling in CCP, students save time, save money, and gain the confidence of knowing they are already on the path to success in college and beyond.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
Sub-Total Credits5

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 16 credits

Ed2Go Arts & Media Classes

Explore online graphic design and web design courses that make it easy for you to learn new skills or transition to a new career. We've got you covered, from animation and graphic arts to photography and web design.

WCE Available Classes

Boost your skills, explore new careers, or stay current in your field with Carteret C’s Workforce Continuing Education. Our flexible, non-credit courses—offered online or in-person—range from a few hours to several hundred hours and cover everything from technical training to professional development and personal enrichment. Affordable and practical, these courses help you grow your career and reach your goals on your schedule.

Program Overview

Carteret Community College proudly offers the only community college photography program east of Raleigh, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. As one of only four photography programs in the state of North Carolina community college system, we are dedicated to delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for both creative and commercial photography careers.

Students can expect to gain knowledge in the following areas:

  • Photographic Technology – Master the fundamentals of photography and digital imaging
  • Commercial Photography – Develop skills for advertising, marketing, and product photography
  • Fine Art Photography – Explore creative expression through photography as an artistic medium
  • Wedding & Portrait Photography – Learn the skills to capture special moments and build a successful photography business

Our hands-on classes take place in state-of-the-art facilities, allowing students to gain practical experience with professional equipment and industry-standard techniques. Whether you're interested in fine art photography, portraiture, or commercial work, our curriculum covers a broad range of approaches to help you succeed.

Our state-of-the-art facilities offer hands-on training in:

  • Camera systems and lighting techniques
  • Digital imaging and photographic processes
  • Multimedia design and composition

Designed for flexibility, this program can be completed in as little as one year, with night classes available to accommodate busy schedules. Additionally, students are not required to purchase equipment, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for aspiring photographers.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for entry-level careers in commercial photography, portrait photography, equipment sales, photographic laboratories, and imaging technologies.

Start your journey in photography today and turn your passion into a profession!

Diploma - Photography

Stay on track towards graduation.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
ART-171Digital Design I3
PHO-113History of Photography3
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
Sub-Total Credits14

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
ENG-111Writing and Inquiry3
Sub-Total Credits14

Summer Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-226Portraiture4
PHO-235Commercial Photography4
COM-120 or COM-231Introduction to Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 39 credits

Certificate - Foundational Photography

Stay on track towards graduation.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
PHO-113History of Photography3
ART-171Digital Design I3
Sub-Total Credits14

Total Credits: 14 credits

Certificate - Intermediate Photography

Stay on track towards graduation.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
Sub-Total Credits5

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 16 credits

Pathway - Foundational Photography (CCP)

Take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
PHO-139Introduction to Digital Imaging3
PHO-113History of Photography3
ART-171Digital Design I3
Sub-Total Credits14

Total Credits: 14 credits

Pathway - Intermediate Photography (CCP)

Take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-110Fund of Photography5
Sub-Total Credits5

Spring Semester

Course CodeTitleCredits
PHO-115Basic Studio Lighting4
PHO-120Intermediate Photography4
PHO-224Multimedia Production3
Sub-Total Credits11

Total Credits: 16 credits

Ed2Go Arts & Media Classes

Explore online graphic design and web design courses that make it easy for you to learn new skills or transition to a new career. We've got you covered, from animation and graphic arts to photography and web design.

WCE Available Classes

Want to Learn More?

Fill out the form to learn more about what Carteret CC has to offer!

Student Work

Carteret Community College
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