Jobs for photographers trained at community colleges span the career spectrum from fine art photographers, whose work is sold in art galleries, to newspaper and magazine photojournalists, who shoot news, sports and human-interest photographs. Photographers also work in hospitals, clinics and medical schools doing medical illustrative photography and shooting medical procedures for future diagnostic reference. Many photographers also work in commercial fields and produce images for catalogs, instruction manuals and annual reports. Studio photographers often shoot weddings, portraits and graduation ceremonies.
The most successful photographers have a working knowledge of the rules of composition, artistic design, types of cameras and lenses, digital image manipulation programs and lighting equipment. A community college programs should cover all of these elements so graduates have the knowledge and hands-on experience to start, and eventually be successful in their chosen careers. It is also helpful if a photographer has excellent eye-hand coordination, a friendly personality and an innate sense of what elements combine to make a pleasing photograph.
Many community college photography programs include classes in analog, digital, video photography, as well as historical facts. Students also learn to operate and creatively control a variety of photographic equipment and darkroom processes and techniques, from pinhole to the latest single lens reflex cameras and digital imaging. Students also learn about different camera formats and how to use a wide variety of camera lenses. These programs also give students a chance to get hands-on photography experience while working for school publications and assemble a portfolio of their best work.
In addition to teaching photography in a classroom setting, community college photography programs also give students the opportunity to assemble a portfolio and train as an intern. Because of the large number of individuals applying for a small number of job openings, an applicant's portfolio is often the deciding factor in determining who is hired. Most photography portfolios are comprised of from 10 to 25 images. A strong portfolio is one that features only the highest quality work displaying originality, insight and technical excellence. An internship, which allows a student to work part-time in her field of study, gives a student the opportunity to get hands-on experience and make valuable networking contacts that can help land a job after graduation.