Skip to main content

At Johnson County Community College, photography courses give you in-depth knowledge of photography using both analog and digital film cameras.

What will I learn about Photography?

Become fluent in visual literacy and learn to compose and capture high-quality photographs, as well as develop and print photographs for gallery presentation and professional prints.

Using the tools of the profession, such as single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, light meters and studio lighting, apply techniques to create images as a medium of fine art. Become proficient in processing traditional film and digital images and be introduced to alternative and experimental processes.

Expand your studies to work in professional media and with large-format cameras, while learning professional techniques for studio work. As you build your skills, study the ethical and cultural implications of using the medium.

Find inspiration and learn other artistic techniques by taking Film and Media Studies and Fine Arts classes. Fulfill general education requirements and deepen your learning with History of Photography, Photojournalism and Desktop Photo Manipulation: Photoshop.

You may also exhibit your work through these outlets:

  • Student Gallery, located on third floor of the Student Center, showcases some of the best work by JCCC student artists.
  • Mind’s Eye is a literary magazine produced yearly that features students’ artistic works.

Art competitions and exhibitions at local, regional and national levels, such as those sponsored by League for Innovation in the Community College, put your work in front of industry professionals and give it access to a bigger audience.

Why JCCC for Photography Courses?

If you’re serious about developing professional-level photography skills, JCCC offers outstanding resources and opportunities to exhibit your work in the FADS and student galleries. You may also get the chance to exhibit in local and regional galleries, as coordinated by the Photography Department.

JCCC labs have plenty of camera kits, lenses and lighting gear, including:

  • Several Canon DSLR kits
  • An assortment of 35mm film (analog) camera systems
  • Hasselblad 501CM camera kits
  • Calumet 4X5 studio monorail camera systems with Manfrotto 3047 tripod
  • i1 Pro color calibration kits
  • Manfrotto tripods
  • Location studio lighting kits and portable flashlight kits

For film development, labs include:

  • Large format Jobo sheet film processing drums
  • Film drying cabinets
  • Sanders LPL 4X5 enlargers
  • Sanders LPL medium format roll film enlargers

For more fun and professional photography opportunities while at JCCC, get involved in the JCCC Art Club. Check out Get Involved@JCCC to learn more about the club – or any group that fits your interests.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships especially for Photography students. Search for the following scholarships in our easy scholarship application, then fill out the form to apply. You may also qualify for and be matched with non-art scholarships using this simple application.

  • James Fennel Fine Arts
  • Kirk Foundation
  • Larry Thomas Memorial Art
  • S A Art
  • S A Photography

Portfolio Review for High School Students

The department hosts free portfolio review days to help high school students prepare to apply for first-year scholarships and transition into college art classes. Contact department co-chairs Tonia Hughes at thughe38@jccc.edu or Mark Cowardin at mcowardin@jccc.edu for dates and details.

Join other successful JCCC students Apply now

As a photographer, you could become an artist and create work for galleries and public installations. Studying photography can lead to jobs in advertising, science, portrait photography and photojournalism.

You may also choose to use your skills to become an aerial or commercial photographer. Photography can also lead to jobs as product or fashion photographer or graphic artist. This program can even act as a steppingstone toward further education and/or experience that can lead to becoming a curator, art critic, gallery manager, art therapist or art instructor.

Many of the liberal arts and fine arts credits you earn at JCCC transfer to competitive art programs at area four-year schools, including Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Wichita State University. 

Make an appointment with one of our creative arts counselors to find out more.


Need help with career decisions? Visit the Career Development Center.

Money matters. JCCC is working hard to make tuition affordable for you. With scholarships available, we hope to encourage students to pursue their dreams at JCCC.

In addition to scholarships, loans and grants can also be obtained. Talk to our financial aid office to learn your options.

Here’s what we offer:

Supplies and textbook costs vary depending on your classes.

There are several things to consider when budgeting for college. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for detailed information.

Explore the Fine Arts & Design Building

Launch Fine Arts & Design Studios (FADS)