Photography Courses (Credit)

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

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.
Student Exhibitions on and off campus, including JCCC’s Fine Arts and Design Studio Gallery.

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.

Earn an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) Degree

JCCC offers an Associate of Fine Arts degree that lets you tailor your learning experience to match your interests.

AFA with the Fine Arts Track - This track is a general degree focusing on Fine Arts.
AFA with the Lens-based Media Track - This track offers you the flexibility to focus on Photography or Flimmaking.

For details about how to plan your classes, contact Tonia Hughes at thughe38@jccc.edu.

[Catalog] Associate of Fine Arts, AFA

[Catalog] Photography courses

Why JCCC for Photography Courses?

If you are 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 professional camera kits, lenses, and lighting gear - at no additional cost to you. Professional equipment is available for check out, and there are no lab fees in the program.

24” Macs
Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom
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

The department hosts a thriving visiting artist program. Hear lectures from national and international artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Artists also provide demos and one-on-one meetings to review portfolios and reels.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships especially for students in Fine Arts (including Film and Media Studies). 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
Larry Thomas memorial Art

In addition to these, the department offers competitive scholarships for In-coming first year students and continuing students. To find out how to apply and be considered for the competitive scholarshis, contact Tonia Hughes (thughe38@jccc.edu) or Mark Cowardin (mcowardin@jccc.edu).

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.

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 suits your interests.

JCCC campus is also home to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses a world-class collection of permanent works as well as traveling exhibitions. The Museum serves as a vital learning resource for students and the community.

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: