First-year students display their work during the fall portfolio show.
Students enrolled in the photography degree programs at Randolph Community College (RCC), begin their journey by immersing themselves in a hands-on learning environment that emphasizes both technical skills and artistic expression. In December, first-year students showcased their work at the annual portfolio show. These budding photographers were expected to display five photographs centered around a common theme or story. “I loved it, the personal factor of it! I feel like it was the first time that we got to photograph what we wanted to photograph,“ said student Kate Stafford. “There was a lot pressure. It was a little bit nerve-racking, especially for the first one, but I had a lot of fun with it,” said Stafford.
Instructor Amber Hogan knows the importance of the portfolio project. “It’s important to allow students to take the technical skills they are learning here and apply them to something they find passion in. They get to explore and play and start finding themselves as photographers,” she says. The show allows students to display and discuss their work among family, friends, and peers. “Another important skill they need to have as a successful photographer is the ability to speak about their work, stand behind their work, and to be able to listen to compliments and critique,” says Hogan. This project allows for all of that.
The rigorous program at RCC begins with medium format cameras and black and white film. By the end of the semester, students are fully versed in aperture, shutter speed, and the development process, among other photographic concepts and are able to create high-quality images. The portfolio show is the student’s opportunity to demonstrate understanding of these concepts, as well as to express their own ideas and interests. A second showcase is held at the end of the spring semester and is open to the public.
We love to show off our state-of-the-art 37,500 square foot facility. Schedule a tour! Interested in pursuing a career in photography? Apply to the Photography Technology program at RCC!
Want to know more about our program? Randolph Community College (RCC) offers a comprehensive Photography program designed to equip students with both technical skills and creative expertise for a successful career in the field. The program features a range of Photography degree programs catering to various specialized areas, including commercial photography, fine art photography, digital photography, analog photography, portrait photography, event photography, sports photography, product photography, wedding photography, and more.
Students gain proficiency in both traditional and emerging technologies such as digital imaging, photo editing, and multimedia storytelling. Instruction covers key skills in studio lighting, location lighting, photo editing, and darkroom techniques, alongside advanced techniques like film processing, color correction, and image retouching. Additionally, students learn to operate industry-standard software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and Final Cut Pro for post-production work.
The program focuses heavily on career preparation, offering opportunities for portfolio development, internships, and job placement. Students gain exposure to industry trends, business practices, and networking opportunities, making it an ideal foundation for freelance work or professional photography roles. Workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by visiting artists enrich the learning experience.
RCC’s photography program prepares students for a variety of careers, including photojournalism, fashion photography, architectural photography, and advertising photography. With a strong emphasis on both artistic and technical skills, students are trained to succeed in a rapidly evolving field that increasingly incorporates emerging image technologies such as drones and interactive imaging.
Located in Asheboro, North Carolina, Randolph Community College offers an accessible and specialized education in photography within the region, while being well connected to the broader photography community in the Southeastern US. Known throughout the industry as a one of the best for photography education, the program is designed to meet the needs of aspiring photographers, whether they wish to pursue a career in commercial or fine art photography, or explore specialized niches like wildlife, food, or travel photography.
