One of the key milestones for students in the Photography degree programs at Randolph Community College (RCC) is navigating the mock wedding held each fall. As students prepare for this event, there’s a sense of apprehension, especially for those enrolled in our portrait and wedding photography courses, worried they will forget important details while photographing their first wedding. This year was no exception. Under the guidance of veteran instructor Erin Arsenault, the students excelled, capturing all the special moments of the day with professional skill and precision.
For years, the RCC Photography department has hosted this unique event at a local venue, providing students with hands-on photography training in a real-world setting, complete with a minister, cake, and dancing. The mock wedding is a key feature of RCC’s photography education, offering invaluable experience for those interested in event photography and wedding photography. First-year students take on the roles of the wedding party. This event sets RCC’s program apart from many others.
Erin Arsenault, who has led the mock wedding for over 14 years, often jokes that she could easily transition into a part-time wedding coordinator. Her guidance has been a key part of preparing students for career opportunities in wedding photography. However, this year marks her last mock wedding as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. As Erin moves on to the next chapter of her life, we wish her all the best.
From photo editing and post-production to developing a professional photography portfolio, RCC offers students the photography education they need to succeed in various specialized areas, including portrait photography, fine art photography, photojournalism, commercial photography, and more. RCC remains committed to providing high-quality photography certification and equipping students with the technical expertise needed to thrive in the dynamic world of professional photography.
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.
