Graduates of Randolph Community College’s (RCC) Photography program are well-prepared to enter the workforce, thanks in large part to the internship opportunities built into the second year of the program. These internships provide students with real-world experience that offers a clear, realistic view of the professional photography landscape setting them up for success after graduation. Each concentration within the program has specific real-world work requirements ensuring that students gain valuable experience tailored to their career goals.
RCC is fortunate to be located in a community with strong connections to a variety of local studios and seasoned photography professionals who generously mentor, advise, and train students. Internships typically last a minimum of eight weeks, giving students an extended opportunity to learn on the job and develop industry-specific skills.
Adam Anderson, a second-year student concentrating in commercial photography, had the opportunity to intern at Albion Associates, a well-known studio in High Point. Reflecting on his experience, Anderson says, “A lot of the things I learned in school make a lot more sense now.” He credits the area’s unique relationship with the home furnishings market for offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn the intricacies of furniture photography, a skill highly relevant to the region’s industry.
Lloyd Aadland, one of Anderson’s supervisors and a mentor to RCC interns for over eight years, emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning. “You learn more if you do something for yourself,” he says. Aadland not only helped Anderson develop his skills in furniture photography but also shared insights from his own photography journey. Pointing to a galvanized trashcan on a light stand, Aadland explained that he had seen similar setups in the past and spent years visualizing it before crafting his own. “He’s always making some sort of tool or object to get the right light or setup,” says Anderson, describing Aadland’s creative problem-solving approach. “You have to learn to think outside the box and solve problems,” he adds.
For Anderson, the RCC Photography program has been just the first step in his career. “Being taught by instructors who have been there and are experts in their fields helps you prepare for internships. School is just the beginning. You will still keep learning,” he says.
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.
