Second-year photojournalism student Lydia Johnson was looking to purchase a second camera body to complement her DSLR. With the rise of mirrorless technology now dominating the market, she was uncertain whether to invest in a mirrorless camera or stick with a second DSLR. Seeking advice on this significant purchase, Lydia reached out to her instructor, Candace Barbot, for guidance. Determined to give Lydia the best direction, Candace consulted a trusted industry connection. She put Lydia in touch with Albert Diaz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist with extensive experience in documentary photography. After all, in the world of professional photography, what’s a chat among Pulitzer prize winning colleagues? (Candace won hers in 1993.) These days, it really is about who you know.
Randolph Community College’s (RCC) commitment to providing top-tier photography education stands out among regional photography schools. Our photography degree programs offer students the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience through photography internships. RCC’s photojournalism students have even produced award-winning documentaries. But the benefits of RCC’s photography college go well beyond the classroom. Our extensive network of alumni, award-winning faculty, and industry professionals opens doors for students, offering invaluable photography career opportunities and access to photography networking.
Diaz’s advice helped Lydia make the decision to save her money and purchase another DSLR for now. He explained that switching between mirrorless and DSLR technology can be difficult, even for a seasoned photographer. Lydia plans to invest in a mirrorless camera when the time is right. In the meantime, the career advice and technical insights she received from Diaz turned out to be even more valuable than she initially anticipated.
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 Premiere 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.
