Photography: Career Associate

The Photography: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with comprehensive training and practical skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of photography. This program offers a balanced combination of technical knowledge, artistic development, and business understanding, equipping students with the tools needed to pursue various career paths within the industry. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences that cover camera operations, lighting techniques, digital editing, and print production. They will have opportunities to develop their own artistic style while understanding the professional standards required in commercial, portrait, landscape, and event photography. The curriculum emphasizes both creative expression and technical proficiency, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions or to start their own photography businesses. Students will also learn about the latest industry software, including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and will explore the fundamentals of marketing, client relations, and portfolio development to enhance their professional readiness. The program is taught by experienced instructors who bring industry insights and mentorship to the classroom, fostering a supportive environment for student growth. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will gain confidence in their technical skills and artistic vision. Upon completion of the Associate degree, graduates will be equipped to work as portrait photographers, commercial photographers, photo editors, or freelance artists, among other roles. The program aims to cultivate not only technical excellence but also a deep appreciation for visual storytelling and cultural understanding through imagery. Whether students aspire to work in a studio setting, freelance their services, or further their education in photography, this associate program provides a solid foundation for a successful career in the visual arts industry.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
   ENGL 104 Technical Writing (or)  (3) 
   ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
ART 105 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design  3 
ART 115 Beginning Digital Photography  3 
ART 117 Photoshop for Photographers  3 
ART 121 Drawing I  3 
ART 182 Art Through the Ages II (Core A, D)  3 
ART 183 Modern Art  3 
ART 186 History and Aesthetics of Photography  3 
ART 201 Color Photography  3 
ART 205 Color Digital Photography  3 
ART 206 Studio Photography  3 
ART 208 Advanced Digital Photography  3 
ART 209 Photography Seminar  3 
*ART 100-299 Art Electives  6 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Utilize the basic craft and aesthetic principles of photography

Apply acquired skills to both art and commercial photography

Acquire knowledge of the history and aesthetics of photography and art

Write and speak effectively

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Photography: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of photography. This program is designed to equip students with essential technical skills, artistic principles, and practical experience necessary for a successful career in various photographic fields. Students will explore a broad range of topics, including digital and film photography, composition, lighting, studio work, and post-processing techniques. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, assignments, and real-world practice, allowing students to develop a professional portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors who are active professionals in the photography industry. This mentorship helps students understand current industry trends and prepares them for employment in diverse settings such as portrait studios, commercial photography, fashion shoots, photojournalism, and event photography. The program also addresses the business side of photography, including marketing, client relations, and managing a freelance or small commercial photography business.

State-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs, studios, and printing equipment, support the learning process. The program encourages collaborative projects and participation in exhibitions or competitions, fostering a community of passionate photographers and creative thinkers. Graduates of the Photography: Career Associate program are well-prepared to pursue entry-level positions or further education in photography and related fields, such as multimedia production or graphic design. The program’s goal is to nurture artistic talent while ensuring students gain the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to succeed in a competitive market.