Photographic Technology Concentration

You see the moments that matter. There’s an interplay of light and shadow. That blue you feel in your bones when you crest the dunes and see the lake.

Photographers use math, technology, chemistry, and physics to make art. They make a living making images that matter.

Our courses teach you the equipment, the techniques, and the critical eye you need to become a better photographer.

A Better Eye

As you set up, capture, and process your imagery, sharpen your eye. Bring nuance and drama to your compositions. Understand how your art and your photographic technique fit in the history of photography.

Stronger Technique

Operate specialized equipment with confidence, from photographic enlargers to barn doors on a studio light. At OCC, you practice your art to refine it.

Our classes and facilities have the full breadth you need as a professional photographer:

Studio lighting
Location lighting
Industry-standard software
Lending library of cameras and technology
Black and white darkroom
Color darkroom
Color film processing (both C-41 and E-6)
Digital and analog approaches

People Who Might Just Get You

They’re here—in classes, in the red safelight glow of the analog darkroom, and in the computer lab as you work on color balancing your image. Other humans, developing film and photo skills. Troubleshooting with you. Helping you see something new.

See Your Path in Photography

Photographers work in a range of roles and professions:

Architectural photographer
Archivist
Art educator
Commercial photographer
Event photographer
Fine artist
Food photographer
Hobbyist
Influencer
Lab technician
Photo retoucher
Photo stylist
Photojournalist
Portrait photographer
Public relations specialist
Travel photographer
Wedding photographer

Our alumni go on to earn bachelor’s and graduate degrees in photography and related arts. Some open their own studios or retail galleries. Some keep working on the projects that matter to them well into retirement. It’s your path—develop it at OCC.

From OCC Student to DIA Artist

See how Associate in Arts graduate, Corey Turner, transformed his passion for photography into a career recognized by the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Read Corey’s Story

Grow as an artist, scholar, or entrepreneur

Consult an OCC counselor or academic advisor to make your plan for this concentration.

Open Doors with Your Associate Degree

Earn this concentration as part of your Associate in Arts (AA). Generally, this associate degree can be finished by full-time students in about two years (including summer terms). Your completion time depends on:

Applicable credits from another program or college
Your preparation for required courses
The number of courses you take each term
Your goal after graduation: You may need more courses to fulfill the Michigan Transfer Agreement, for example.

Photography is one of four fine and performing arts concentrations offered within the OCC AA.

Enroll Now

Begin your studies with these steps:

Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
On the application, select Associate in Arts.
Existing OCC students: Update your academic program using the Change of Program form.