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ASHEBORO — They are professional photographers scattered all over the world.

They shoot album covers with major recording artists, work on photo shoots for magazines in exotic locations, even toil on hospital ship off the coast of Africa, documenting the work done there.   

And they all got their start at Randolph Community College (RCC) in Asheboro.

RCC’s department of photographic technology offers one of the best values in the nation for students serious about pursuing a career in photography. Although tuition is significantly cheaper than private art schools with similar programs, students have access to high-end digital equipment, four digital labs, iMac computers, and a state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot photography studio where they gain hands-on studio experience.

RCC began offering an associate degree in photographic technology in 1968, and although the curriculum has mirrored the changes in technology, the core principle of the successful program has remained the same.  

“We work hard at giving students real-world training that gives them an advantage in the workplace,” says Charles Egerton, department head of the photographic technology department.  

Students who want to be professional photographers need to first  learn the basics, Egerton says. “We actually start our students out with film,” he adds.  “Its part of our philosophy that students need to know the history of photography.”    

Egerton says learning about film “forces students to be totally present when they are taking a picture.” They must consider exposure, lighting and framing when setting up a shot. Students also learn to develop film in a traditional darkroom before moving on to digital methods.

The two-year program is designed for students to take classes in a set sequence. The first year is made up of five general education classes and basic photo courses. As students move to the second year, they can choose to pursue one of four tracks: portrait studio management, photojournalism, commercial photography and biocommunication, which involves forensic and medical photography.  

Unlike more broad-based photography programs at liberal arts schools, the curriculum at RCC is vocation-
focused to prepare students to work in their chosen field. As soon as students begin to complete projects, they create a blog and are required to post pictures weekly to build a portfolio of work. Students are also required to complete two eight-week internships.

“We know how rigorous and competitive the real world is out there,” Egerton says. “Students get comprehensive experience that builds their confidence and gives them an extra advantage.”

When Stacey Haines was a student in the RCC program, she interned with renowned photographer Joyce Tenneson in New York City.

“I just wrote her a letter, and I couldn’t believe it when I got a call back from her studio manager,” Haines says.

While working at Tenneson’s studio, Haines says she “met a lot of the greatest living photographers.” Haines helped Tenneson with a book project and participated in a photo shoot with singer Norah Jones.   

Haines’ second internship was with food and lifestyle photographer Dasha Wright, who took Haines to New Orleans to work on a photo shoot for Modern Bride magazine.

“I think internships are the most valuable way to learn,” says Haines, now a successful commercial photographer in her own right. She has shot photo spreads for Our State, Garden & Gun and many other publications. “Last year, I went to Ireland for 10 days on a shoot.”

Haines worked 18-hour days, but says she loved that the job combined her passions for travel and photography.  

“RCC has turned out to be the best thing I ever did,” Haines says. “Going there actually changed the whole course of my life.”

Career Tracks is a monthly feature focusing on education options at public and private schools in the Triad. Have a suggestion? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or patrick.collins@news-record.com.