Commercial Photography

Career Information

Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Commercial Photographer: With advanced skills in photography, students can work as professional photographers specializing in commercial, product, or portrait photography.

  • Graphic Designer: Proficiency in design software and editing tools can lead to careers in graphic design, creating visual content for various media.

  • Videographer/Video Editor: Skills in imaging technology and video production can open opportunities in videography and video editing.

  • Marketing Specialist: Knowledge of communication systems and marketing principles can prepare students for roles in marketing and advertising.

  • Social Media Manager: Expertise in digital media and content creation can help students manage social media accounts for businesses or organizations.

  • Multimedia Artist: Skills in multimedia and technical design can lead to careers creating multimedia content for various platforms.

  • Project Manager: Experience in managing long-term projects can prepare students for roles overseeing projects in creative industries.

  • Customer Service Manager: Understanding customer service principles can help students manage client relations in photography or media businesses.

  • Business Consultant: With comprehensive knowledge of business operations, students can provide consulting services to help other businesses improve their performance.

These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.

Program Description

2 years – 6 credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage

This is designed to be completed in two years, during the 11th and 12th grades.

Year 1 includes 3 courses

In Commercial Photography I (1 credit) students will learn essential technical skills and use various technologies, including digital cameras, design software, and editing tools, to create, process, and present professional-quality commercial images.

Communication Systems (1 credit) offers hands-on experiences in imaging technology, graphic production, video, media, and technical design, focusing on data-driven communication methods. Students hone critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the universal systems model while exploring the societal impact of communication and related career opportunities.

Entrepreneurship I Course (1 Credit) This course introduces students to starting and managing their own business. It covers planning techniques, design thinking, business model development, financial statements, marketing, sales, customer service, and fundamental economic principles for success.

Year 2 includes 2 courses

In Commercial Photography II (2 credits) students are taught industry-relevant technical skills and have the opportunity to work with a variety of technology, including digital cameras, lighting, design software, and editing tools to stage, shoot, process, print, and present professional-grade images while developing a portfolio for a career as a commercial photographer. Students will develop an understanding of photography’s influence in society and strategize how they may perform in the professional industry, using their technical and creative knowledge.

Entrepreneurship II (1 credit) is designed for students who wish to concentrate on advanced strategies for entrepreneurship, building upon concepts introduced in Entrepreneurship (9093). The focus of the course is on development of a business plan and small business management. Students will establish, market, and maintain a business.

Is this a good fit for you?

Applicants must have a genuine passion for creating, editing, and delivering photographic images. Students should be ready to independently manage and organize multiple long term projects. Strong creative thinking, teamwork, self-motivation, flexibility and a positive attitude are essential in photography.

Certifications

  • Workplace Readiness

  • Adobe Professional Certifications (in year 2)

Instructors