Harrington College of Design in downtown Chicago
offers students a unique new program for digital photo
careers.Chicago (PRWEB) --
According to the US Department of Labor Statistics,
significant competition for photography jobs is
expected, as the work is very attractive to new
career-seekers. Although a “good eye,” imagination, and
creativity are essential, technical expertise is vital
to succeed in this burgeoning career. Harrington College
(www.harringtoncollege.com),
located in the heart of downtown Chicago, has a unique
program created specifically to prepare students for a
variety of employment opportunities within the
innovative photography industry.
Harrington has Chicago’s only digital photography
program, which is under the direction of Dirk Fletcher,
a Brooks Institute of Photography graduate and
accomplished photographer. Harrington developed the
program in partnership with Brooks, a world leader in
professional photographic education, delivering training
in the center of one of the world’s best photography
markets — and most inspired cities. Students can hone
the artistic basics of light, texture, color, focus and
depth of field, and also work with increasingly
sophisticated equipment and image-manipulating software,
including computer software, printing technology, and
industry current digital cameras.
The program, created for professionals by professionals,
is concentrated and comprehensive. It covers the digital
essentials as well as the business end of photography.
Derek Johnson, a graduate of Harrington, found the
school to be helpful in his transition from career
education to a profession in photography. "Instructors
here are still immersed in the profession. They can tell
me what I need to make it outside the classroom. That's
what matters,” he said.
More than half of all photographers are self-employed;
the most successful are able to adapt to rapidly
changing technologies and are adept at operating a
business, which are taught at career education schools.
Photographers held about 130,000 jobs in 2002. The
self-employed photographers are a much higher proportion
than the average for all occupations. Some have
contracts with advertising agencies, magazines, or
others to do individual projects at a predetermined fee,
while others operate portrait studios or provide
photographs to stock photo agencies.
Though there are no formal educational or licensing
requirements for photographers, earning a college degree
in photography can be very helpful. Some employers, like
news or advertising agencies, may even require a
four-year degree, and university and art school students
often have an easier time finding internships.
Harrington College of Design offers an Associate of
Applied Science degree, working with the modern digital
commercial equipment and learning directly from
professionals.
Students start with a broad overview of basic
photography principles and techniques that enable them
to compose distinctive and technically proficient
photographs. Plus, they explore how to create, enhance,
and modify digital images with the use of computer
software and printing technology. As an added bonus to
the Digital Photography program at Harrington College of
Design, portraiture, photojournalism, and commercial
photography are included in the program to help students
cultivate and nurture their own artistic style.
For more information, visit
www.harringtoncollege.com.
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