| Frequently Asked Questions
What Skills do I need to Enter the Photography Program? What Kind of Camera Must I have? What Camera Lense(s) should I have? Is a Film Camera Also Required? What storage capacity must I have in digital camera cards? Why must I have a FireWire powered portable Hard Drive? Do I Need to have my own computer? How Much Should I Expect to spend on Equipment & Supplies? How does this compare to the previous traditional film based program? How is the cost of printing handled? What do I need for the 1st day of classes? What Kind of Jobs are available after graduation? Can I begin the Professional Photography Curriculum in the Spring Semester? I already have a BA from another college, can I finish the program in less than two years? What Items are no longer required since the program is using digital cameras? Where to Buy Equipment & Supplies? How many assignments are typical from a photography class? What are the greatest difficulties photo students encounter being successful in the program. What is your Attendance Policy Jobs while attending the program Furthering Education after Colorado Mountain College
What Skills are necessary to enter the program? The photography program at CMC doesn't require you come with a background in photography. Better than that background is an open attitude to learning, regardless of what you currently know. This program does require a commitment of time and a commitment to work. We also require college level reading, writing, computer and math skills. This program is not simply an alternative for students who performed poorly in academic areas. A comfort with computers and a strong basic knowledge of them are necessary for success. Our program requires skills in time management and discipline. The time commitment is probably the most essential for success. If your reason for enrollment is snowboarding or skiing in the Rockies consider another option. A good attitude and a desire to learn and expand.
What Camera Lense(s) should I have? One very good quality zoom is the real minimum requirement. Lens quality is a very important consideration. It is better to have one good quality lens than two or three with none being GOOD. How much you pay isn't always an indication of lens quality but it can frequently be a hint. If it doesn't cost much it probably isn't very good. This recommendation has become more difficult in digital SLR's because of the different sensor sizes. What defines the desirable focal length is the angle of view. I would recommend the Nikon or Canon Kit lens as good starting points for a lens.
The recommended Zoom Range is roughly 28-100 +/- (35 mm equivalent
focal length)
Another consideration is the speed of the lens (f2.8 is more desirable than f4.5 and will affect the lens cost) The f2.8 lens makes the screen brighter. What storage capacity must I have in digital camera cards? We are recommending students have (3) storage cards to begin the program. These cards should probably be 2 gig to 4 gigabyte cards. Images will be transferred to CD, DVD and portable hard drives clearing the cards for reuse. Recommendations Sandisk II versions Why must I have a FireWire powered portable Hard Drive? (Bus Powered) A BUS Powered Hard Drive is required for students to store their images while working on them for current assignments. When BUS Powered drives are plugged into the FireWire/USB-2 ports on the computers, the need for AC power is eliminated. We require this specfic type of drive to avoid the excessive wiring needed for non-BUS powered drives. It is simply impossible to provide the number of AC outlets for all the computers, monitors, printers and scanners and still have AC for each student's hard drive. It would simply be a wiring nightmare. FireWire is the fastest and more reliable of the two. A Firewire port can be added to most PCs with an inexpensive Card if none is available. The Smartdisk Firelite Firewire, Lacie Mobile Firewire and OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro are some acceptable drives for this requirement. After assignments are finished, students can back them up on CD or DVD and recover space on their Portable Hard Drives for future assignment work. Some students have elected to purchase the Apple iPod which is more expensive, but serves as both a music device and can act as a portable drive at the same time. Although the iPod can serve both music storage and as a hard drive a dedicated drive for image storage is a BETTER option. A drive with a minimum of 60 gig is required. -Not Acceptable-
Is a Film Camera Also Required? No, though it might be nice to have both a DSLR and a Film SLR it isn't required. For any work requiring a film based camera we will have some available for students without one. There is an elective class that uses the film SLR camera. Large format photography will require large format film. For those classes a large format camera can be leased from the program, film will be the students responsibility. NOTE: We have a Black and White film and darkroom elective class for those interested.
Do I Need to have my own computer? (Not a requirement but can certainly be helpful) Many times we are asked to recommend a computer for use in the program. All the work in the Professional Photography and Graphic Design programs is performed on Macintosh computers. Personal recommendation would be a Mac because it is most compatible with the work done in our classes, but it is possible to use either Mac or Windows platform provided you own the appropriate software. (Of course the new Intel based Macs can run either) Laptop versus Desktop Although a Desktop is probably cheaper, faster, more expandable in general, for a college student and even for many photographic situations a laptop is important. And some of the new laptops approach the speed of the desktops. The Monitor is another important consideration. A better quality monitor is really important for photographic imaging. The Apple Cinema Displays, though a bit more expensive are very good. Laptop screens are not acceptable for most digital imaging work. I work on a laptop 90% of the time but when working on photo images I connect the laptop to a good external monitor. So if purchasing a laptop be certain you can connect an external monitor. Whatever computer you may choose, the computer doesn't help if you don't have the software. Microsoft Office (primarily Word) and Adobe Photoshop CS2 are crucial (It is important to have the same version as we are using in the program) and some optional programs like iView Media Pro. The portable firewire drive listed earlier allows easy transfer of files from your personal computer to our lab.
In any case, if you purchase your own computer it should have at least 1 gig of RAM, at least 80 gig hard drive, a CD/DVD-R drive, a FireWire Port (FireWire 800 Preferred) and a connection for an external CRT monitor. Our lab computers will be Macintosh G5 computers with LCD & CRT style monitors, What programs should I have on my computer to make it most useful for homework? The programs used in the Professional Photography Program include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Including Photoshop CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, Fireworks CS3), iViewMedia Pro (Microsoft Expressions Media), Roxio Toast, . In the beginning Photoshop CS3, and Roxio Toast are the most essential programs. Most of these can be purchased at a discount after students are enrolled in college. How Much Should I Expect to spend on Equipment & Supplies? Surprisingly it actually appears that the total cost of completing the new digital curriculum is less than the traditional film based curriculum. This is a very difficult question because it varies greatly. It depends on where you buy, and what you determine is essential. It also may depend on what equipment you may already own. Many film lenses will work on the newer digital camera bodies so if you already own some lenses that your DSLR will accept the cost is lower. The DSLR cost also vary tremendously. New prices on DSLRs range from about $900 for the body to about $7500. It is also important to emphasize that the DSLR cameras cost much more than an equivalent film camera, BUT the long term cost for that camera is MUCH less because film and processing cost are eliminated. Also consider that equipment purchased doesn't magically disappear when the student finishes school. That equipment will continue to be used in the profession. Estimated 1st Year Expenses for Equipment & Supplies
Estimated 2nd Year Expenses for Equipment & Supplies
When estimating cost, tuition, room, and meals aren't included. Only the additional cost of equipment and supplies are considered. For tuition, room and board please contact the admissions department. The additional cost are for equipment and supplies only the professional photography student requires. Also note that equipment lease fees not only allow a student to use the specified equipment but also support our purchase of additional equipment for the program. The total cost of the Professional Photography program is more than most programs at CMC because of the equipment and supplies necessary. Do not under-estimate this requirement. Lack of finacial preparedness can make the completion of the professional photography program extremely difficult. How does the digital program compare in cost to the previous traditional film based program? Although the initial cost is higher, that is purchasing the Digital SLR, overall cost is expected to be approximately the same or possibly a little less. Since film is replaced with reusable storage cards, paper/print cost are reduced and other darkroom equipment cost are no longer necessary. How is the cost of printing handled? Students are charged a per print charge for prints. This is automatically tallied and bills for printing are periodically submitted to the business office. Current charges are $1 for 8x10s with proportional charges for larger prints. This doesn't quite cover our cost of paper and ink but supplements that cost and encourages the students to print responsibly. Even with this charge the finished print cost is typically lower than it would cost the student using their own paper were they printing traditionally since few unusable test prints are required.
What do I need for the 1st day of classes? Items required of for 1st Day of class
Additional - Miscellaneous equipment and supplies
What Kind of Jobs are available after graduation? Our program is generally geared to give a broad perspective on the fields of photography. Careers in a variety of fields are possible including portraiture, wedding photography, photojournalism, digital lab services, commercial studio photography, studio management, etc Of course many perspective students want to work for National Geographic, or some other high scale magazine, to see the glamour of travel photography or high fashion. These are lofty goals and aren't generally in the picture until after years of hard work proving oneself. The most common positions for our graduates have been digital lab services, portraiture and photojournalism. It has also been common for students who are very adept at digital imaging to get positions assisting traditional established film photographers who aren't current knowledgeable of digital imaging. Other students have begun their own businesses in photography offering a variety of services including portrait, commercial, architectural & interior photography and digital imaging services or a combination of these. Some of our graduates have also continued their studies in photography or in other fields keeping photography as a treasured avocation. Finally your career path depends a great deal on the individual. Students determined to succeed will, those wanting something to come to them are less likely to succeed.
Can I begin the Professional Photography Curriculum in the Spring Semester? Unfortunately no, because of the sequenced layout of our program courses must be taken in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th semester as outlined in the curriculum. The only exceptions are photo elective classes and some of the general education classes which can be shifted around if necessary, Some students have started attending CMC in the Spring Semester but do not officially begin photography classes until the fall. In the Spring they have taken general education classes or skills ddevelopment classes. Digital Portfolio is offered in both the Spring and Fall semester. In the Fall for students who elect to attend a 5th semester. Currently about half the students choose the 5th semester option. I already have a BA from another college, can I finish the program in less than two years? Again unfortunately no, and for the same reason as above. Courses must be taken in the scheduled 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th semester. The only exceptions are photo elective classes and some of the general education classes which can be shifted around if necessary, Digital Portfolio is offered in both the Spring and Fall semester. In the Fall for students who elect to attend a 5th semester. Currently about half the students choose the 5th semester option. Where to Buy Equipment and Supplies Online is certainly the least expensive. Some vendors we use often include ...
Local stores can be great resources and may be more helpful in making decisions but be certain you are getting what you need and not just what they sell! And unfortunately their prices are generally higher. Students registered in photography programs can get discounts on some equipment necessary for the program. Through a program with Bogan and another through The MAC group students can purchase Sekonic & Gossen light meters, Gitzo and Manfrotto tripods, Tenba bags, and Mamiya cameras. Lighting equipment and other high quality advanced equipment can also be purchased through these programs. Macintosh computers are available through Apple's website at special educational prices and software is available through Journeyed.com. Other Programs for Photo Supplies include Bogen and The MAC Group (not associated with Apple computers). Both of these programs require documented enrollment in a photography program. They provide discounts on professional photo equipment (not including DSLR cameras and lenses). Items do include tripods, camera bags, medium and large format cameras... For these programs proof of enrollment (and sometimes a faculty members signature) is required.
How many assignments are typical from a photography class? Typically each photography class will require roughly one assignment every other week. Sometimes this could mean up to three assignments due in the same week. What are the greatest difficulties photo students encounter being successful in the program. Probably the greatest difficulty is time management. Frequently students are experiencing their 1st away from home experience without parental supervision and this freedom requires personal discipline. In our program due dates aren't flexible, assignments are due on time or grade reductions occur. What is your Attendance Policy Our attendance policy is STRICTLY enforced. Students are allow two absences from a class without penalty. Absences are all treated the same, whether the absence is for illness, over sleeping, or leaving for a trip home early. Two absences should be more than suffcient to cover life ceircumstances. After the two absences the students final grade is reduced by 1/2 grade level for each additional absence. Though two absences are ALLOWED none should be taken unless absolutely necessary. Scholarships Jonathan Wright Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Jim Elliott Scholarship $250 for students continuing into the 2nd year of the program. Requires a portfolio application. ---- There are other scholarships not specific to the photography program. Some general scholarships are need based or accademic's based. Please contact our financial aid office for specifics on scholarships and other available aid.
Jobs while attending the program The Professional Photography Program is demanding. Holding a full time job and attending classes full time is nearly impossible. A part time job is feasible and there are many oppurortunities the Roaring Fork Valley. College Workstudy is the most convenient but an application process which is approved by a government assessment is required and the award is based on need, the need determined by income tax filings generally of the parent of a student under 21. The application approval process takes time and must be completed yearly for both grants and college workstudy programs. Due to our location on the Western Slope placement of students isn't possible. However, we are freqently contacted by photographers looking for assistants and associates. This information is passed on to the students. The success rate of students finding employment is very high if they are motivated and willing to relocate. Furthering Education after Colorado Mountain College I have recently confirmed our transfer agreement with Brooks Institute. The agreement is fundamentally that a graduate of our program (with an AAS-Photography degree) would be 1/2 way through their requirements for a BA degree. David Litschel at Brooks Institute is the person to contact at Brooks about our agreement. We have also have a number of students transfer to the Rochester Institute of Technology and a few others to the Chicago Institute of Art and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Though we do not have any formal agreement with these institutions at present. Other students have gone on for business and journalism degrees to assist their desired career path. |