Cultivate the right images for your career

In today’s media-driven society, the demand for photography and video production skills is at its highest. The Commercial Photography concentration provides students with the technical and visual literacy skills necessary to succeed in the professional photographic and media production markets and industry. 

The concentration covers photographic theory and emphasizes mastery of the technical craft, enabling students to better define their artistic and visual style as they prepare to enter the commercial marketplace and succeed as photographers, videographers, video editors, producers, stylists, image retouchers, creative directors and photo editors.

Students gain a solid foundation in commercial digital imaging and professional studio workflows, including Capture One and the Adobe Creative Suite. The curriculum covers digital retouching, studio lighting, location lighting, video production, cinematography and post-production. Our courses and assignments span the range of areas including fashion, product, architecture, wedding and portraiture, location lighting, studio lighting, documentary, video production, narrative construction and visual storytelling.

The Commercial Photography students finish their studies with a completed website and body of work that highlights their style and photographic vision, allowing them to differentiate themselves and their work in the professional arena. 

Black and white, low-key studio portrait of a man with tattoos on his arms, looking down, resting his chin on his fist.

Studio Lighting - Final Project

Tyler McRae
A color double-exposure portrait blending a person’s face with sunlight, lace curtains, and leafy vines outside a window.

Emily Suit
A person with green-dyed hair in an updo stands before three blue cyanotype prints clipped to a line to dry.
Person sitting and holding a small notepad on their lap, taking notes with a pen; a hand-drawn camera sketch is visible on the page.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to meet professionals in the field, building valuable connections for internships and future careers. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in media production, working as staff and freelance photographers, stylists, producers, cinematographers, video editors and photo retouchers in NYC, Chicago, L.A., Charlotte and all points in between. 

Our alumni have worked for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder, Milk Studios, Amazon, Mr. Beast, Kaulig Racing, Camco Manufacturing, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., The Pro’s Closet, National Basketball Association (NBA), The Drew Barrymore Show, ESPN, USA Climbing, Microsoft and Geico, to name a few. 

My major fits me and my interests. I feel like I am going to be set up for a successful future and career path and my classes are setting me up for the real world.

 

Katelyn Woodie

Senior Capstone

PHO 4492 – Photographic Portfolio

Taken in the final semester before graduation, students in this course create a cohesive, professional portfolio tailored to the areas of the industry they plan to enter, refining their visual style through studio work, location shoots, and video production. Alongside developing this body of work, students build the professional tools they need to launch their careers—including a portfolio website, personal branding, and promotional materials—ensuring they graduate with a polished, industry-ready presence.

Close-up of a soccer-themed display featuring printed action photos from a Charlotte FC match, a monitor showing players celebrating on the field, and several small black-and-white soccer-ball stress toys scattered across the table.

Senior Portfolio Show

This show is the highlight of a Commercial Photography students’ capstone work, featuring professional websites, business cards, mailers, and other branded materials that showcase their photography and video services.