Mercer Photo
Professor Dalton | Text/WhatsApp 646.229.1905 | daltonm@mccc.edu | Meeting Hours
Welcome to the Photography Program at MCCC. This is one of the few community college programs to continue to offer black and white film-based photography with a fully operational darkroom. The program is well-stocked with both film and digital cameras for you to borrow if you start the program without a camera. We also loan out medium format cameras in Photo II where you can experience using medium format color film. The Photo program covers b/w film photo, color film and scanning, digital photo, studio photo, documentary photo, photo history, digital imaging (Advanced Photoshop), InDesign Book Layouts, and more.
Starting in Fall 2024 – Stockton University Transfer
The MCCC Photo Program now has a 2+2 transfer program with the Stockton University Photo Program. This is a transfer program in which you gain your AFA from MCCC in Photography and then transfer to Stockton University as a third year photo major. Contact Professor Dalton for details. See contact information on website.
Click on the program image to see program description and course requirements for the program. Take PHO 101 B/W Photo and PHO 103 Digital Photo I together in your first semester in the fall. If you are starting in the spring, take PHO 103 Digital Photo and DMA 110 Digital Imaging together. These courses allow you to move into all of the other PHO and DMA courses.
PHO 101 and PHO 103 can be taken before or while you are taking foundation ENG courses and it is possible in some situations to get into DMA 110 while taking foundation ENG courses with the approval of Professor Dalton. (Certificate Majors should take PHO 103 and DMA 110 to get started.)
Fall Only Courses: PHO 101 B/W Photo, PHO 202 Studio Photo
Spring Only Courses: PHO 203 Photo II, PHO 251 Documentary Photo
Contact Professor Dalton for all academic advisement. (daltonm@mccc.edu)
Steps for Success:
- Be on time – Lectures begin promptly and some of the most important information is covered in the first 20 minutes of class
- Check for class messages frequently (currently through MS Teams)
- Read the posted homework assignments before photographing the assignment – Don’t photograph from memory
- Give yourself time to get it wrong so you can do it again before the deadline
- Turn in assignments on time and fully completed
- Make sure you are present for any tutorial or exam reviews and take good notes
- Weigh the needs of your current job against your need to have a better job someday
Photos to Avoid in General
- This list is designed to help you move past generic photos
- Exceptions allowed if you can provide a connection or involvement with what you are photographing
- Closeups of Squirrels, Ducks and Geese
- Closeups of Horse Faces
- Closeups of Baby Faces
- Closeups of Flowers
- Princeton University
- Grounds for Sculpture
- Vulnerable populations or people who may not want to be identified
Cameras:
The photo program has many Film and Digital loaner cameras for all of the classes, but I do recommend that photo majors purchase their own digital camera by the end of their second year if you can afford one. Wait until you start taking classes before purchasing a camera. Digital cameras must have fully manual exposure controls.
Film Supplies:
You will be given a black and white film class starter kit and loaned a camera. You may need to purchase some supplies which will be discussed on the first class. If you have financial aid, some supplies can be purchased in the bookstore using those funds. Otherwise, I recommend NY Camera of Princeton. The cost of supplies will vary depending upon photo prices. The cost can range from $60.00 to $150.00
Wait until your first day of classes before purchasing supplies.
Textbooks:
All of the film & digital photo and digital media courses use free online tutorials and downloadable documents. Everything is explained on the first day of class, so there is no need to purchase before then.
Academic Calendar and Graduation Deadlines and Forms
