"Upon completion of a Graphic Design Associates Degree from DCTC, I began a series of photography courses and North Shore workshops which helped develop my passion in creating images that cause the viewer to stop and go WOW! As a result, both the graphics and the photography knowledge I gained has complemented my work flow as Photographic Design Specialist for Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

My work responsibilities entails coordinating the production of a photography book which Lifetouch Portrait Studios produces four times a year. In the book, Lifetouch Portrait Studios photographers' work is showcased for its composition, lighting and compelling emotional impact. These images are selected from our 675 studios nationwide. Other connections to graphics and photography come to play when I design photographic backgrounds or assist in the development of new prop ideas for the LPS Studios. On a regular basis I check and approve color for print and solve imagery problems in Photoshop."

"The skills I acquired in the Photographic Technology program at Dakota County Technical College qualified me for the job of forensic photographic specialist with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. The job requires a solid background in the operation of all types of cameras, including 35mm film, 4x5 view, and digital.

As a forensic photographic specialist, I rarely get the chance to retake photos. I need to expose my shots correctly the first time. I sometimes encounter adverse conditions. The subject of the photo might have a limited duration, or I might have to take shots in complete darkness.

Whatever the case, the ability to operate my camera correctly and get the shot right is vitally important. DCTC's Photographic Technology program trained me thoroughly in camera operations. I am called on to apply those skills almost daily in the HCSO.

The Photo Tech program provided training in film and photo processing. These skills are a crucial part of my job because the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office supports an in-house photo lab for processing all official photos. Thanks to my training at DCTC, I started my job at the HCSO with the skills and confidence to perform my duties well.

The computer and graphics skills I acquired at DCTC proved a bonus for me at the HCSO. Those skills allowed me to help with the process of switching over to digital photography. My classes at DCTC taught me to run several software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, QuarkXpress, and many others. I use these office and graphics programs on the job in various presentations, court displays, and other applications.

While at DCTC, I was part of a team that helped build the college's Web site. Although not an aspect of my formal training, that project was like an internship and gave me the chance to learn yet another important and valuable skill. After several years with the HCSO, I began taking on freelance work as a Web site designer and Webmaster. I also do some photography for clients, friends, and myself.

As a graduate of DCTC’s Photographic Technology program, I would not trade away any part of what I have done. My job as a forensic photographic specialist has been the most fun, most challenging, most adventurous, and most rewarding career path that I could have imagined. I honestly owe every last part of my success to my Photo Tech instructor and Dakota County Technical College."

"Dakota County Technical College was my route to a better career. Its focus on technical skills and analytical thinking was necessary for the education I desired. The Visual Communication department had a diverse group of instructors, each with a unique teaching style. Constantly incorporating new information, they successfully were able to keep up with the rapidly changing field of photography. My goal to become a commercial photographer was always nurtured and consistently encouraged. I am pleased that I chose to further my education with Dakota County Technical College. "

"I attended DCTC from 2002-2004. I was a stay at home wife and mother until I started pursuing my Graphic Design Technology Degree. It is never too late to think about pursing and full-filling your career goals. DCTC is an excellent college for gaining technical skills and the teachers go out of their way and really take their time with all the students.

Peter Skoro set me up with a graphic design internship at DCTC which involved a Jim Brandenburg campaign for the Prairie Ecology Bus Center which helped give me experience working with clients. I loved my photography classes they were so much fun, especially the photo workshops classes at Lake Superior with Darrell Tangen. I feel I am successful in my careers. I was employed in the graphic design field shortly after my last class at DCTC.

I am one of two graphic designers at the District Office of Independent School District 196. I also am the head of the graphics pre-press department in the evenings for Lone Oak Graphics. As a freelancer, I have accomplished my first limited edition artwork print named "Hearts Desire". I had a greeting card design published in the magazine Stampin' Up. I have had artwork in the Star Tribune. I have had photos in the Seasons by Rebecca Kolls magazine. My photo is on the package design for the Roto-Glo flashlight. I also enjoy taking graduation photos. Thank you DCTC! I love what I do!."

"Thanks to the photographic program at DCTC I was able to make a career change that has changed my life!
The wonderful classes and instructors gave me the skills and courage I needed to open up my own studio.
I own and operate a very successful portrait studio called Cherished Moments Photography. I specialize in children, seniors, families and weddings.
I LOVE MY JOB! How many people can really say that? Thanks to DCTC I can. I actually get paid to play. Pretty cool!
I still look back fondly on my times at DCTC. The North Shore trip was a blast! The instructors were amazing and I made some wonderful friends. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with an interest in photography. "

-Debbie Vosejpka
Lonsdale MM
Website: www.cherishedmomentsbydeb.com