Kimberly High School’s photography program isn’t just about taking great pictures. It is about building a toolbox of professional skills that transfer to nearly any career path.
When students walk into the photography classroom, they may expect to learn how to use a camera. What they gain goes further: problem solving, organization, and technical thinking, skills employers across industries value.
“We’re not saying, ‘Take Photography 1 and you’re a professional photographer,’” KHS instructor Trent Hagmann says. “Our goal is to give students solid basics and practical skills they can carry into any career.”
Students learn shutter speed, aperture, and ISO not only to improve their photos, but to manage multiple variables under pressure. If an image turns out blurry, they don’t just delete it and move on. They figure out what caused the issue and adjust, much like troubleshooting in engineering or manufacturing.
The course is designed to build confidence first, then raise expectations. Beginners start with approachable projects and auto mode. As they improve, they move into manual shooting, advanced editing, photo restoration, and photojournalism style assignments with real deadlines. Advanced students cover school events and community activities, practicing how to work quickly, adapt on the fly, and deliver results.
A major focus is professional workflow and data management. A single shoot can generate hundreds of images, and students learn how to organize, label, and track files in a way that mirrors real workplace systems. They also work with industry standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, preparing them for common professional processes.
These skills can support a wide range of futures, including marketing, real estate, automotive sales, social media, engineering documentation, and more. The program helps students discover new possibilities while building skills that last. Whether students become photographers or not, they leave with strong professional habits and ways of thinking.
