Catalog Year:
2019 - 2020, 2020 - 2021, 2021 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 - 2024, 2024 - 2025, 2025 - 2026

The Certificate of Achievement in Photography prepares students for work in commercial photography studios, complements existing Fine Arts degrees for students hoping to transfer in photography, and prepares students for entry-­level employment as a photographer or photography assistant in the professional photography community. This certificate is also designed for students wanting to set up their own production studios to work as independent commercial or fine-art entry-level photographers. Students learn the foundations of photographic design and produce original work that demonstrates a high level of technical expertise and craft. Emphasis is placed on job-related skills including digital photography, digital workflow, lighting, specialized darkroom techniques, and studio photography techniques.

Career Opportunities

Students earning the Certificate of Achievement in Photography can find employment as a photographer’s assistant and/or digital workflow tech. They may also set up their own production studios to work as independent commercial or artistic photographers and sell their work commercially or in art galleries. The certificate program gives a basis for employment as a working photographer or photographer’s assistant in the fields of commercial, advertising illustration, portraiture, architectural, fashion, documentary, or fine-art photography.
Units: 16.0-18.0
ART 244
PHOTOGRAPHY I
3.0
ART 249A
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I
3.0
 
3.0
ART 245
PHOTOGRAPHY II
3.0
OR
ART 249B
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II
3.0
ART 251
ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES
3.0
ART 252
PHOTOGRAPHIC LIGHTING
3.0
 
1.0-3.0
ART 293
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION
3.0
OR
ART 250
WORK EXPERIENCE IN ART
1.0-3.0
Total: 16.0-18.0

Program Outcomes

Outcome
Demonstrate intermediate to advanced knowledge of the use and safety pertaining to photographic skill sets including camera systems, processing, printing, material usage, lighting, and presentation.
Assessment
Assessed in Art 244, Art 249A, Art 245, Art 249B, Art 251, Art 252.
Outcome
Creatively apply the visual elements and principles of 2-D design in finished photographic works.
Assessment
Capstone projects assessed in Art 244, Art 249A, Art 245, Art 249B, Art 251, Art 252.
Outcome
Employ photographic techniques to express personal vision and content in finished photographic works.
Assessment
Capstone projects assessed in Art 244, Art 249A, Art 245, Art 249B, Art 251, Art 252.
Outcome
Analyze and discuss photographic artworks utilizing relevant terminology and addressing historical and contemporary issues at an intermediate level.
Assessment
Written assignments and participation in class critiques assessed in Art 244, Art 249A, Art 245, Art 249B, Art 251, Art 252, Art 293.
Outcome
Assess professional career options in photography.
Assessment
Written assignments in Art 252, Art 293 or 250.