Our mission is to prepare you for a rewarding career as a creative professional in the world of commercial photography. We teach you how to use professional photography equipment, techniques for image control, creative direction, lighting techniques, and image manipulation. You will learn how to capture images using both digital SLR cameras, and traditional film cameras. Our curriculum integrates the current industry standard software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One. All of these learning components are designed to help you work toward a Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Arts degree in photography, and prepare you for a career behind the camera.
As you study and practice your photography skills, you will learn that professional photographers often specialize in a particular subject matter or genres including advertising, editorial, fashion, architecture, landscape, wildlife, food, events, sports, portrait photography, photojournalism, and more. Apart from your independent practice, you will also learn to work in teams and collaborate on exciting multimedia projects to include in your digital photography portfolio.
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
38 Units + General Education
38 Units
Students completing the program in Photography will demonstrate the ability to analyze and assess photographic situations, solve technical problems, and overcome creative challenges as they arise in photographic production. Students will further design and construct photographic images that can communicate ideas or narratives effectively for commercial, editorial or fine art purposes. Additionally, the student will have the knowledge and skills pertinent to the operation of a freelance photography business and sound business practices in the trade.
15 Units
Coursework focuses on artisanal photographic techniques with emphasis on skills necessary for transferring to a 4-year programs of study in the arts, and qualifies students for employment in custom photography labs, running a wet darkroom, and to work for professional fine artists. Students will learn the characteristics of shooting/processing film, make custom prints in traditional color and B&W darkrooms, learn to use large format cameras, and experiment with non-silver alternative processes.
17 Units
Coursework provides training in photo editing using industry standard software on macOS as well as tethered shooting in both a studio environment and on location. This includes retouching for beauty and commercial photography applications, image compositing, thorough color management, on-set asset management, and an overview of studio lighting. Students will also gain an understanding of industry trends, workplace demands, studio safety protocols, software troubleshooting, and expected professional etiquette.
18 Units
Upon completion of this certificate students will have received hands-on instruction in the use of digital cameras, electronic strobe equipment and lighting techniques as applied to photography in a professional studio setting. Includes a foundation in image editing software, studio safety, on-set etiquette, lighting concepts and effective use of photography grip equipment. Students completing this certificate program will have the skills, knowledge, training and discipline necessary to apply for employment as a photo assistant in the fields of commercial photography, product photography, portrait photography, event and fashion photography, food photography, and entry-level positions in medical and forensic photography.
Our counselors are here to help you plan your academic classes, goals, and needs.
Learn more about becoming a photographer.
Title image by SMC student Pat Simmons
