The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
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.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of this certificate, students will demonstrate skill in the control of studio and location lighting techniques utilizing continuous light, strobe and mixed lighting situations as well as demonstrating the necessary skills to work accurately, efficiently and safely in a studio or location environment. In addition, students will demonstrate a proficiency in operating digital cameras and will demonstrate skills in the digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom and Capture One software.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
Semester 1
3 Units
This non-laboratory course is an introduction to digital photography including understanding the use of an interchangeable-lens camera, lenses and basic photographic equipment. The course will address creative considerations and aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, motion, light and color. Technological considerations, digital asset management, and editing software will be introduced.
NOTE: This course should be taken in the INTERSESSION prior to your first semester.
Semester 2
7 Units
In this class, students will acquire a solid foundation in lighting tools and the practical application of lighting. They will learn the proper selection and effective use of a light source, whether photographing a portrait, a still life, or any type of location photography.
- Advisory: PHOTO 1
- Pre/Corequisite: PHOTO 5
This course is an introduction to a professional editing workflow for photography majors, using Adobe Photoshop and other digital imaging software. Students will develop the basic digital asset management, digital printing, and color management skills required in the photography industry. Students learn how to enhance, retouch and composite digital images non-destructively through the use of selections, layers and masks, and prepare files for a variety of outputs, including digital prints.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 5
Semester 3
4 Units
Photo 32 is an advanced course that builds on skills learned in Photo 30 and focuses on techniques for photographing people in commercial settings. Assignments are designed to enhance creativity while utilizing advanced commercial lighting techniques for photographing people. Lectures and demonstrations will cover both studio and location lighting, and are geared toward commercial considerations for photographing people.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 30
- Pre/Corequisite: PHOTO 39
Semester 4
4 Units
In this course, students are challenged with lighting applications for a broad range of product and still life photography for use in a variety of commercial markets. Students research and apply current photographic styles while creating a portfolio of images that are applicable to a successful career in commercial photography.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 30
- Pre/Corequisite: PHOTO 39