Program Overview
Build your photography skills at SLCC. Acquire essential visual communication through exceptional composition, light, and technology through the art of making imagery.
Photography is the visual engine for storytelling and is essential to all aspects of visual media, art, design, cinema, and video. Students who elect to pursue the Photography Foundation Academic Certificate will become skillful and proficient in the photographic arts. Our certificate program cultivates an essential foundation of digital camera operation, digital workflow, and analog film components to produce inspiring color and black & white imagery. Completing the Photography Foundation Academic Certificate will prepare you for a diverse range of entry-level employment in the visual media industry and complements careers related to drone, film, video, broadcast, communication, marketing, and more. This degree will also prepare and apply for continuing your education for a Visual Art & Design Associate of Applied Science degree.
Career Opportunities
Industry demand for imagery is extremely high and supports photographers and videographers who can drive the marketplace forward. Photography is the visual engine for storytelling and is widely utilized across diverse businesses. Photographers provide analog and digitally produced imagery appropriate for use in a diverse range of visual media career options. Earning the Photography Foundation Academic Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in the visual media industry including but not limited to graphic design, illustration, web design, fashion, fine-art, architecture, drone, film, broadcast, marketing, and more.
What You Will Learn
Foundations of Art: Demonstrate competent application of visual art and design skills in their photographic images.
Image Capture: Demonstrate in photographic imagery, an acquired knowledge of and ability to apply:
- Control of exposure
- Camera focus
- White balance
- Photographic composition
Printing Negatives and Digital Files: Demonstrate competent printing skills with negatives and digital files.
Existing and Artificial Light: Produce photographs that exhibit an understanding and control of light as it applies to photography.
Estimated Cost
Supplies: $250
Course Fees: $225
The total program cost will vary depending on which elective class(es) students choose to take. On average students should expect to spend about $575 on books, supplies, and course fees.
Note: Fees may vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.
Note: This Academic Certificate does not qualify for Federal Financial Aid. However, courses required for the certificate may be used as electives for an Associate of Science—which is available for Financial Aid. Please see Financial Aid and an Academic Advisor for more information.
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
All students interested in pursuing a degree in photography must have their own 35mm, digital SLR or mirrorless camera, and/or medium format camera with full manual capabilities.
Recommended: Artistic and technical aptitude and familiarity with computers.