Media Arts: Commercial Photography

The Commercial Photography Certificate of Achievement provides the training necessary to move successfully into the photographic workplace. The instruction provides the basic skills for a career in one or more of the following: Portrait, advertising, documentary, news/photojournalism, wedding/event, architectural, corporate, industrial, aerial, scientific, fine arts, photographic restoration, real estate etc.

Completer estimate: 20

 Projections are based on recent graduate rates for the Photography program and the current list of 20 declared Photography majors. At minimum all of those majors would automatically meet the requirements for the Commercial Photography - Certificate of Achievement. In the Fall of 2018, 123 students were enrolled in classes (4 classes, 6 sections) that are required for the certificate program. 

The Commercial Photography Certificate of Achievement will prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of commercial photography. Students will acquire foundational skills in technical and aesthetic areas of photography including: composition, lighting, color theory, traditional processes, digital and analog capture methods, image manipulation and organizational skills. Students are also taught the dynamics of visual communication with a strong foundation in the history, literature, terminology, contemporary movements and principles of the medium. The program prepares students to encompass new technologies and adapt to evolving technical innovations and consumer demands.

This program is designed to provide students with the tools they need to be productive and successful in a variety of vocational fields related to commercial photography. Through lecture, real-world assignments and hands-on classroom and studio activities, students will acquire the fundamental skills required to find meaningful work in the broad field of commercial photography. Commercial photographic vocational opportunities include, but are not limited to: advertising, wedding, event, architectural, real estate, photojournalism, portrait, corporate, editorial, fashion and scientific photography.

Objectives:

• Provide the technical skills required for employment in the field of commercial photography
• Provide appropriate coursework relevant to the students educational and career goals.
•  Provide students with practical, hand-on, training in commercial photography techniques and practices.
• Prepare students to function as professionals in the field of commercial photography

The courses required for the Commercial Photography Certificate of Achievement are all currently offered as part of the regular photography curriculum. All of the included courses have been approved by Allan Hancock College's curriculum committee and the California Community Colleges chancellor's office.