Photographer's Assistant

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.

We are currently unsure how to make these projections.

The Photography program teaches the dynamics of visual communication to illustrate ideas, record events, articulate stories, express moods, sell products, and interpret a person’s character. Courses stress technical knowledge, proficiency in camera control, digital and analog capture methods, artificial and natural light control, and image manipulation. This program prepares students for careers in photography-related genres including advertising photography, food photography, architectural photography, editorial photography, portrait photography, fashion photography, and photojournalism. - For additional possibilities, explore the computerized career information systems and other valuable career resources at the Career Services Center on SMC’s main campus. SMC has articulation agreements in place with several 4-year institutions. Students planning to transfer should complete the lower-division major requirements and the general education pattern for the institution to which they intend to transfer. High school students in the 11th and 12th grades may begin this program concurrently with their high school program if approved by the high school principal. Information regarding the Photography program is available in the Photography Department, (310) 434-3547, and through the Photography Department’s website: www2.smc.edu/photo.

The ultimate goal of this Photographer's Assistant Certificate is to provide students with the skills necessary to begin successful careers as a photographer's assistant in the commercial photography industry.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Photo 1	Introduction to Digital Photography	3	S1
Photo 5	Digital Asset Management, Modification, and Output	3	S1
Photo 30	Techniques of Lighting: Introduction	4	S2
Photo 32	Photographing People: Advanced	4	S3
Photo 33	Techniques of Lighting: Product	4	S3

Photography and Fashion Department

Although none of the following schools seem to offer a certificate for a photographer's assistant, they do offer other Applied Photography degrees and certificates related to photography. East LA, El Camino, Glendale, LA City College, LA Pierce, Long Beach, Mt. San Antonio, Pasadena, Cypress, Fullerton, Orange Coast

Not sure how to find non-duplicative enrollment, but for the fall semesters of school years 2018, 2019, and 2020, average enrollment was 919 students each.