In order to be a successful photographer, it is important to understand the camera, lenses, concepts related to light and exposure, the digital workspace, and photo editing using computer software. Professional photographers especially must understand how to print and display their photos, how to organize a large number of photographs, and how to store them securely. Excellent photographers understand how to use light and design theory to create the desired image for a specific purpose. This program designed to teach digital photography skills to those seeking to become successful photographers.

The photography industry is expected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024. Photography professionals can use their artistic and technical skills to help any photography business grow, including their own. With the addition of Adobe Photoshop®, this program ensures learners have the technical skills to enhance their digital projects even further, editing and altering photos in a way that ensure clients are pleased with the work

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Describe a career as a professional photographer including the different niches
• Explain the use of the various camera types and controls
• Describe the characteristics and use of various lenses
• Explain the physics of light and exposure in photography
• Identify the various equipment and workflow strategies needed by the professional photographer
• Explain basic image edition concepts
• Describe equipment, supplies, and techniques used to print and display photographs
• Describe effective strategies commonly used to organize and store images
• Describe the qualities of light are used to create desired image effects
• Explain basic photograph design concepts and techniques
• Identify major people and milestones in the history of photography
• Explain the different types of business structures common for professional photographers
• Explain the different components of a business plan for a photography business
• Explain how a professional photography can brand a photography business endeavor and how effective branding can help the photography business
• Explain the different components of a marketing plan for a photography business
• Explain common ways that a professional photographer can use social media to advance a photography business
• Explain the concepts related to costs and pricing in a photography business
• Detail the important considerations and legal and ethical principles related to the required contracts for a photography business
• Learn the foundational skills needed to effectively communicate using digital media tools
• Learn to use Adobe Photoshop®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Photography Professional (PHOTO)

Job and Externship Placement Services

Regardless if you elect to pursue national certification or not, if you enroll and successfully complete this program, assuming you pass a background check and drug screen, you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement services. All students who successfully complete this program (and pass a background check and drug screen) will have access to the RTW Externship or Job placement services at no additional cost.

Please note that if you choose Ready to Work (RTW) Externship Placement, you must be available to attend your RTW Externship on a full-time or part-time basis, Monday through Friday, between 7am - 5pm (minimum of 4 hours per day) for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week. Evening and weekend externships are not available, with the exception of Pharmacy Technician, which may have evening and weekend opportunities. Externships must be completed in person at the employer facility during the scheduled hours. With the exception of Medical Billing & Coding (MBC) students, remote externships are not available. Additionally, remote RTW Job Placements are very limited. Students have 6 months from course completion to request RTW placement services. After 6 months, a refresher course is required to be eligible for RTW placement services.