Our mission is to prepare you for a rewarding career as a creative professional in
the world of commercial photography. We teach you how to use professional photography
equipment, techniques for image control, creative direction, lighting techniques,
and image manipulation. You will learn how to capture images using both digital SLR
cameras, and traditional film cameras. Our curriculum integrates the current industry
standard software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One. All of these learning
components are designed to help you work toward a Certificate of Achievement or Associate
in Arts degree in photography, and prepare you for a career behind the camera.
As you study and practice your photography skills, you will learn that professional
photographers often specialize in a particular subject matter or genres including
advertising, editorial, fashion, architecture, landscape, wildlife, food, events,
sports, portrait photography, photojournalism, and more. Apart from your independent
practice, you will also learn to work in teams and collaborate on exciting multimedia
projects to include in your digital photography portfolio.
Students completing the program in Photography will demonstrate the ability to analyze
and assess photographic situations, solve technical problems, and overcome creative
challenges as they arise in photographic production. Students will further design
and construct photographic images that can communicate ideas or narratives effectively
for commercial, editorial or fine art purposes. Additionally, the student will have
the knowledge and skills pertinent to the operation of a freelance photography business
and sound business practices in the trade.
Coursework focuses on artisanal photographic techniques with emphasis on skills necessary
for transferring to a 4-year programs of study in the arts, and qualifies students
for employment in custom photography labs, running a wet darkroom, and to work for
professional fine artists. Students will learn the characteristics of shooting/processing
film, make custom prints in traditional color and B&W darkrooms, learn to use large
format cameras, and experiment with non-silver alternative processes.
Coursework provides training in photo editing using industry standard software on
macOS as well as tethered shooting in both a studio environment and on location. This
includes retouching for beauty and commercial photography applications, image compositing,
thorough color management, on-set asset management, and an overview of studio lighting.
Students will also gain an understanding of industry trends, workplace demands, studio
safety protocols, software troubleshooting, and expected professional etiquette.
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 know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your
SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services,
the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students
planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses
completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many
UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Our Photography program is designed to have students' career ready. Consider scheduling
an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the photography profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.