The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This certificate prepares students for entry-level employment as a Digital Technician in photography. 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 the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a color-managed tethered capture workflow using digital asset management software. Students will also demonstrate advanced compositing and retouching techniques using industry standard software. Students completing the program will gain confidence in using the DSLR camera, using strobe and continuous lighting, studio safety, and working in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
10 Units
This non-laboratory course is an introduction to digital photography including understanding the use of an interchangeable-lens camera, lenses and basic photographic equipment. The course will address creative considerations and aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, motion, light and color. Technological considerations, digital asset management, and editing software will be introduced.
NOTE: This course should be taken in the intersession PRIOR to the first semester
An introduction to digital camera exposure methods in various lighting conditions, image processing, basic color theory, color management, and various digital output techniques for both color and black & white imagery. Students are required to use outside commercial lab services and must furnish an approved digital camera with removable lenses (DSLR) which is capable of capturing in the Camera Raw format. A knowledge of basic computer functions is essential.
- Skills Advisory: PHOTO 1
In this class students will acquire a solid foundation in lighting tools and the practical application of lighting. Students will learn the proper selection and effective use of a light source whether photographing a portrait, a still life or any type of location photography.
- Skills Advisory: PHOTO 1
- Pre/Corequisite: PHOTO 5
Semester 2
3 Units
This course is an introduction to digital imaging for photography majors using Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn how to manipulate, make selections and enhance digital images, including retouching for output to a variety of media.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 5
Semester 3
3 Units
This course covers advanced level digital image manipulation on the computer using Adobe Photoshop. Students will continue to explore more complex features of Photoshop, and learn industry standards for preparing professional imagery for commercial clients.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 39
Semester 4
4 Units
This is a Photoshop and studio photography course that trains students on the commercial-level techniques that combine multiple images into one image suitable for commercial publication. Students will learn various lighting techniques while learning to combine multiple images, and work toward final composites comparable to a professional level of output. This course will prepare students for career requirements through development of suitable images for their portfolio, as well as familiarization with currently utilized retouching tests. These skills also apply to photographers who want to take their own images to a professional level without having to hire a digital artist.
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 30 and
- Prerequisite: PHOTO 39