Photographer's Assistant

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.

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.

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Upon completion of this certificate, students will demonstrate skill in the control of studio and location lighting techniques utilizing continuous light, strobe and mixed lighting situations as well as demonstrating the necessary skills to work accurately, efficiently and safely in a studio or location environment. In addition, students will demonstrate a proficiency in operating digital cameras and will demonstrate skills in the digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom and Capture One software.