Professional Photography

Career Opportunities in Photography

Photographers apply skills and creativity – including an understanding of light, color and visual aesthetics – to produce images with digital and film cameras and equipment.

Career opportunities include advertising, journalism, studio and portrait photography, event photography and various types of commercial work.

Successful photographers may be self-employed or work for a variety of businesses or other organizations. Knowledge and skill in photography can also be helpful for graphic designers, art directors and similar occupations. 

Employment Outlook: 2020-2030

• The number of jobs for photographers is expected to increase by more than 20%
• Jobs for art directors are expected to grow by 14%

These ten-year projections for California employment are calculated by the state Employment Development Department, which collects data about the state's workforce and economic trends.

Studying Photography at De Anza

De Anza offers a certificate and degree in professional photography as well as a degree in photographic arts. The Photography Department maintains a fully operating wet darkroom and professionally equipped digital labs.

Photography courses focus on both visual communication and principles of image control and craft. Students develop the technical, critical and practical skills required to succeed in this constantly challenging and changing medium.

Students are given the opportunity to apply new skills to real and simulated situations found in photographic careers.

De Anza photography graduates have made their careers in advertising, editorial work, photo illustration, fashion, architecture and product photography. 

Photography

• Photographic Arts - Transfer MapDetails for Transfer Map - Photographic Arts

  A transfer map is a suggested schedule of courses to take each quarter, if you are planning to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in a particular subject. These maps were created to help you get a solid footing in the subject and stay on track with courses commonly required by CSU or UC schools, but they do not guarantee your admission to any university. It’s important that you work with a counselor or academic adviser to determine exactly which classes you need to reach your particular goal.

  Transfer Map

• Photographic Arts (Film and Digital) - Associate in ArtsDetails for Associate in Arts - Photographic Arts (Film and Digital)

  This A.A. degree provides a comprehensive foundation in contemporary and traditional methods of photography. Digital imaging, traditional processing and printing, alternative processes, lighting, history and the visual language of photography are studied. Emphasis is on personal expression through creative process and technical excellence.

  Requirements

  Certificate/Degree Map

• Professional Photography (Film and Digital) - Certificate of AchievementDetails for Certificate of Achievement - Professional Photography (Film and Digital)

  This Certificate of Achievement provides a foundation in the basics of photography including digital imaging, traditional processing and printing, and lighting. It also recognizes the importance of personal expression and the use of photography as a visual language. Students wishing to work in the industry, transfer, or complete an A.A. degree in Professional Photography should consider completing this certificate.

  Requirements

  Certificate/Degree Map

• Professional Photography (Film and Digital) - Associate in ArtsDetails for Associate in Arts - Professional Photography (Film and Digital)

  This A.A. degree program provides a comprehensive foundation in contemporary and traditional methods of photography. Digital imaging, processing and printing, lighting, history, business practices and the visual language of photography are studied. Emphasis is on the photography techniques appropriate for those entering the industry today.

  Requirements

  Certificate/Degree Map

Photography: Noncredit

• Commercial Lighting - Certificate of CompletionDetails for Certificate of Completion - Commercial Lighting

  The Certificate of Completion in Commercial Lighting sequence provides a foundational education in photographic lighting, editing and business practices. Courses emphasize the skills and knowledge necessary for employment as a photographerâ??s assistant, or for starting a small business as a commercial photographer. Additional courses review foundational photographic skills including shooting with a camera manually and editing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

  Requirements

• Photographic Retouching and Digital Post-Production - Certificate of CompletionDetails for Certificate of Completion - Photographic Retouching and Digital Post-Production

  The Certificate of Completion in Photographic Retouching and Post-Production sequence provides the foundational skills required to edit and retouch digital images in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students learn the necessary skills to create finished digital images. This includes learning how to operate a camera manually as well as how to composite and retouch images. Upon completion of this sequence, students will have the foundational skills required to work as a photographic retoucher.

  Requirements

In addition to the programs listed above, you may be able to apply courses in this department toward General Education requirements.

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