Commercial and Freelance Photography
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Commercial and Freelance Photography includes the study of both the digital and film aspects of photography. The program is structured to help students develop an understanding of exposure principles, camera operations and functions, digital photographic materials, film-based strategies, studio lighting, and the basics of running a freelance photography business. This certificate is designed to provide knowledge and experience important to those hoping to work as freelance photographers, wedding photographers, commercial photographers, photography editors, photography assistants, or photo lab technicians. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Photography is also available.
Details
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
There will be costs for supplies and equipment in this program.
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of design, aesthetics, and visual communication.
- Create original still and time based images.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and application of camera techniques.
- Demonstrate a thorough and adaptable knowledge of software used in digital imaging and contemporary media.
- Create digital imaging workflow.
- Utilize effective lighting techniques in natural, artificial and mixed lighting in photography (e.g., product, still life and portraiture).
- Analyze trends and influences in contemporary and historical photography.
- Critically evaluate photographic works.
- Develop a professional body of work and appropriate support material to showcase personal vision and technical skills.
- Identify professional practices in diverse settings for operating and marketing a photography business (e.g., communication, time management, pricing, and legal and ethical considerations).
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Photographers
$44,090 Show expanded career information for Photographers
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
$41,890 Show expanded career information for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Self-Enrichment Teachers
$48,240 Show expanded career information for Self-Enrichment Teachers
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVC100 | Introduction to Digital Arts | Critical course | 1 | ||
ART112 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | |||
ART131 | Photography I | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 | |
AVC142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 | |||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 2–3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ART132 | Photography II | Critical course | 3 | ||
AVC138 | Commercial Photography I | 3 | |||
ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 3 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVC140 or AVC237 | Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography | 3 | |||
AVC143 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 | |||
SBS200 | Small Business Operations | 2 | |||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVC100 | Introduction to Digital Arts | Critical course | 1 | ||
ART112 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | |||
ART131 | Photography I | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ART132 | Photography II | Critical course | 3 | ||
AVC142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | Critical course | 3 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
AVC143 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVC138 | Commercial Photography I | 3 | |||
SBS200 | Small Business Operations | 2 | |||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 2–3 |
Term 5
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AVC140 or AVC237 | Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography | 3 | |||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 3 | |||
Specialization Option | Specialization Option | 3 |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- FYC = First Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=184864).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.