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Portraiture and Wedding Photography Certificate

This program is designed for students who want to enter a career path in wedding photography.  Students will learn techniques to pose and work with models and clients, use strobe equipment and available lighting techniques, work with professionals in the field, and design their own portfolios.  Business strategies, self-promotion, and workflow methods will also be covered.   

Total Units:
27

First Year

Semester 1

6 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHOTO 302
Beginning Digital Photography
3
F, S
PHOTO 420
History of Photography
3
F, S

Semester 2

9 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHOTO 312
Intermediate Digital Photography
3
PHOTO 302
F, S
PHOTO 320
Color Photography
3
PHOTO 302
F, S
PHOTO 370
Portraiture Techniques I
3
PHOTO 320
F

Year 2

Semester 3

6 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHOTO 350
Photojournalism or
3
PHOTO 310 or 312
Check Class Schedule for offering
PHOTO 410
Advanced Digital Imaging
3
PHOTO 400
F
3 units from List A
3
See List A
See List A

Semester 4

6 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHOTO 372
Portraiture Techniques II
3
PHOTO 320
S
PHOTO 340
Careers in Photography or
3
PHOTO 320
F
PHOTO 400
Digital Imaging
3
F, S

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a ā€œCā€ or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available (P) = partially online

List A-a minimum of 3 units from the following:

Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHOTO 260
The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley
2
S
PHOTO 271
Color Management and Printing
1.5
PHOTO 302 or 400; Advisory: PHOTO 320
F
PHOTO 272
Lightroom
1.5
PHOTO 302 or 400
F(even year)
PHOTO 273
Video Capture with DSLRs
1.5
PHOTO 302 or 400
F, S, Su
PHOTO 274
Digital Photography Basics
1.5
Check Class Schedule for offering
PHOTO 275
Digital Applications for Alternative Processes
1.5
PHOTO 302 or 400
S(even year)
PHOTO 277
Creating a Digital Portfolio
1.5
PHOTO 302 or 400
F(even year)
PHOTO 278
Flash Photography
1.5
PHOTO 301 o 302
Check Class Schedule for offering
PHOTO 279
Advanced Lightroom
1.5
PHOTO 272
Check Class Schedule for offering
PHOTO 350
Photojournalism
3
PHOTO 310 or 312
Check Class Schedule for offering

Career Options/Outlook:

Photographers use digital or film cameras and equipment to photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.  Career opportunities require more than an associate degree.

A sample of reported job titles:

Advertising Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Newspaper Photographer, Owner/Photographer, Photo Editor, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Sports Photographer, Studio Owner

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

1,810

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

27% growth

Median Salary in California (2021):

$46,630/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published May 17, 2025

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