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 (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

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• 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

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• 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

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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 photographer’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

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• 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

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• Professional Photography - Certificate of CompletionNEWDetails for Certificate of Completion - Professional Photography

  Students in the Professional Photography Certificate program develop advanced technical, conceptual and entrepreneurial skills to prepare for careers in photography—whether in commercial, fine art or experimental fields. Through hands-on courses in intermediate and advanced photography, including experimental processes, they gain proficiency with film and digital techniques and strengthen their ability to critically analyze and create compelling imagery. The program emphasizes creative development, professional portfolio building and entrepreneurial practices, equipping graduates for success in the evolving photographic industry.

  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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