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
Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Commercial and Freelance Photography (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5784
Total credits required
35-36
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
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.
What You'll Learn
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of design, aesthetics, and visual communication. (ARH115, ART112, ART116, ART131, ART132, ART137, ART234, ART255, AVC100, AVC142, AVC143, AVC181, FMP108)
- Create original still and time based images. (ART131, ART132, ART137, AVC100, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC142, AVC143, AVC232, AVC237, FMP108)
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and application of camera techniques. (ART131, ART132, ART137, ART234, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC142, AVC143, AVC232, AVC237, FMP108)
- Demonstrate a thorough and adaptable knowledge of software used in digital imaging and contemporary media. (ART131, ART234, AVC100, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC142, AVC143, AVC181, AVC232, AVC237, FMP108)
- Create digital imaging workflow. (ART131, ART234, AVC100, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC142, AVC143, AVC181, AVC232, AVC237, FMP108)
- Utilize effective lighting techniques in natural, artificial and mixed lighting in photography (e.g., product, still life and portraiture). (ART132, ART234, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC142, AVC143, AVC232, AVC237)
- Analyze trends and influences in contemporary and historical photography. (ARH115, ART131, ART132, ART137, ART234, AVC138, AVC142, AVC143, AVC232, ENG101, ENG107)
- Critically evaluate photographic works. (ARH115, ART131, ART132, ART137, ART255, AVC142, AVC143, ENG101, ENG107)
- Develop a professional body of work and appropriate support material to showcase personal vision and technical skills. (ART132, ART137, ART234, ART255, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC143, AVC232, AVC237, ENG101, ENG107, FMP108)
- Identify professional practices in diverse settings for operating and marketing a photography business (e.g., communication, time management, pricing, and legal and ethical considerations). (ART132, ART255, AVC138, AVC139, AVC140, AVC143, AVC232, AVC237, ENG101, ENG107, SBS200, SBS204)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 27 | |
| ART112 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART131 | Photography I | 3 |
| ART132 | Photography II | 3 |
| AVC100 | Introduction to Digital Arts | 1 |
| AVC138 | Commercial Photography I | 3 |
| AVC140 | Portrait Photography (3) OR | |
| AVC237 | Fashion Photography (3) | 3 |
| AVC142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 |
| AVC143 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | 3 |
| SBS200 | Small Business Operations | 2 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 8-9 | |
| Students must complete one (1) of the two (2) following specializations: | ||
| Specialization 1: Freelance Photography | ||
| SBS204 | Small Business Marketing and Advertising | 2 |
| In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose two (2) courses from the following list to best fulfill goals: | ||
| ARH115 | History of Photography | 3 |
| ART116 | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| ART137 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 |
| ART234 | Color Photography | 3 |
| ART255 | Art Marketing | 3 |
| AVC139 | Commercial Photography II | 3 |
| AVC181 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| AVC232 | Studio Lighting | 3 |
| FMP108 | Video Production | 3 |
| Specialization 2: Commercial Photography | ||
| ART234 | Color Photography | 3 |
| AVC139 | Commercial Photography II | 3 |
| In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose one (1) course from the following list to best fulfill goals: | ||
| ARH115 | History of Photography | 3 |
| ART116 | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| ART137 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 |
| ART255 | Art Marketing | 3 |
| AVC181 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| AVC232 | Studio Lighting | 3 |
| FMP108 | Video Production | 3 |
| SBS204 | Small Business Marketing and Advertising | 2 |
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.