Program Description
The Peninsula College Photography certificate prepares students for employment in a variety of photographic and visual arts related jobs including portrait, landscape, event, travel, sports, advertising, documentary, and commercial photographer. The hands-on program emphasizes technical, artistic, and business training in photographic technology, lighting, image editing, visual communication, and business planning for photographers.
Program Length: 3 Quarters
Program Code: PHOPHC45
Program Goals
- The program prepares students for a variety of photography jobs
- The courses are based on recommendations from local employers and industry trends
- The Peninsula College Photography certificate is significantly more cost effective than most private and public schools
Program Outcomes
When this program is completed, the student will be able to:
- Market or advertise photography services to attract clients
- Analyze and plan the composition of photographs
- Use various photographic techniques and lighting equipment
- Capture subjects in professional-quality photographs
- Enhance the subject’s appearance with natural or artificial light
- Use photo-enhancing software
- Maintain a digital portfolio to demonstrate their work
- Archive and manage imagery
Career Opportunities and Earnings
There is a growing demand for talented photographers. Graduates may find positions with a variety of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. Potential positions include: portrait, landscape, event, travel, sports, advertising, documentary, and commercial photographer. Wages often begin around $25.87 per hour.
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes/.
Program Prerequisites
Prerequisite requirements must be fulfilled prior to enroll in some courses. Prerequisite requirements are listed together with course titles and descriptions of required program courses in the catalog. All core classes for this certificate are available either online or as a hybrid class. This certificate is designed for future entrepreneurs and Energy Technology students in conjunction with their degree or certificate.
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $250
- Computer which meets the system requirements of required software*: approximately $1,400-$1,700
- ‘Adobe Creative Cloud for Education’ or ‘Adobe Creative Cloud’ (Education edition available with use of Peninsula College student email address): approximately $20 per month
- Digital camera: $500-$1000
- E-Portfolio website hosting and domain registration: approximately $175 per year
- Tuition and fees: $5,555.27 total based on total based on 2024-25 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
- First quarter (17 credits): $1,953.37
- Second quarter (15 credits): $1,800.95
- Third quarter (15 credits): $1,800.95
*Please confirm the computer you have access to meets the system requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro: helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html
Required Software and Equipment
- Access to Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite or Creative Cloud.
- Digital camera
- Media card
- Batteries
Recommended Equipment
- Tripod
- Polarizing Filter
- Neutral Density Filter
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
First Quarter (Fall)
College mathematics used in professional and technical programs. Content includes mathematical modeling and applications employing numerical operations; measurements; geometry; linear and nonlinear equations; exponent, radical, and polynomial operations; functions; formulas; plane analytical geometry with graphing; and an introduction to trigonometry. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Survey of workplace skills, including communication, team building, problem solving, and leadership. Emphasis on concepts of perception, attitude, motivation, and ethics.
Credits: 3
Designed to teach students the principles of digital photography with an emphasis on the discovery of solutions for artistic challenges to composition, lighting, color and photographic technology. Students will explore the cultural influences of visual communication and the evolution of traditional photography into the digital age. Good computer and file management skills are recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 4
Learn the tools and techniques required for succeeding in capturing stunning nature and macro photography. An introduction to the equipment, exposure, focus, subjects, light, composition, and photographic process needed for expertise in nature photography. Fields trips when possible. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Second Quarter (Winter)
Provides fundamental digital imaging skills. Learn to scan, optimize, enhance, colorize, and combine photographs. Emphasis will be placed on editing photographs, color management, and acquiring a basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop. Good computer and file management skills are recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Course takes students beyond the basics of digital photography as they increase the depth of their aesthetic expression and photographic technique. Students will complete a series of directed projects designed to stimulate creative ideas, expand visual communication skills, improve composition, and develop their own unique body of work using digital cameras and photographic technologies. Students supply their own camera. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Learn how to capture, create, and place the proper lighting to capture timeless and classic imagery. Learn how to work with both natural and studio lighting. Field trips when possible. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Third Quarter (Spring)
Apply writing skills to a variety of technical and business applications. Exercises and activities introduce the latest business communication practices. Digital coverage of social media and communication; self-recorded videos demonstrate student verbal communication skills. Touch keyboarding skills is recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Use practical techniques to professionally manipulate photographs and automate digital image production tasks. Create special effects for type, photos, and web graphics with industry standard software (Photoshop). Students will produce an informational multimedia presentation on the topic of a global issue, and design a webpage portfolio to showcase course projects. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Learn the business skills needed to succeed as a professional photographer in today's competitive marketplace. Develop a professional photography portfolio and use social media to promote a photography business. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:
- The quarter you begin
- How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
- Your math and English placement; Learn more about placement options by visiting the Assessment and Placement website.
- If you start in our Transitional Studies program