Anyone with an interest in photography, whether beginner, advanced amateur or professional, will find a course or program within the photography program that will teach them new skills and/or prepare them for a career in photography.

The OCC Photography program is intended to prepare students for employment in a number of specialization areas within the field of professional photography. The student, after completing the first year foundation courses, may elect to take advanced courses in art, commercial, advertising illustration, portraiture, architectural, fashion, or documentary photography, color management, digital work flow, and business practices for photographers.

In addition to courses intended to train photographers, the program also includes several black and white and digital classes for professional photographers who wish to learn new skills and/or for those who are interested in careers as photographic digital technicians.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate competence in the technical skills of photography.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate photographic aesthetic strategies.
3. Create photographs that illustrate a critical understanding of visual language.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Photography - Still Suggested Electives:
ENGL A100 Freshman Composition

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.