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

Catalog Year

2024-2025

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.
Create original still and time based images.
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and application of camera techniques.
Demonstrate a thorough and adaptable knowledge of software used in digital imaging and contemporary media.
Create digital imaging workflow.
Utilize effective lighting techniques in natural, artificial and mixed lighting in photography (e.g., product, still life and portraiture).
Analyze trends and influences in contemporary and historical photography.
Critically evaluate photographic works.
Develop a professional body of work and appropriate support material to showcase personal vision and technical skills.
Identify professional practices in diverse settings for operating and marketing a photography business (e.g., communication, time management, pricing, and legal and ethical considerations).

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Photographers

$44,090 Show expanded career information for Photographers

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

$41,890 Show expanded career information for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Self-Enrichment Teachers

$48,240 Show expanded career information for Self-Enrichment Teachers

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Commercial and Freelance Photography
Specialization I: Freelance Photography
Specialization II: Commercial Photography

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1Term 1Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AVC100	Introduction to Digital Arts		Critical course		1
ART112	Two-Dimensional Design				3
ART131	Photography I		Critical course Gateway course	HU	3
AVC142	Introduction to Digital Photography				3
Specialization Option	Specialization Option				2–3
SBS204	Small Business Marketing And Advertising				2
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART255 or FMP108 or SBS204	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Art Marketing or Video Production or Small Business Marketing And Advertising	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites or No requisites	In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose a course to best fulfill goals or Camera with manual settings required of this course. AVC232 may be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	2–3

Term 2Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
ART132	Photography II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131 or permission of Instructor.	Critical course		3
AVC138	Commercial Photography I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor.			3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
Specialization Option	Specialization Option				3
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC139 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART234 or ART255 or FMP108	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Commercial Photography II or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Color Photography or Art Marketing or Video Production	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites	In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose a course to best fulfill goals or Camera with manual settings required of this course. AVC232 may be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	3
ART234	Color Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor.			3

Term 3Term 3Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3Term 3Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AVC140 or AVC237	Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ART131 or AVC142) or permission of instructor.			3
AVC143	Intermediate Digital Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC142 or permission of Instructor.			3
SBS200	Small Business Operations				2
Specialization Option	Specialization Option				3
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC139 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART234 or ART255 or FMP108	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Commercial Photography II or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Color Photography or Art Marketing or Video Production	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites	In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose a course to best fulfill goals or Camera with manual settings required of this course. AVC232 may be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	3
AVC139	Commercial Photography II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138.			3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
AVC100	Introduction to Digital Arts	Critical course		1
ART112	Two-Dimensional Design			3
ART131	Photography I	Critical course Gateway course	HU	3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
ART132	Photography II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131 or permission of Instructor.	Critical course		3
AVC142	Introduction to Digital Photography		Critical course		3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
AVC143	Intermediate Digital Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC142 or permission of Instructor.			3

Term 4Term 4Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AVC138	Commercial Photography I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor.		3
SBS200	Small Business Operations			2
Specialization Option	Specialization Option			2–3
SBS204	Small Business Marketing And Advertising			2
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART255 or FMP108 or SBS204	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Art Marketing or Video Production or Small Business Marketing And Advertising	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or No requisites	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	2–3

Term 5Term 5Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5Term 5Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AVC140 or AVC237	Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ART131 or AVC142) or permission of instructor.			3
Specialization Option	Specialization Option				3
Specialization Option	Specialization Option				3
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC139 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART234 or ART255 or FMP108	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Commercial Photography II or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Color Photography or Art Marketing or Video Production	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites	In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose a course to best fulfill goals	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	3
ARH115 or ART116 or ART137 or AVC139 or AVC181 or AVC232 or ART234 or ART255 or FMP108	History of Photography or Life Drawing I or Alternative Photographic Processes or Commercial Photography II or Graphic Design I or Studio Lighting or Color Photography or Art Marketing or Video Production	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC100 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or AVC142, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites or No requisites	In consultation with an advisor or program coordinator, choose a course to best fulfill goals or Camera with manual settings required of this course. AVC232 may be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.	HU or None or None or None or None or None or None or None or None	3
AVC139	Commercial Photography II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in AVC138.			3
ART234	Color Photography	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor.			3

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

FYC = First Year Composition

HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=184864).

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.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Commercial and Freelance Photography