Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog

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Photography Basic, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny



The Photography Basic Certificate prepares students to work in a photography studio employing deliberate processes to arrange and compose photographs, and using industry-standard technology for digital darkroom. The objective of this certificate is to prepare students to work with photographers, art directors, and designers in the areas of the digital lab and administrative support.

Program Details


Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Photography Basic certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 2


Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 16


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2
Books (approximate)  100 50
Supplies  100  
Camera (Digital) 1200  

Total approximate cost for program: $ 4,410**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Produce creative images under pressure.
  • Produce images using traditional techniques.
  • Produce images using electronic techniques.
  • Produce images for magazines, advertising, weddings and posters.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Use current Photoshop software to produce finished images.
  • Be able to take a project from start to finish.
  • Work with a diverse group of people.
  • Make necessary changes to bring work up to industry standards.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
  • Require hours at work and home to complete projects.
  • Produce accurate work with original ideas.
  • Will need to update tools as technology changes.

Program Competencies


  1. Describe camera equipment and accessories used for photography assignments
  2. Describe various qualities of light and be able to recognize, produce, and control various lighting conditions including: diffused, direct, direct diffused and back light
  3. Identify different flash units used in the studio for studio lighting
  4. Demonstrate and apply the multi-step process of “workflow” while working photography assignments
  5. Demonstrate the appropriate use of the camera controls on a digital camera
  6. Identify memory devices and file types associated with digital cameras
  7. Demonstrate the principles of art, design and composition
  8. Demonstrate understanding of digital image resolution
  9. Analyze digital images in both a printed and/or electronic format
  10. Demonstrate Studio Lighting
  11. Demonstrate On-Location Lighting
  12. Demonstrate how to prepare a computer to correctly display digital images

AY2022

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)