Online Photography Degree
Associate Degree in Digital Photography
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Program Overview
The Sessions College Associate of Occupational Studies in Digital Photography is an intensive two-year online photography degree program for students seeking to enter careers as independent freelance photographers. Designed for high school graduates and adult learners, the program will offer a strong foundation in the visual language of photography and a working knowledge of the equipment, software, and production techniques essential for work in the photographic industry.
First-year classes cover fundamental concepts in photography, lighting, and image editing, as well as color and composition. Second-year classes place an emphasis on exploring a range of commercial photography assignments and finding areas of strength. A focus on real world scenarios and a training in complementary skills such as photo editing and video production ensures that students are prepared to work in a range of professional contexts.
Everyone at Sessions that I encountered has been amazing. Miss Debra in Financial Aid has been amazing, Christopher in Student Services has been very attentive and checks in multiple times a semester. All of the teachers are so helpful and informative in their subjects. They have always made me feel comfortable asking questions.
Student Work By: James Warren, Juliana Satele, Sharon Capps
Truly Affordable Education
Our Fall 2024 tuition is:
50% lower than the average annual cost of tuition at 4-year colleges in the United States.
Significantly more affordable than other online design / digital media colleges.
So affordable that 100% of tuition costs may be covered for eligible students.* Find out today if you qualify.
*Federal student aid and military education benefits available for eligible students.
Studying Online at Sessions
Founded in 1997, Sessions College has delivered accredited and affordable fully online programs for creative professionals for more than 20 years. Earning your Online Photography Degree at Sessions has never been more accessible. Take a virtual college tour in this video!
What Our Students Say
Associate Degree in Digital Photography Curriculum
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Digital Photography is a 72-credit program completed in two years. Part-time schedules are available.
First Semester
- DES 151 Digital Photography I - 3 credits
- DES 111 Drawing I - 3 credits
- PHO 205 Lightroom - 3 credits
- GEN 104 English Composition - 3 credits
Second Semester
- DES 106 Design Foundations - 3 credits
- DES 121 Photoshop I - 3 credits
- PHO 105 Photo Lighting and Planning - 3 credits
- GEN 105 Computer Technology - 3 credits
Third Semester
- PHO 104 History of Photography - 1.5 credits
- PHO 154 Landscape Photography - 3 credits
- PHO 106 Photo Retouching - 1.5 credits
- GEN 106 History of Art - 3 credits
- GEN 107 General Psychology - 3 credits
Fourth Semester
- PHO 204 Commercial Photography I - 3 credits
- PHO 208 Color Correction - 3 credits
- DES 222 Photoshop II - 3 credits
- GEN 207 Copywriting - 3 credits
Fifth Semester
- ADV 207 Creative Concept Development - 3 credits
- PHO 207 Commercial Photography II - 3 credits
- DIG 201 Digital Video Editing I - 3 credits
- GEN 204 Intro to Marketing - 1.5 credits
- GEN 206 Creative Businesses - 1.5 credits
Sixth Semester
- WEB 101 HTML and CSS I* - 3 credits
- PHO 214 Narrative Photography - 3 credits
- DIG 204 Digital Video Production - 3 credits
- PHO 260 Digital Photography Capstone and Portfolio Review - 3 credits
Students must complete 54 credits of Art/Design coursework and 18 credits of General Education. (DES = Design, PHO = Photography, WEB = Web, DIG = Digital Media, ILL = Illustration, DEG = Degree, GEN = General Education)
* Elective course may be replaced by any other 3-credit course in the program, subject to availability and prerequisites.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Program highlights for Photography majors in the AOS in Digital Photography program.
DES 151 Digital Photography I - 3 credits
Explore the interaction of photography techniques and environmental factors to create powerful digital images. Students learn the fundamentals of lighting, perspective, and set up and explore techniques for classic assignments: portraits, product shots, indoor and outdoor location shoots, and fast-action sports. A mastery of digital photography gives you creative control of the medium.
PHO 104 History of Photography - 1.5 credits
This course provides a historical overview of photography, from the invention of the photographic process, to the evolution of the medium, to the role of the image in contemporary art and design. You'll gain an introduction to the styles and achievements of important photographers, and be provided the tools to understand the context of their work as well as their influence on society.
PHO 105 Photo Setup - 3 credits
Focus on the planning and preparation that lead to the successful execution of a photo shoot. Develop a thorough understanding of different types of lighting, both natural and artificial. Learn the limitations and advantages of varied shooting conditions, and explore methods to effectively stage and style photographs to achieve your desired effect.
PHO 154 Landscape Photography - 3 credits
Landscape photography can be fascinating and endlessly inspiring, just like the natural world. In this course, you will explore a wide range of concepts and techniques to help you get more out of your nature photography. Each assignment will challenge you to go out and photograph the natural world, exploring compositional concepts and shooting techniques for different kinds of subjects and environments, ranging from macro and mobile to HDR and panoramic shots. To help you organize, edit, and showcase your work, the course will explore editing techniques using Adobe Lightroom. By the end of the course, you'll have created a stunning portfolio of images celebrating your favorite natural location(s).
PHO 106 Photo Retouching - 1.5 credits
Learn techniques for removing, correcting and manipulating photographic flubs or flaws using Photoshop. You will explore professional selection techniques, and how to clone, patch, and heal problem areas, and adjust colors and tones to create a seamless and professional quality product. The course examines image correction and enhancement scenarios a designer or photographer might typically encounter.
PHO 204 Commercial Photography I - 3 credits
Event photography is the primary source of business for most professional photographers. Capturing the important moments in a concert, wedding, sporting even requires planning and a mastery of equipment, lighting, and location. In this course, you'll learn practical skills for managing paid event photography shoots. Discover how to approach projects professionally and deliver the client a high quality product.
PHO 205 Lightroom - 3 credits
Learn to manage, develop, print, and present your shots efficiently with Adobe Lightroom Classic. Working with a photography pro, you'll learn how to collect and catalog your images with ease, use basic and advanced development and retouching tools to create stellar shots, and take advantage of advanced production techniques and workflows such as Smart Collections.
PHO 207 Commercial Photography II - 3 credits
Explore and practice advanced techniques for developing your skills and presence as a commercial photographer. Make images that accomplish specific objectives, with a focus on location-based event photography for weddings, night life, and fashion. Finally, you'll learn about photography products, including prints, books, and more.
PHO 208 Color Correction - 3 credits
Learn how to achieve an effective color balance in your Photoshop images and optimize them for print output. Students explore professional techniques for working with scanned, film, and digital source material, learn how to control, correct, and enhance the color palette of digital images for print media. Course projects emphasize developing a technical knowledge and an artistic understanding of color calibration for professional-quality digital imaging.
PHO 214 Narrative Photography - 3 credits
Explore the use of an editorial approach to photography in order to tell stories with images. Throughout the course you will use conceptualism in conjunction with documentary photography approaches to build photo essays and other narrative projects. Learn how to research, pitch, shoot, edit and present a body of work that encompasses unifying themes.
Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Faculty
Department Head: Felicia Kieselhorst
Felicia Kieselhorst specializes in wedding and product photography but is always willing to take on a photographic adventure of a different subject. Felicia’s freelance photography business FotosByFlee is based in Oakland, CA, a locale whose personality continually provides inspiration, both photographic and personal. Felicia, known as Flee to most, works in digital and film photography, using primarily Nikon, Hasselblad, and an array of toy cameras. She teaches small classes and offers one-on-one tutoring sessions in many different photographic subjects, in addition to hanging personal work in the occasional gallery show. When not busy with all the tasks of small business ownership, the California native can be found hanging out with her hairless pup Qispi, hiking, gardening, kayaking, or just sipping on a cup of tea. You can see her work at FotosByFlee.com. Felicia received her MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco CA and her BA in Visual Arts from Chatham University in Pittsburgh PA.
INSTRUCTIONAL FACULTY
Get expert feedback in classes taught by our industry-leading faculty.
Andrew Shalat
Andrew Shalat is an author, designer/illustrator, educator, and Mac expert. Since 1985 he has been designing and writing articles about Macintosh, Mac software, and publishing technologies that have appeared in Macworld, maccentral.com and macweek.com (for which he was a columnist writing "Shalat's Web"). He has been a regular speaker/faculty member at Macworld Expo since 2001 and has written three books: How to Do Everything with Online Video (McGraw-Hill, Osborne), Do It Yourself Mac Projects (McGraw-Hill), and MacDesign Out of the Box (Peachpit). Andrew is a regular contributor to design and Macintosh related sites including Inside Mac Radio, InDesign Magazine, and Creativepro.com. His design work covers a large range of media including book, CD and DVD covers, brochures, catalogs, outdoor signage, print ads, artwork, logos, Flash and Web design, and grocery lists. Over the past two decades, Andrew has taught literature, writing, Web design, and print design.
Carolyn Zaikowski
Carolyn Zaikowski is the author of the hybrid novel In Dream, I Dance by Myself, and I Collapse (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2016). Her fiction, poetry, and essays have appeared in The Washington Post, Denver Quarterly, The Rumpus, PANK, West Branch, Dusie, DIAGRAM, Everyday Feminism, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University's Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and is currently an English professor and volunteer death doula. You can find her online at www.carolynzaikowski.com.
Felicia Kieselhorst
Felicia Kieselhorst specializes in wedding and product photography but is always willing to take on a photographic adventure of a different subject. Felicia’s freelance photography business FotosByFlee is based in Oakland, CA, a locale whose personality continually provides inspiration, both photographic and personal. Felicia, known as Flee to most, works in digital and film photography, using primarily Nikon, Hasselblad, and an array of toy cameras. She teaches small classes and offers one-on-one tutoring sessions in many different photographic subjects, in addition to hanging personal work in the occasional gallery show. When not busy with all the tasks of small business ownership, the California native can be found hanging out with her hairless pup Qispi, hiking, gardening, kayaking, or just sipping on a cup of tea. You can see her work at FotosByFlee.com. Felicia received her MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco CA and her BA in Visual Arts from Chatham University in Pittsburgh PA.
Kevin Hedgpeth
Kevin Hedgpeth is an Arizona native who makes his home in Phoenix, where he actively writes and illustrates in addition to teaching college-level visual arts courses. He is co-author of “Exploring Drawing for Animation” and “Exploring Character Design” for Cengage Learning and illustrated the book, "Raising Unicorns: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Running a Successful - and Magical! - Unicorn Farm" for Adams Media.
Kristen Becker
Kristen Becker is an educator and a graphic and business designer specializing in e-commerce. She has developed and marketed a niche e-commerce boutique featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and In Style magazines. With over 12 years of experience as an award winning educator, she has developed curriculum and taught courses in graphic design, multimedia, and e-commerce/marketing. Kristen has an Master's degree in Digital Arts From Maryland Institute College of Art.
Melanie Fiander
Melanie Fiander is a professional photographer and passionate educator focused on student success. She currently runs her wedding and event company from the island of Bermuda. Her work has been featured in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad, New York Weddings, PDN, The Vendor Report, Scotland Wedding, Tie the Knot Scotland, Ländle Wedding's "Seasons of Yes", Whimsically Wed, Bermuda Weddings and Honeymoons, Bermudian Weddings, How They Asked by The Knot, The Gray Collective, Wedding Wire, United With Love, National Geographic, It Started With Yes, Glittery Bride, 100 Layer Cake, Lets Bee Together, The Newport Bride, and Wedding Chicks.
Natalie La Scala
Natalie La Scala is a Denver-based media artist with 20 years of work experience in creative direction, project management, and higher education. Natalie's passion is to create dynamic content that people can put to use. Some recent clients include Z1CareerZone, Engage, LLC, and the Performing Arts Academy. As an educator she has provided innovative organizations consultancy on instructional design, curriculum development, and software training.
Piper Nilsson
Piper Nilsson is a graphic designer and educator. Piper was greatly influenced by studying art history at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and learned to apply principles of fine art to graphic design. She has over 10 years of experience teaching at Sessions. Piper has been working with the Web since 1997, when she began her career at a leading Web design agency. Working in various roles as a designer, programmer, and information architect, she blueprinted sites for such global clients as MetLife, Pepsi, ETS, and Citibank. Piper is currently working as a freelancer, based in Valencia, Spain. Her recent projects include a Spanish language podcast and travel app. Piper received a Sessions College outstanding instructor award in December 2011 and won a USDLA Platinum Award Best Practices Awards for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching in April 2012. Piper holds an Associate's degree in Graphic Design from the Pratt Institute.
Taz Tally
Dr. Taz Tally is the president of Taz Tally Seminars, a computer publishing consulting and training company, and Taz Tally Photography. Taz is the author of numerous graphics and print production books including Photoshop Before and After Makeovers, Acrobat and PDF Solutions, Avoiding the Output Blues, and Avoiding the Scanning Blues, and he is a contributing author to The Photoshop World Dream Team Book. Taz has produced numerous instructional videos, CDs, DVDs and online training courses on scanning, prepress and printing, Photoshop, color correction, and font management, including an extensive library on Lynda.com. Taz is a frequent presenter at seminars and trade shows throughout the U.S, including the GraphExpo, the annual Chicago Print show, and is a member of the Photoshop Dream Team at the biannual Photoshop World convention. Taz writes for graphics art publications including Printing Industry of America, The Magazine, Layers Magazine, and Photoshop User. Taz is an adventure author who specializes in black and white landscape photography and whose latest book is 50 Hikes in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula.
View All faculty.
Associate Degree in Digital Photography Program Outcomes
By completing the program, Associate Degree in Digital Photography students develop the following competencies:
1. Photography
Demonstrate effective and efficient use of a digital camera to create photographs applying well considered framing, exposure, composition, perspective, distance, and lighting.
2. Lighting
Stage and setup photoshoots by adapting for a variety of typical settings, lighting situations, and project goals.
3. Technology and Image Enhancement
Apply and demonstrate retouching and color correction techniques to improve or enhance photographic images to a professional level utilizing software including Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and other industry technologies.
4. Art/Design Principles
Demonstrate the ability to produce visually compelling work by applying knowledge of color, pattern, details, and composition.
5. Projects
Produce and present a variety of professional photographic work in a wide range of settings including portraiture, event photography, real estate, food photography, and more.
6. Critical Thinking and Writing
Employ critical thinking to generate, support, and convey ideas through writing for academic or professional contexts.
7. Portfolio
Apply creative problem solving and constructive feedback to conceive, produce, and present an impactful body of work that showcases your skills to employers and potential clients.
Outcomes Assessment
To learn more about our outcomes assessment process, visit our Academic Team.
Student Work
Student Work
Program Benefits
Launch your Creative Career
Earn a degree and launch your creative career in our most rigorous 2-year program.
By Creatives, for Creatives
Collaborate with a community of creative learners and industry professionals.
Maximize Your Portfolio
Projects put you through your paces as you build a body of work. Your program culminates with a guided portfolio review.
Structure and Flexibility
Weekly deadlines keep you on track, but with no set login times you can build your studies around your schedule.
Education You Can Afford
Affordable programs with low per credit tuition, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
Convenient Online Application
Fast, convenient, and student-centered application process.
Career Outlook for Photographers
Photographers produce creative work for a myriad of clients including capturing images (digital and video) for commercial, industrial, news, and scientific uses, and projects for print, web, and a variety of media including television, film, and live streaming. Photographers need to demonstrate technical expertise, artistic ability, business skills, computer skills, customer-service skills, detail oriented, and interpersonal skills.
Job Titles
Graduates could be employed as an Aerial, Commercial, Industrial, Drone, Fine Arts, News, Portrait, and Scientific Photographer, or Video Editor, Content Producer, Art Manager, and Videographer.
Median Annual Wage
According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage* for photographers was $40,760.
In May 2023, the median hourly wages for photographers in these top industries they work within:
| Media and communication equipment workers | $25.89 |
| Total, all occupations | $23.11 |
| Photographers | $19.60 |
*per May 2023 reporting
In May 2023, the median annual wages for camera operators, television, video, and film in these top industries they work within:
| Motion picture and video industries | $75,800 |
| Government | $58,120 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $56,010 |
In May 2023, the median annual wages for film and video editors in these top industries they work within:
| Motion picture and video industries | $75,560 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $59,980 |
Largest Areas of Employment
Largest employment opportunities for photographers (by percentage) were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 69% |
| Photographic services | 16% |
Largest employment opportunities for camera operators, television, video, and film were:
| Self-employed workers | 33% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 27% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10% |
Largest employment opportunities for film and video editors were:
| Motion picture and video industries | 37% |
| Self-employed workers | 34% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10% |
Job Projections
Employment opportunities for photographers are projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There are about 13,900 openings projected for photographers each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment opportunities for film and video editors and camera operator jobs are projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There are about 8,200 openings projected for film and video editors and camera operators each year, on average, over the decade.
Resources
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed Job Outlook data.
To learn more about this field, visit: American Society of Media Photographers. For more information about testing and obtaining certification to operate commercial drones or unmanned aerial systems (UASs), visit Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For more information about university photographers, visit University Photographers’ Association of America.
Getting Started
Our Online Photography Degree application process makes getting started easy, fast, and convenient.
How Do I Apply?
To enter the program you are expected to have earned a high school diploma, GED, or state-approved home school equivalent. Any students under 18 years of age will also need to provide the signed permission of a parent or guardian.
We have a convenient and student-friendly online application process.
To apply, simply complete our application form and provide transcripts, an application essay, and 5-10 samples or art/design work or alternative written assignment, and a $75 application fee. Applications are reviewed by our Acceptance Committee and generally returned within a business week. See our complete application guide and credit transfer policy.
You can begin your creative journey by completing our online application today. There is no charge until you submit your application materials and no obligation to enroll.
How Long is the Program?
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) program is a 72 credit program completed in six semesters or two years by a student on a full-time schedule. Students with transfer credit can graduate in under two years and part-time schedules are available.
Will the Program Fit My Schedule?
Weekly deadlines help you stay on track. And with no set login times, you can build your studies around your schedule, wherever you are located. That’s why more than 50% of our degree students complete their programs while working full-time.
What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
To take this program, you’ll need the following:
- Mac or Windows computer with an Internet connection.
- Access to a standalone digital camera with manual control over ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and White Balance, that allows for shooting in RAW format.
- A digital video camera and ability to connect it to a computer to capture footage.
- Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Premiere CC software.
- Your computer must meet software manufacturer requirements.
- Webcam, headphones or speaker, VPN connection, and microphone connected to the computer for live proctored exams.
There are no textbook or course material costs to participate in this online program. Student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud software is available to enrolled students.
What are the Program Costs?
Truly Affordable Tuition. Since our founding in 1997, we have been committed to making the highest-quality design and digital media education available at the lowest cost.
Our truly affordable Fall 2024 tuition is:
| Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Program - Fall 2024 Tuition |
|---|
| $300 per credit |
| $3,600 per semester |
| $7,200 per academic year |
| $21,600 total program tuition |
Per-credit tuition is the same full-time and part-time students. Federal financial aid available for eligible students. Ask about our $500-$3,000 scholarships for exemplary applicants.
A $200 registration fee is required to process your enrollment in the program. Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from the scheduled beginning of program orientation. See Degree Program Admissions.
Is Financial Aid available?
Federal Student Aid. Federal student aid is available to students who qualify. If you are eligible, you may be able to fund your program using Pell Grants and Federal student loans. Check out our Financial Aid Information pages and ask to set up an interview with our Financial Aid Director.
Military Student Aid. Military servicemembers and their families who are eligible for GI Bill Education Benefits or active service member Tuition Assistance (TA) may also be able to utilize these programs to pay for their education.
Adult Learner Scholarships. Ask about our innovative scholarships for adult learners. The Designed for You Scholarship Program can help you offset your tuition costs.
Accreditations and Approvals
Get Started Today
Take the first step on a rewarding creative journey towards earning an Associate Degree in Digital Photography.
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