Photography
Explore a diverse range of technical and artistic photo courses. Grow your skills and expand your vision.
Change the Way You See the World
Expand your vision through our concentrated study in the photographic arts. Designed for the novice and intermediate photographer alike, our essential and elective photography courses will help you develop a strong understanding of the aesthetic and technical processes key to the field of photography.
Topics include: Photography foundations, editing, lighting, color theory, workflow, and history. Explore specialized areas in portraiture, journalism, environmental, experimental, travel, wedding, smartphone, food and product photography, and more.
Enroll online or contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400. Do you have questions about our courses or the certificate program? Contact us at (858) 534-5508 or at unex-digital@ucsd.edu.
Photography Programs & Certificates
Photography Courses
A Short History of Photography
Explore photography's evolution in this 6-week course. Uncover milestones, key figures, and its impact on art, science, and culture.
- Units
- 2.00
- Cost
- $395.00
- Typically Offered
- Winter, Summer
Color Theory for Photographers
Master color theory in photography. Explore perception, mood, editing, and storytelling through color to create more compelling, impactful images.
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall
Digital Photo Workflow and Editing
Master digital photography workflow in 9-weeks. Learn Lightroom, Photoshop, and advanced editing, and organize your professional portfolio.
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall, Winter, Spring
Food and Product Photography
Master styling, lighting, and composition. Create impactful food & product images for social, editorial, and commercial use in this hands-on...
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall
Foundations of Photographic Portraiture
Learn to create compelling, professional-quality portraits in this hands-on, online course. Designed for emerging photographers, this class...
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall
Fundamentals of Photographic Lighting
Master the art of light. Learn to shape, control, and creatively apply studio and natural lighting for captivating, well-exposed photographs in...
- Units
- 2.00
- Cost
- $395.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall
Introduction to Photo Journalism
Explore photojournalism’s history, ethics, composition, timing, and editing to create images that tell compelling stories.
- Units
- 2.00
- Cost
- $395.00
- Typically Offered
- Summer
Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO
Explore digital photography. Learn camera techniques, composition, and use Adobe Lightroom to create stunning images and begin a portfolio.
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Smartphone Photography
Elevate your smartphone photography skills. Learn composition, lighting, editing and video techniques to transform everyday moments into stunning...
- Units
- 2.00
- Cost
- $395.00
- Typically Offered
- Summer
Street Photography
Capture urban life in this 9-week street photography course. Learn techniques, create a postcard, and build your portfolio inspired by iconic...
- Units
- 3.00
- Cost
- $495.00
- Typically Offered
- Fall
Travel Photography
Capture meaningful travel images. Learn to research, plan, shoot, and edit photos that reflect a place’s true essence in this online travel...
- Units
- 2.00
- Cost
- $395.00
- Typically Offered
- Summer