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Digital Arts

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 Courses

Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
ART-X404.12

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
ART-X406.89

Advanced Photographic Portraiture

Master portrait photography in this hybrid course. Learn lighting, posing, editing, and build a portfolio with hands-on sessions and real world...

Units
3.00
Cost
$595.00
Typically Offered
Winter
ART-X406.07

Architectural Photography

Learn techniques and artistry behind architectural photography. Explore composition, lighting, and capture exterior and interior design details.

Units
2.00
Cost
$395.00
Typically Offered
Winter
ART-X407.32

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
ART-X407.05

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
ART-X407.42

Experimental Photography

Unleash creativity in this 10-week experimental photography course. Explore in-camera effects, DIY enhancements, and mixed media techniques. 

Units
3.00
Cost
$495.00
Typically Offered
Winter
ART-X407.30

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
ART-X407.43

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
ART-X403.98

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
ART-X406.29

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
ART-X406.31

Photo II: Technique & Style

Units
3.00
Cost
$495.00
Typically Offered
Winter, Spring, Summer
ART-X406.32

Photo III: Portfolio

Advance your photography: refine style, branding, & portfolio for real-world success. Develop your unique artist identity and stand out in any market.

Units
3.00
Cost
$495.00
Typically Offered
Winter
ART-X401.65

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