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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-40412

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
$350.00
ART-40732

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
ART-40705

Digital Photography 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
$425-$495
ART-40730

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
ART-40743

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
ART-40693

Introduction to Photo Journalism

Explore photojournalism’s history, ethics, composition, timing, and editing to create images that tell compelling stories.

Units
2.00
Cost
$350.00
ART-40629

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
$425-$495
ART-40631

Photo II: Technique & Style

Units
3.00
Cost
$495.00
ART-40734

Smartphone Photography

Elevate your smartphone photography skills. Learn composition, lighting, editing and video techniques to transform everyday moments into stunning...

Units
2.00
Cost
$350.00
ART-40575

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
$350.00
ART-40398

Understanding Photographic Light: Studio & Location

Master the art of light. Learn to shape, control, and creatively apply studio and natural lighting for captivating, well-exposed photographs.

Units
2.00
Cost
$395.00