Associate of Arts (AA) in Photography
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
Photography is both a way of seeing and a visual language that allows you to tell your stories and communicate your distinct point of view. Our faculty of working artists/professionals are experts at helping you learn the language of the medium in the course of the photography degree A.A. program, so you can share your unique stories to the world in beautiful new ways.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Conceptual and Problem-Solving Skills
- Make creative decisions that support conceptual impact, cohesiveness, and memorability of created images
- Integrate key conceptual elements (such as mood, narrative, and introduction the unexpected) with technical elements (such as composition, lighting, and point of view) to suggest a story or elicit an emotional response from the viewer
- Address creative and technical issues that include project parameters and modeled client expectations
Lighting Skills
- Utilize indoor and outdoor lighting, studio lighting techniques, lighting with constant light sources, and mixed lighting situations
- Work effectively with natural light and demonstrate understanding of the relationship between time of day and variations related to the quality of light
- Work effectively with a point source, flood, spot, diffused, and reflected light
Camera Capture Skills
- Demonstrate full knowledge of digital SLR components
- Demonstrate understanding of exposure controls
- Effectively use a light meter for multiple lighting situations
Digital Imaging
- Apply Photoshop techniques using various tools, layers, curves, and selections with digital images
- Apply retouching skills and color correction knowledge consistent with industry standards
Digital Printing
- Produce professional-quality prints
- Create a high-quality print portfolio demonstrating printing skills and the overall quality of images required for the petition to graduate
- Demonstrate understanding of archival qualities, including ink and paper stability
Professional Readiness
- Demonstrate knowledge of industry trends and professional practices related to professional photography
- Produce professional materials required for an entry-level job search
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
- *Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at:https://catalog.academyart.edu
Career Opportunities
Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your photography career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your chosen profession. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring photographers with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.
Commercial Photographer
Simply put, commercial photography means taking photos for commercial use; for business, for sales, and for money. Commercial photographers often create photos for advertisements, sales pitches, brochures, product placements, and merchandising—to name a few. You also contribute to campaigns in illustration and editorial contexts for a variety of fields and industries.
Documentary Photographer
Documentary photography aims to chronicle people, events, and environments in order to tell a story, and at times, send a message. Working as a documentary photographer, you will capture a series of images that represent pieces of what living means, and share them with the world.
Fine Art Photographer
As a fine art photographer, you will develop original works of art from concept to exhibition. The definition of what a fine art photographer is lies in the aspirations and motivations of the photographer—their personal style and preferences. The best fine art photographers create a visual language to communicate with the world.
Retoucher/Compositor
As a high-end retoucher/compositor, you’ll assist photographers, photo studios, or corporate clients in creating a unique digital composition after shooting. This usually involves combining layers of previously-created material to construct the final image.
Gallery
Curriculum
Unit Requirements
Major Coursework | 9 |
Liberal Arts | 18 |
Core | 33 |
Total | 60 |
Degree Requirements
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 2 Art Historical Awareness: Western Art
- 1 Photography Historical Awareness Course
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
Curriculum
Semester 1
- LA 101: Freshman Symposium: Artistic Resilience (Liberal Arts)
- LA 147: History of Photography (Liberal Arts)
- PH 108: Photography Principles and Techniques (Core)
- PH 115: Visualization (Core)
Semester 2
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist (Liberal Arts)
- LA 120: Art History Through the 15th Century (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - LA 280: Perspective Journalism (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - PH 107: Imaging Workflow & Process (Core)
- PH 112: Quality of Light (Core)
- PH 225: Photo Design and Concept (Core)
Semester 3
- PH 177: Imaging for Photographers (Core)
- PH 235: People Photography (Core)
- PH 250: Location Lighting (Major)
- PH 256: Motion for Photographers (Core)
Semester 4
- LA 291: Designing Careers (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - PH 197: Digital Printing (Core)
- PH 275: Concept Project (Core)
- PH 295: Portfolio Preparation and Professional Development (Core)
Recommended for summer - PH 310: Fine Art Photography (Major)
- PH 365: Commercial Photography (Major)
Admissions
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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