Digital Photography Certificate
126 Hours
This is an online, one-year, non-credit certificate program. It is an intensive course of study over two semesters beginning in the fall. The culminating experience will be the creation of a photography portfolio and exhibition to share with family, friends, and potential employers in order to continue on their personal and professional pathways.
The Digital Photography Certificate will provide new and motivated photographers with a foundation in practice and theory with hands-on demonstrations, lab exercises, assignments, and lecture demonstrations. Students will learn about the proper operation of a camera and achieving correct exposure, composition methods, post processing, and specialized photography. Throughout the experience, students will draw inspiration from the works of historical and contemporary photography. Enhance your portfolio and hone your skills! The certificate program is an intensive course of study over two semesters beginning in the fall with six individual courses.
Students must register for the entire program at time of registration.
Program tuition is $1,575.
To register for certificate program classes, you must call 914-606-7300 or email Carmen Marrinan at carmen.marrinan@sunywcc.edu
Career Pathways
Digital Photography Certificate
Course Descriptions
The Camera and Its Operation
This course looks at the camera and how to control it to get the best results. The course covers common digital formats, exposure modes, histograms, JPEG vs RAW files, lens selection, methods of stabilization, useful accessories, and mobile apps. Through demonstrations, a critical look at current and historical photography and shooting assignments, students will gain a better understanding of how to use the camera to capture compelling images.
CE-DGART 2120PE
M/W, Sept. 9-30, 6:30-9:30 pm.
Photographic Composition
Composing an effective image involves many considerations, including camera placement, lens selection, lighting, subject-ground relationship, and employing (or breaking!) some rules. Additionally, post-processing gives us further control over many of these key items. Topics covered will include common framing rules, depth-of-field, vignette, and other features that help to highlight the story in your image. Inspired by powerful examples of composition from noted photographers, students will complete shooting assignments and processing of their own images.
CE-DGART 2121PE
M/W, Oct. 7-28, 6:30-9:30 pm.
Digital Image Processing
Shooting in the RAW file format expands the potential for creating powerful and expressive images. Adobe Photoshop and Light room offer a digital darkroom where students will learn to process images and bring their photography to the next level. Exposure correction, color balancing and enhancement, and resolution adjustments are just some of the techniques covered. File organization and prepping for web, mobile and print media will be introduced.
CE-DGART 2122PE
M/W, Nov. 4-25, 6:30-9:30 pm.
Small Object Photography
Photographing small objects, be it a tabletop still-life, products for marketing, or objects to be used for illustrative purposes, requires a special approach and attention to detail. Students will set up and shoot objects of their choice using specialized and non-specialized equipment, then process them in Photoshop as required for various needs. Topics covered will include camera lenses, lighting, seamless backgrounds, and a bit of post-processing magic to transform objects into things of beauty.
CE-DGART 2123PE
M/W, Jan. 27-Feb. 17, 2025, 6:30-9:30 pm.
Digital Image Compositing
Good camera skills and effective post-processing are of primary importance in photography. There are many other exciting ways to enhance an image or go beyond a single exposure. Students will learn how to use Photoshop to retouch and manipulate images, combine several exposures through digital stitching to create panoramas and high-resolution images, experiment with focus stacking, and produce enhanced imagery with high dynamic range photography.
CE-DGART 2124PE
M/W, Feb. 24-Mar. 24, 2025 (skip 3/17/25 & 3/19/25), 6:30-9:30 pm.
Portfolio
Collecting and curating your photographs into an effective portfolio is key to sharing and utilizing them for personal and professional purposes. Students will create a digital portfolio, and if necessary, shoot additional images to provide a more complete story of their capabilities. Online portfolios from leading photographers will be reviewed and students will be encouraged to visit regional photography exhibits.
CE-DGART 2125PE
M/W, Mar. 31-Apr. 21, 2025, 6:30-9:30 pm.
