Photography (Certificate)

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Conceptual and Problem-Solving Skills

• Make creative decisions that optimize conceptual impact, cohesiveness and memorability of created images
• Integrate key conceptual elements (such as mood, narrative, introducing the unexpected) with technical elements (such as composition, lighting, point of view) to suggest a story or elicit an emotional response from the viewer
• Solve creative and technical problems that include project parameters and modeled client expectations

Lighting Skills

• Master 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 quality of light
• Work effectively with point source, flood, spot, diffused and reflected light

Camera Capture Skills

• Demonstrate full knowledge of digital SLR components
• Demonstrate complete understanding of exposure controls
• Effectively use a light meter for multiple lighting situations

Digital Imaging

• Apply advanced 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 high quality print portfolio demonstrating printing skill and overall quality of images required for petition to graduate
• Demonstrate understanding of archival qualities, including ink and paper stability

Professional Readiness

• Produce and present a professional portfolio that meets department expectations and industry standards
• Create promotional materials to support print portfolio and website
• Demonstrate knowledge of industry trends and professional practices related to professional photography

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.