Capture Success. Frame Your Career.
Turn light, shadows and moments into images that inspire.
Create, connect and turn your vision into your livelihood. Creativity meets technical mastery in just two semesters with Owens’ Photography Certificate program. Whether you’re working with traditional darkroom artistry or cutting-edge digital techniques, you’ll sharpen your eye, refine your craft and build your photography career one powerful image at a time.
Must-have skills for photography professionals:
- Master the Tech: Cameras, lighting and editing tools at your command.
- Develop Your Eye: Compose, create and tell stories with every shot.
- Deliver Like a Pro: Build trust, manage projects and wow your clients.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Creative Arts and Media
Required Credit Hours
32
A Glimpse Ahead
#23
National ranking for best value in commercial photography
$42,370
Median annual salary for photographers in Ohio
$9,294
Average net price for students, below the national average for 2-year colleges
Snap Into Professional Photography
Through two focused semesters, you’ll gain a comprehensive skill set covering the technical and creative aspects of photography. Hands-on labs and practical projects will provide real-world experience with both traditional and contemporary photography techniques.
In the first semester, you’ll build core competencies in digital and darkroom photography. You’ll study traditional darkroom photography using small and large format cameras. Simultaneously, you’ll gain experience with modern digital techniques, including color theory and digital asset management.
You’ll master studio and natural lighting applications for diverse subjects such as portraits, events and product photography, while developing visual communication and composition skills. Along the way, you’ll explore career opportunities in the visual arts.
In your second semester, you’ll advance your skills with advanced digital, black-and-white and studio photography techniques and explore visual storytelling and portrait/event photography.
Throughout the program, you’ll create a professional portfolio that showcases your unique vision and technical abilities, preparing you to launch a photography career or continue advanced studies in photography and visual arts.
Career Outcomes
You’ll graduate with comprehensive skills in camera, lighting and digital editing to step into studio roles, content creation or visual communications. If you are entrepreneurially minded, you can freelance or build your own business in portrait, wedding, events or product photography. You’ll also be positioned for in-demand photo editing and retouching work across creative industries.
Photography plays a role in media, marketing, art, fashion, journalism, science and more. Whether your goal is building a business, landing studio work or advancing your education, this certificate provides the essential foundation for your next step.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“The professors I had did such a good job of adapting to a hybrid system. They worked really hard so that we had the same quality of instruction that we did in the classroom.”
Michael Desanto, Creative Arts and Media, ’21
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.