In a studio or stadium, at a quiet wedding or at world championship. Do you have a knack for crafting artful photos that capture the key moment or evoke the essence of the person. From celebratory moments to landmark events – the OCC Career Advantage program in Applied/Commercial Photography will make sure you and your camera are equipped to capture them. The OCC Career Advantage Applied Photography program can help you start a career as a professional photographer, or build your skills with our state-of-the art technology if you are already a working professional. Choose a certificate program or earn an associate degree. The field is wide open for commercial photographers in California. Read on to learn more about your options at OCC.

A sampling of courses for these careers

  • Imaging with Photoshop
  • Cinematography
  • Professional Digital Techniques
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Video Workshop
  • Art Photography

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Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in photography. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

View all program details in course catalog

Basic Drone Imaging Skills

Prepares students for entry-level employment as a UAS image capture specialist and prepares students for the FAA Part 107 Pilot license certification. Students will be educated in the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, photography, videography, post-production editing, careers and business practices.

Digital SLR Photography & Videography Technician

Prepare for an entry-level position as a photographer and videographer. Become skilled at using DSLR cameras, storytelling, event documentation, lighting, sound, post-production and business practices.

Drone Photography

Prepares students for a career as a UAS image capture specialist with FAA Part 107 Pilot license certification. Build knowledge and experience in the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, photography, videography, post-production editing, careers, and business practices.

Drone Videography

Prepares students for a career as a UAS image capture specialist with FAA Part 107 Pilot license certification. Build knowledge and experience in the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, videography, virtual reality (VR), post-production editing, careers, and business practices.

Photography Digital Technician

Prepare for a position as a digital tech assistant or photo assistant in the professional photography community. Learn digital photography, digital work flow, large-format digital capture and studio photography techniques.

Photography-Still

Prepare for a career in photography through this program, which prepares you for an entry-level position as a photographer or photography assistant. Learn the technical skills of photography, evaluate photographic aesthetic strategies and create photographs that illustrate a critical understanding of visual language.

View program detail in course catalog.

Photography-Still

Complete the Photography-Still Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. This program will prepare you for an entry-level position as a photographer or photography assistant. Learn the technical skills of photography, evaluate photographic aesthetic strategies and create photographs that illustrate a critical understanding of visual language. 

 

ALUMNI SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

HEAR FROM SUCCESSFUL ALUMS WHAT MADE OCC THE SMART CHOICE!

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Programs That Might Interest You

Female working in a film studio.

FILM & TELEVISION

Explore our certificate programs, which give you the skills you need to get your start in any of a variety of industries

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Female student works at a monitor

DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS AND DESIGN

Choose from our graphic design or user design programs to prepare for a career in the digital arts

Learn More

Art student draws buildings with pencil

COMMERCIAL ART

Prepare for a creative career in narrative illustration or art services

Learn More

Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.

Our Team

Katie Ottoson
Katie Ottoson, M.S.
Counselor, CTE and
Career Services