In-Person Program
Photography Certificate
Program Overview
The UT Photography Certificate provides fundamental and specialty skills for achieving success in photography and related professions.
Developed by a committee of Knoxville-area photographers, these courses provide the opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing skills in this rapidly changing field.
Courses may be taken by students who are not in the certificate program.
Learn from the region’s leading photographers.
Field trips included with most courses.
Sharpen your skills in a supportive environment.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Students must complete the following major requirements in three years to earn the certificate:
+ Fundamentals of Digital Photography I; and
+ other designated photography elective courses and workshops to achieve a total of 160 hours.
Please note that students are required to attend and participate in a minimum of 75 percent of the class sessions.
Program Courses
Please click the course titles below for details.
Required Course:
Fundamentals of Digital Photography I (Sept. 12-Nov. 7, 2024)
Electives:
Fine Art Photography – Online (April 23-May 28, 2024)
Digital Image Workflow (May 23-July 11, 2024)
Close-Up Photography (July 16-Aug. 13, 2024)
Portrait Photography (Aug. 20-Sept. 24, 2024)
Basic Lighting & Posing for Family & Friends (Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 2024)
Meet Your Instructors
Kendall Chiles
Kendall Chiles is a freelance nature photographer with more than 25 years of photography experience. His photos have appeared in numerous books, magazines, and brochures, and he has taught various photography workshops for many years.
Rick Elliott
Tennessee Rick Elliott is a retired teacher, guidance counselor, and school administrator who now spends his time behind the lens of a camera. Elliott is a certified professional photography by the Professional Photographers of America. Elliott earned a B.S. degree in education from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree from Xavier University.
Jack Retterer
Jack Retterer, an award-winning photographer, is a current member of the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee, the Tennessee Artists Association, and the Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance. He has over 40 years of teaching and instructional design experience with a wide range of business topics. Retterer earned a B.S. degree in psychology at Loyola University and a master’s degree in educational counseling at Roosevelt University, both in Chicago.
Stephanie Richer
Stephanie Richer is the owner of Stephanie Richer Photography in Knoxville. She specializes in wedding and portrait photography and also volunteers her services as a photojournalist for the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville. Richer earned a B.A. degree in political science and M.S. in mathematics, both at the University of California, Irvine, and a juris doctorate at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
Wade Tipton
J. Wade Tipton owns and operates Gallery Portraits in West Knoxville with his wife, Joy. He is a certified professional photographer by the Professional Photographers of America. In 2015 Tipton was inducted into the Tennessee Professional Photographers of America’s Hall of Fame. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Mississippi State University.
Register Today
Explore your interest in photography as a hobby or for professional growth and development.
