University of Washington

United States — University Courses

UW Tower 4333 Brooklyn Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105

Phone: +1 (800) 506-1325

Instagram: @uwcontinuingedu

The University of Washington Photography Program offers a comprehensive approach to learning photography, combining traditional artistic principles with modern digital techniques. Designed for both passionate enthusiasts and aspiring professionals, the program emphasizes the development of technical expertise, visual storytelling, and a deep understanding of photography’s historical and cultural significance. Students learn how to balance creativity and precision—producing images that not only capture moments but also communicate ideas with clarity and emotion.

This three-course certificate program introduces students to the foundations of photography, from camera operation to advanced post-production techniques. Early coursework focuses on the history of photography, allowing students to study the great masters and understand how social, political, and artistic movements have shaped the evolution of the medium. Through these studies, students learn to see photography as more than a craft—it becomes a form of cultural reflection and artistic exploration.

Practical experience is central to the curriculum. Students spend extensive time working hands-on with digital cameras, experimenting with lighting, composition, and image design. They also explore the technical aspects of digital workflow, including RAW image processing, color correction, and composite creation using professional-grade software. These tools help students build a polished, professional portfolio ready for exhibition, freelancing, or commercial applications.

The program also provides guidance in the business and professional sides of photography, covering marketing strategies, client relations, and the essentials of managing a freelance or studio practice. Just as importantly, it fosters a strong sense of community—students become part of an active network of photographers who share feedback, collaborate on projects, and continue to grow together long after completing the program.

At the University of Washington, photography is taught as both an art and a discipline—a way to merge vision with technology and transform personal creativity into meaningful visual expression.

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Portland Art Museum

United States
Portland, OR

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MMPA - Maine Museum of Photographic Arts

United States
Portland, ME

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George Eastman Museum

United States
Rochester, NY

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United States
New York, NY

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MIA - Minneapolis Institute of Arts

United States
Minneapolis, MN

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United States
Los Angeles, CA

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Blue Sky Gallery

United States
Portland, OR

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J. Paul Getty Museum

United States
Los Angeles, CA

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Cincinnati Art Museum

United States
Cincinnati, OH

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CAAM - California African American Museum at Art + Practice

United States
Los Angeles, CA

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Fenimore Art Museum

United States
Cooperstown, NY

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National Gallery of Art

United States
Washington, DC

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MoMA - The Museum of Modern Art

United States
New York, NY

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Peter Fetterman Gallery

United States
Los Angeles, CA

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SFMOMA - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

United States
San Francisco, CA

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East Window

United States
Boulder, CO

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Howard Greenberg Gallery

United States
New York, NY

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CPW - Center for Photography at Woodstock

United States
Kingston, NY

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MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

United States
Chicago, IL

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The Anchorage Museum of Art

United States
Anchorage, AK

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Delaware Art Museum

United States
Wilmington, DE

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Princeton University Art Museum

United States
Princeton, NJ

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Nevada Museum of Art

United States
Reno, NV

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Marc Selwyn Fine Art

United States
Los Angeles, CA

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FMoPA - Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

United States
Tampa, FL

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Fahey/Klein Gallery

United States
Los Angeles, CA

Fahey/Klein Gallery, based in Los Angeles, stands as a celebrated institution devoted to elevating the medium of photography as a form of fine art. Since its founding, the gallery has carved out a space that honors both the historical legacy and the evolving landscape of photographic expression. With a curatorial approach that spans iconic figures and contemporary innovators, Fahey/Klein has consistently presented exhibitions that showcase the breadth and depth of the photographic form. Over

Philadelphia Museum of Art

United States
Philadelphia, PA

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OSMOS

United States
New York, NY

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