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Photography

Overview Courses Faculty

Photography (PHOTO) Courses

PHOTO 295 Independent Studies in Photography

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

PHOTO 299 Experimental Offering in Photography

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.


PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course combines lectures with hands-on experience in digital photography. Instruction includes digital camera function, exposure control, technical and creative control, computer manipulation of images and digital output options. The format of the class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, exams and a portfolio. Students must provide their own adjustable DSLR cameras and necessary media and materials. A fee is charged for digital printing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • operate a digital camera, which includes adjusting film speed for proper exposure and white point for proper lighting; using accessory equipment for a digital camera including: flash unit, tripod, filters and cable release; and recognizing and using good compositional techniques.
  • analyze a variety of image storage and media options, such as using and comparing digital media
  • produce a digital portfolio by performing basic image manipulation in Photoshop, using a variety of digital output options, and retouching and mounting a final image.
  • describe basic film-based photography techniques including differentiating between a digital and traditional SLR camera, and explaining basic exposure, development and printing techniques.

PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PHOTO 302 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is designed to expand on the technical and creative concepts acquired in beginning digital photography. Topics of instruction include: advanced digital camera functions, exposure control, introduction to studio lighting, computer manipulation of images using Adobe Photoshop, digital archiving, digital output options and digital print finishing. The class includes lectures, visual presentations, lab time, written tests, a field trip, and a portfolio. Students must provide their own adjustable DSLR cameras and necessary media and materials. A fee is charged for digital printing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • use advanced functions of a digital camera, adjust for correct white balance in difficult lighting conditions, and identify all menu options in a DSLR.
  • produce an image made with studio lights and operate a light meter in ambient, spot and flash modes.
  • perform multiple-step image correction with image software, use levels and curves to adjust image contrast and density, and use multiple layer techniques.
  • produce a portfolio, including generating ten images using techniques learned in the class.

PHOTO 340 Careers in Photography

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PHOTO 302 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is an overview of different careers available in the photographic industry. Fields of study include: portraiture, wedding photography, fashion, commercial and tabletop, photojournalism, and fine art photography. Students are encouraged to pursue their own area of interest by working with professionals in the field. Students may work with digital or traditional cameras. The class includes: lectures, studio visits, lab time, and completion of a resume, price list, and portfolio. Students will need a camera capable of manual control and focus, a computer, and access to image editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom) to complete assignments. There is a charge for digital output services on campus.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • compare various professions in photography, list the skills and training required to enter various fields of photography, and job shadow with a professional in the field.
  • produce a portfolio, determine a personal area of interest in photography, and use the appropriate camera equipment necessary for various jobs in the photographic industry.
  • produce a resume, price list, and business card.

PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:PHOTO 302 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This is an introductory course in digital imaging, compositing and electronic file preparation for publishing. The class includes lectures, use of computers and scanners, slide presentations, preparation of a journal and a digital portfolio.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • produce photographs using various camera, film and digital choices.
  • produce photographs using various digital techniques, as well as demonstrate competency with Adobe Photoshop.
  • assess and retouch digital images using a variety of tools in Photoshop, including usage of layers.
  • create a portfolio and related materials for job preparation.
  • create a digital file of images by combining photo portfolio and sound. Output completed digital files.
  • acquire and import digital files, set-up and scan slides, prints and digital photographs.
  • Integrate established work flow, edit and prepare images for digital printing output.

PHOTO 420 History of Photography

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course explores the history of photography as a medium of artistic expression and communication, with a major emphasis on the integration of history, theory, aesthetics, and criticism. Through a comprehensive examination of the evolution of photography from its inception to the present day, students will gain a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and artistic forces that have shaped this medium.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of photography, emphasizing the integration of historical context, theoretical frameworks, aesthetic considerations, and critical analysis. The format of the class may include a field trip.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • define the major movements in the history of photography.
  • evaluate different visual styles in photography.
  • describe photographic processes from the 19th Century to the present.
  • describe the theoretical and philosophical foundations of photography.
  • demonstrate application of critical thinking practices in describing, interpreting and evaluating photography’s historical, modern and contemporary aesthetic and technical developments, practitioners and genres, and its relationship within broader social, cultural and visual arts contexts.

PHOTO 495 Independent Studies in Photography

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

PHOTO 498 Work Experience in Photography

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:30 - 300 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 110 or ESL 325
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Photography. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience, for one unit. An additional 75 hours of related paid work experience or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • apply industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of study or career as written in the minimum 3 learning objectives created by the student and his/her employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
  • manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources.
  • behave professionally and ethically, exhibit adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
  • exhibit effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills at work with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
  • demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.

PHOTO 499 Experimental Offering in Photography

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is designed to allow advanced students to pursue and research their photographic interests and receive credit. Students must provide a proposal outlining their area of interest and arrange meetings with an instructor. Students may wish to challenge the prerequisite on the basis of equivalent experience.