Professional Photography

Certificate of Completion Program Map

The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


Students in this curriculum are trained in the major areas of professional photography. Positions for which graduates may qualify, depending upon their interest, abilities, and achievement, include portrait, commercial, editorial, digital, and retail fields. Some equipment and supplies provided.

 


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Produce professional quality photographs in various contemporary formats.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Program Requirements

0 units

PHOTO 306
Digital Imaging Fundamentals

0 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

In this beginner-friendly photography course, the fundamentals of creating images with digital cameras will be explored. The significance of photography in our diverse society and its evolution over time will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on essential skills such as operating a digital camera manually, understanding light, and using visual elements to convey messages through photos. The focus is on expressing ideas creatively through photography. 

Course Details:

          PHOTO 312
          Beginning Photoshop

          0 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

          In the Introduction to Photoshop course, students dive into a range of fun projects and lessons. They'll learn how to work with digital images, organize them neatly, adjust colors and tones, fix minor flaws, and print out their Photoshop creations! 

          Course Details:

                  PHOTO 315
                  Photography and Visual Literacy

                  0 units
                  Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                  This course explores the visual grammar and aesthetics of photography, highlighting its role as a universal communication and expression tool. Students will learn about photography's impact on arts and social history, develop visual literacy, and examine how images influence culture. The course covers methods for analyzing and critiquing photos using photographic and critical theory. Emphasizing writing and image creation, students will also learn to critically analyze images and conduct research.
                  Course Details:

                          PHOTO 318
                          Advanced Black and White Photography

                          0 units
                          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                          In this advanced black-and-white photography course, students will explore different ways of capturing reality through both film and digital black-and-white photography. They'll also get hands-on experience using Adobe Photoshop and other software for various projects. Throughout the course, there's a strong focus on students developing their unique vision, understanding the language of photography, and mastering the techniques needed to create stunning black-and-white prints.
                          Course Details:
                          1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 17
                          2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 317
                          3. Prerequisite: PHOTO 312
                          4. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12

                                PHOTO 323
                                Advanced Photoshop

                                0 units
                                Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

                                In this advanced Photoshop course, students will learn advanced techniques for enhancing still photographs using computer software. This course will explore how to capture, process, and output images using the latest technologies. Adobe Photoshop will be the main tool for completing real-world assignments and creating a portfolio of digital photography. 

                                Course Details:
                                1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
                                2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 312
                                3. Prerequisite: GRC 31
                                4. Prerequisite: GRC 331

                                      PHOTO 326
                                      Lighting Principles

                                      0 units
                                      Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                                      This course covers the qualities, characteristics, and styles of photographic lighting. Students will learn studio lighting techniques and use them to photograph still life subjects. The focus will be on problem-solving and creative self expression through images.
                                      Course Details:
                                      1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                                      2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 306

                                            PHOTO 332
                                            Commercial Portraiture

                                            0 units
                                            Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                                            In this course, students will explore studio and environmental commercial portraiture. There will be a focus on understanding different styles and the psychology behind body language, lighting, composition, and facial expression in portraits. Throughout the course, students will photograph various subjects, including individuals, couples, and groups.
                                            Course Details:
                                            1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                                            2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 306
                                            3. Advisory: PHOTO 12
                                            4. Advisory: PHOTO 312

                                                  PHOTO 345
                                                  Advanced Projects

                                                  0 units
                                                  Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

                                                  This course is open to students who have successfully completed the prerequisites for their proposed project. Projects should focus on advanced techniques beyond what is covered in prerequisite courses. Students will conduct research on their chosen topic and present their work and findings to the class. An independent study contract between the instructor and student is mandatory for enrollment. 

                                                  Course Details:
                                                  1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 18
                                                  2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 318
                                                  3. Prerequisite: PHOTO 23
                                                  4. Prerequisite: PHOTO 323
                                                  5. Prerequisite: PHOTO 26
                                                  6. Prerequisite: PHOTO 326
                                                  7. Prerequisite: PHOTO 32
                                                  8. Prerequisite: PHOTO 332

                                                        PHOTO 349
                                                        Documentary Media

                                                        0 units
                                                        Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

                                                        In this course, there is an emphasis on the art of multimedia storytelling, incorporating a diverse array of mediums, such as still imagery, video, and web-based platforms. Students will learn the intricate process of redefining traditional storytelling paradigms, leveraging factual information as the cornerstone for narrative construction, and how another person's story can be told through their own eyes. Digital composition and editing of stories will be explored and utilized. 

                                                        Course Details:
                                                        1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                                                        2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 306

                                                              PHOTO 357
                                                              Applied Color and Alternative Photographic Media

                                                              0 units
                                                              Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                                                              In this course, students will explore and refine their personal artistic vision through hands-on exploration of digital media. A variety of techniques and tools will be used to create photographic images that reflect individual style and perspective. From traditional to experimental approaches, contemporary digital processes will be employed to produce both representational and abstract images. Additionally, color theory and management in photography, and its connection to alternative media, will be explored to aid in achieving artistic goals.
                                                              Course Details:
                                                              1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
                                                              2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 312
                                                              3. Prerequisite: GRC 31
                                                              4. Prerequisite: GRC 331
                                                              5. Advisory: PHOTO 23
                                                              6. Advisory: PHOTO 323
                                                                    Total: units