Photography, Commercial Photography- Major #5222

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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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 taking these courses will develop skills in creating photographs for commercial clients from small  and large scale studio and location situations. Students will learn appropriate workflow and processes to compete in the commercial marketplace.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Utilize skills in picture creation, selection and cropping with emphasis on impact and marketability.
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester

Term 1

6 units

PHOTO 6
Digital Imaging Fundamentals

3 units
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
Theories and practices of manually adjustable digital cameras; technical and creative use of manual camera controls and capture. Topics include: automatic vs. manual shooting modes, camera menus, exposure control, depth of field, motion control, basic flash, white balance, file formats, capture workflow, and camera care as well as the legal and ethical issues of photography. Image processing involving tonal range, organization and color adjustment using Adobe Lightroom. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course
      1. C - Humanities

      PHOTO 12
      Beginning Photoshop

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
      Introduction to Photoshop including a variety of problem solving lessons and projects using: digital image capture, organization, basic tone and color adjustments, basic retouching, and printing techniques. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
          1. CSU Transfer Course

            Term 2

            6 units

            PHOTO 23
            Advanced Photoshop

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
            Advanced techniques for computer enhanced still photograph image capture, processing, and output technologies. Use of Adobe Photoshop as primary software to complete real world assignments and produce a portfolio of digital photography. (A, CSU, UC)
            Course Details:
            1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
            2. Prerequisite: GRC 31
              1. CSU Transfer Course

                Typically offered in the spring semester

                PHOTO 32
                Commercial Portraiture

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                Studio and environmental commercial portraiture. Emphasis on style and the psychology of body language, lighting, composition, and facial expression. Portrait subjects include: individuals, couples, groups, and weddings. (A, CSU)
                Course Details:
                1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                2. Advisory: PHOTO 12
                  1. CSU Transfer Course
                  1. C - Humanities

                  Typically offered in the spring semester

                  Term 3

                  6 units

                  PHOTO 26
                  Lighting Principles

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                  Photographic lighting qualities, characteristics, and styles. Using studio lighting techniques, tabletop still life subjects will be photographed to emphasize problem solving and personal expression. (A, CSU)
                  Course Details:
                  1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                  2. Advisory: PHOTO 12
                    1. CSU Transfer Course

                      Typically offered in the fall semester

                      PHOTO 57
                      Applied Color and Alternative Photographic Media

                      3 units
                      Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                      Developing a personal vision by seeing and working with digital media using various media and methods for creating photographic images. Contemporary digital processes will be used and combined for representational and non-representational images. Color Theory and Color Management in the photographic medium and its relationship to alternative media. (A, CSU, UC)
                      Course Details:
                      1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
                      2. Prerequisite: GRC 31
                      3. Advisory: PHOTO 23
                        1. CSU Transfer Course

                          Typically offered in the fall semester

                          Total: 18 units