Photography, Professional Photography - Formerly Photography - Major #5221

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 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: 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

            9 units

            PHOTO 15
            Photography and Visual Literacy

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
            The nature and character of photography; its use for communication and expression. Visual literacy and photography as a universal language. How concept, design, and creation of the photographic image are utilized in our culture. (A, CSU, UC)
            Course Details:
                1. CSU Transfer Course
                1. C - Humanities

                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

                      9 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 45
                          Advanced Projects

                          3 units
                          Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                          Limited enrollment course open only to those students who have completed the prerequisite for their proposed project. Projects must emphasize advanced approaches not covered in the prerequisite courses. Students will research their topic and present their work and findings to the class. Independent study contract between instructor and student required. (A, CSU)
                          Course Details:
                          1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 18
                          2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 23
                          3. Prerequisite: PHOTO 26
                          4. Prerequisite: PHOTO 32
                            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
                                  Total: 24 units