Photography, Professional Photography - Formerly Photography - Major #5221

Certificate of Achievement 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 Spring Semester

Term 1

9 units

PHOTO 6
Digital Imaging Fundamentals

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course
      1. C - Humanities

      PHOTO 12
      Beginning Photoshop

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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! (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
          1. CSU Transfer Course

            PHOTO 15
            Photography and Visual Literacy

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU, UC)
            Course Details:
              1. A: Fine Arts
              1. C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
              2. CSU Transfer Course
              1. C - Humanities

              Term 2

              9 units

              PHOTO 23
              Advanced Photoshop

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (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: 2025 Spring 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. (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 

                    PHOTO 49
                    Documentary Media

                    3 units
                    Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU, UC)
                    Course Details:
                    1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                        Term 3

                        12 units

                        PHOTO 18
                        Advanced Black and White Photography

                        3 units
                        Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU, UC)
                        Course Details:
                        1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
                        2. Prerequisite: PHOTO 17

                              PHOTO 26
                              Lighting Principles

                              3 units
                              Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU)
                              Course Details:
                              1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 6
                                1. CSU Transfer Course

                                  Typically offered in the fall semester 

                                  PHOTO 45
                                  Advanced Projects

                                  3 units
                                  Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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. (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: 2025 Spring 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. (A, CSU, UC)
                                      Course Details:
                                      1. Prerequisite: PHOTO 12
                                      2. Prerequisite: GRC 31
                                      3. Advisory: PHOTO 23
                                        1. CSU Transfer Course
                                          Total: 30 units