Photography Courses

These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.

PHOT 1A - Digital Photography I    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of digital photography. Course provides an overview of digital camera functions for automatic and manual exposure, image creation and capture, file management, and image editing. Students may use any appropriate digital camera including; DSLR, mirrorless, point & shoot or smartphone. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in digital photography. May not receive credit if PHOT 50 has been completed successfully.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. interpret and predict the effects of the range of technical control choices available within digital photography;
  2. demonstrate a thorough and functional knowledge of the essential controls of a digital camera;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 1B - Digital Photography II    ( 3.00 - Units )
Digital Photography II is an intermediate digital photography course that is a continuation of Introduction to Digital Photography. Students will practice techniques that build on those learned in PHOT 1A for image capture and exposure, along with using DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. Batch processing and editing techniques working with multiple photographs in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom will be used to create digital compositions. Emphasis is on mastering basic photographic principles and concepts, and creative problem solving using strong visual communication techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. mastery of digital capture and exposure controls and techniques using DSLR and/or mirrorless cameras;
  2. able to effectively combine and composite multiple images in a single photograph using advanced editing and processing techniques;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 2C - Alternative Process Photography    ( 3.00 - Units )
The course provides students with the opportunity to explore alternative processes and non-silver based photography in a darkroom environment. Students will practice historical, handmade photographic printing processes which allow for creative expression beyond the traditional black and white photograph. Lensless cameras, cyanotype and van dyke brown printing processes will be incorporated with digital technologies and contact printing techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. expose and develop images using alternative photographic processes and non-silver techniques;
  2. technical mastery combining mixed media in image making including digital, film, and alternative processes;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 2A - Black and White Darkroom Photography    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of black and white darkroom photography. Course provides an overview of 35mm cameras and materials for exposure and development of black and white film. Traditional darkroom techniques will be used for the exploration and refinement of gelatin silver processes for printing and toning photographs. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, film cameras, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in film photography. May not receive credit if PHOT 60 has been completed successfully.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. interpret and predict the effects of the range of technical control choices available within black and white photography;
  2. demonstrate a thorough and functional knowledge of the essential controls of a 35mm film camera;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 2B - Advanced Black and White Darkroom Photography    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced exploration of traditional black and white darkroom photography processes. Students will practice advanced methods for exposure, development and printing of photographs using archival fiber based techniques. 35mm and medium format film based cameras will be used for creating photographic works unique to gelatin silver based processes.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. technical mastery of advanced black and white darkroom techniques; exposure, developing, printing, and toning;
  2. technical proficiency combining mixed media in image making using traditional darkroom processes;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 2D - Large Format Photography    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced darkroom photography course emphasizing the use of large format processes. Students will use view cameras with full movements and advanced Zone System techniques for exposure and development of sheet film. Advanced printing methods will be used for contacts and large scale works. Along with high resolution scanning techniques for large scale negatives.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. thorough and functional knowledge of the essential mechanisms of a large format camera; tilt, shift, swing, rise and fall;
  2. able to understand and implement the principles of the Zone System for exposure and image development;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions, and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 3C - Advanced Studio Lighting: Product & Still Life    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced studio lighting course that emphasizes technical and conceptual aspects of product and still-life photography. Students will explore lighting and design methods specific to still-life. Advanced strobe lighting techniques will be used in the studio and on-location to create dynamic product shots.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. proficiency using product and still-life photography techniques for arrangement and lighting subjects with a multiple-light setup, both in the studio and on location;
  2. technical mastery using studio lighting equipment specific to product and still-life photography. Single-light and multiple-light setups including; electronic flash, static lights/hot lights, and strobe lights;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 3B - Advanced Studio Lighting: Portraiture    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced studio lighting course that emphasizes technical and conceptual aspects of portrait photography. Students will explore lighting and design methods specific to portraiture. Advanced strobe lighting techniques will be used in the studio and on-location to create dynamic portraits.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. proficiency using portrait photography techniques for posing and lighting subjects with a multiple-light setup, both in the studio and on-location;
  2. technical mastery using studio lighting equipment specific to portrait photography. Single-light and multiple-light setups including; electronic flash, static lights/hot lights, and strobe lights;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 3A - Introduction to Studio Lighting    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to basic studio lighting skills using electronic flash, static, and strobe applications. Course will familiarize students with lighting techniques for portraiture, product and still-life photography, in a studio setting with specialized equipment and digital cameras. Digital production techniques and processes including basics of shooting, editing and output for digital photographs. Professional setups and standard practices, as well as alternative lighting solutions will be covered. May not receive credit if PHOT 64A has been completed successfully.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. identify, measure and define the quality of light using incident and reflective light meters;
  2. technical proficiency using studio lighting equipment for single-light and multiple-light setups including; electronic flash, static lights/hot lights, and strobe lights;
  3. visually define the form and contour of a subject using specific portrait lighting techniques; Rembrandt, butterfly, loop, split, broad, short, and profile.

PHOT 4A - Color Theory for Photographers    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course will cover the basics of color science, color theory, language of color, color primaries and color relationships, applied using digital photography techniques. Students will study the principles, theories and applications of additive and subtractive color in photography. These concepts will be framed in a way that is relevant for photographers in composition, control of mood, emotional content, and image processing. Topics will include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of projects using applied color and the elements of color and design as they apply to photography. May not receive credit if PHOT 61 has been completed successfully.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. identify, define, and apply different color systems and color organization in a photographic composition;
  2. demonstrate the usage of traditional color harmonies such as complementary, split-complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, and monochromatic in one or more color photographs;
  3. analyze and critique color photographs using appropriate color theory terminology and vocabulary including color methods, physics of light, and psychology of color.

PHOT 4B - Advanced Color Photography Methods    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced color photography course that builds on the methods and techniques presented in Color Theory for Photographers. Photographers will achieve an advanced understanding of how to use color relationship principles with digital color management, controlling color from capture to print. Emphasis will be on exploring how light and color function together. Course discussions will present artists that use color as a central theme with an awareness of color's creative potential.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. understand and utilize advanced color theory methods and principles in digital photography;
  2. implement appropriate color management strategies to accurately profile digital photographs from capture to print;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 5A - Photography Portfolio    ( 3.00 - Units )
Photography Portfolio is a capstone course for students to create a body of work that reflects their individual style. Students enrolling in the course should be experienced photographers comfortable working with advanced camera and photo editing techniques. Students may work with any photographic medium of their choice. They will print and display photos as part of a class exhibition at the end of the course. Emphasis will be on developing a cohesive portfolio of photographs that can be used to further a photographic career. May not receive credit if PHOT 62 has been completed successfully.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. develop a cohesive body of exhibition quality work that demonstrates technical mastery of photographic materials and processes;
  2. articulate the conceptual meaning and content of photographic works presented in the final portfolio;
  3. understand the relationships between multiple images and the sequencing of images within a portfolio.

PHOT 5B - Photography Exhibition    ( 3.00 - Units )
An advanced course for photographers to focus on creating a large body of work suitable for exhibition. Photographers will professionally prepare prints and photographs. Additionally, all work must be matted, framed, and ready to hang for gallery exhibition. Emphasis will be on the safe handling of artwork in a gallery environment and archival methods for preparation, exhibition, and storage of work. Photographers who successfully complete the course will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Chabot Art Gallery.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. technical preparation of photographic works for exhibition including print preparation, framing and hanging in a gallery environment;
  2. understanding of archival methods for the preservation of analog and digital photographic works;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions and conceptual meaning in a large body of work.

PHOT 6B - Advanced Photoshop    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced course in Adobe Photoshop that expands on the use of digital image manipulation, advanced imaging effects, layer and file organization and color management for students familiar using the Creative Cloud. Industry standard practices will be covered using vector illustration techniques, photo-realistic painting, and non-destructive retouching and editing techniques for photography. Course discussions will feature digital artists that explore the use of Adobe Photoshop and the Creative Cloud in their artwork.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. advanced use of Adobe Photoshop to identify, create and manipulate digital photographs using the principles of art and design;
  2. critically analyze and describe advanced Adobe Photoshop techniques used to create digital artwork using appropriate terminology in a critique environment;
  3. demonstrate personal artistic expression using dynamic imagery, creative compositions and conceptual meaning.

PHOT 6A - Photoshop    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to the use of Adobe Photoshop for retouching, editing, and compositing digital images. Students take their original photography and artistically adjust contrast, exposure, color balance, to create enhanced compositions. Students also take a number of images and composite images into an artistically balanced and well-designed composition.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Identify, create and manipulate digital images using principles of art and design.
  2. Critically analyze the elements and principles of art and design using appropriate terminology in a critique environment.
  3. Practice professional methods for process document creation, content revisions, file storage, display, and analysis.

PHOT 20 - History of Photography    ( 3.00 - Units )
A broad chronological survey of photography from its invention to the present. Considers the medium's dual role as technology and art. Addresses a multiplicity of photographic themes and purposes. Considers the intersections of photography and technology, history, art, and everyday life.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Given the sample provided, identify its period and technical process
  2. Specify the specific technical, historic, and artistic issues of photography in the 19th century.
  3. Specify the specific technical, historic, and artistic issues of photography in the 20th century

PHOT 53B - Digital Darkroom    ( 1.50 - Units )
Introduction to darkroom concepts and techniques common to both traditional and digital photography. Work with digitally created negatives to explore traditional B&W silver and alternative process techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1.  Interpret images via digital modification to support or reframe the image idea, compare and contrast hardware tools and software technique to assess and modify images, appraise the practically of design and ethical criticisms of manipulating photographs

PHOT 53A - Phoneography: Smartphone Photography    ( 1.50 - Units )
Introduction to computational photography using smartphones. Course will cover fundamentals of composition and image editing utilizing smartphone applications. Survey of photography genres and the role of social media in image making.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose, create, and analyze original digital photographs and similar work from others.
  2. Interpret and predict the effects camera control choices have on digital images.
  3. Interpret and predict the effects camera control choices have on digital images, assess the changing role over time and criticisms of photography in society, compose, create, and analyize originial digital photographs and similar work from others

PHOT 71 - Color, Light and the California Landscape    ( 3.00 - Units )
Photographing the natural and urban landscapes that are iconic to California. Emphasis on using digital cameras and technology to control color and light. Overview of concepts and techniques used by historical and contemporary California landscape photographers.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Effectively use DSLR camera controls to accurately render color and light in landscape photography.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of using color profiles from capture to print for large scale printing.
  3. Utilize creative compositions to communicate conceptual meaning and aesthetic value in image making.