Courses

This is an introduction to the essential computer software tools used in the modern production of information society, with a focus on the workflow and productions native to design oriented tasks utilized in design and allied design professions. Students will be introduced to foundational design software applications - including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign - and will be introduced to other workflow applications such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, and email. Project based learning activities will provide hands-on experiences for student to practice and apply skills to real-world situations. (3 Units)

Students will understand, and become comfortable, with the foundational use of the camera by understanding exposure through metering and the relationship between - ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. Students will begin to implement foundational design elements through composition, and compression through different lens focal lengths. Students will produce and analyze photographs by employing professional photographic techniques and the introduction of a digital workflow. (3 Units)

This course surveys contemporary genres within Commercial Photography. While introducing the practical skills of production and conceptual development, students will work to plan and execute camera-based assignments in the areas of editorial and advertising photography. Prerequisite: PHOT1050 (3 Units)

This introductory course explores the conceptual and expressive principals of Fine Art Photography through lectures, discussions, assignments and field trips. Students will submit their work for critique, refining the theoretical and practical skills needed to create meaningful imagery. Prerequisite: PHOT1050 (3 Units)

This course follows movements and themes in the history of photography from its inception at the turn of the 19th century to today. In this class, students will identify key works and discuss their significance in a historical context. On a more theoretical level, photography will be observed as cultural production that shapes personal and political ideology. Photographic examples will be presented from photojournalism, documentary, fine art, advertising, fashion and academia to more vernacular uses in everyday life. Through readings, discussions and assignments students will build the visual literacy needed to experience, understand and analyze images. (3 Units)

Through this course students will develop the technical foundation needed to process and retouch images with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students will build a professional workflow utilizing digital asset management, image selection, and global adjustments with non-destructive methods. Further pixel adjustments will be made within Photoshop for advanced retouching. Prerequisite: PHOT1050 (3 Units)

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity's process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context. Prerequisite: DSGN1100 (0 Units)

This course further explores the medium of photography specific to commercial, fine art, and social practice. Students will begin focusing on a body of work specific to their genre of photography. Further refinement through technical demonstrations and critique will allow students to begin to define an artistic style that is viable within their intended marketplace. Prerequisite: PHOT3500 (3 Units)

This course integrates a conceptual framework and narrative structure into the photographic process. Utilizing color, design and visual communication skills to evoke emotion, students will learn how narrative shapes messaging. The course supports students involved in a wide range of photographic disciplines where visual storytelling is critical to a work's reception. Prerequisite: PHOT3100 (3 Units)

This course will implement a practical workflow within a controlled space, utilizing the tools and techniques of studio photographers. Students will gain an understanding of light quality and how it relates to ideas, and the emotional depiction of a subject. Students will understand how to craft their lighting to the specific subject they are photographing. Labs will be hands-on, integrating professional studio practices for digital capture and utilizing industry-wide workflow standards related to the latest software and hardware. Prerequisite: PHOT3500 (3 Units)

This course presents students with the digital workflow techniques needed to produce archival photographs. File preparation, resolution selection, print-profiling, paper selection and soft-proofing techniques will be covered. Students will learn the techniques of digital color management by applying color profiles to produce archival prints for the purpose of promotional, gallery, and printed portfolios. Prerequisite: PHOT2500 (3 Units)

This course focuses on different topics in the field of photography each time it is offered. Prerequisite: PHOT3500 (3 Units)

Students will apply their knowledge of photographic processes and visual storytelling to the development of a cohesive and professional body of work as their authentic voice. Emphasis is on advanced level conceptual development, contextual research, image making, and critique. Resulting in an approved proposal allowing them to proceed with their senior project. Prerequisite: PHOT3300 (3 Units)

Students will be able to approach locations efficiently to determine what artificial lighting methods to introduce, to create technically refined photographs. While also introducing these techniques creatively to further demonstrate mastery of photography through the use of location lighting. Prerequisite: PHOT3320 (3 Units)

This course will address project cohesiveness, work quality, concept and process through critique and feedback. Students will apply all skills and theory learned to further define a contextual response to their photographic narrative. Students will demonstrate a detailed understanding of the photographic process including research, concept, design and documentation in preparation for their final presentation. Prerequisite: PHOT4150 (3 Units)

Students will curate, control, and communicate their photographic library by gathering and assembling current assets in one collaborative location. Establishing digital workflow best practices for the entire asset life cycle, by integrating their image library with other applications and services. Prerequisite: PHOT4850 (3 Units)

Students will understand and develop the principles of running a successful photography business. With a hands on practical approach in relationship to; self promotion, marketing, accounting, copyright, permitting, contracts, artist representation, and the procurement of work. Prerequisite: PHOT4150 (3 Units)

Students will apply the skills necessary for the professional presentation of a completed body of work including editing, sequencing, printing, marketing, portfolio design, and gallery presentation. Prerequisite: PHOT4330 (3 Units)