Photography

Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This program provides the skills and knowledge required for photographers to communicate effectively in visual and verbal format; to understand camera function in relation to creative expression; to provide advance knowledge of photography through diverse global, cultural, and historical perspectives; to create imagery using traditional and digital methods, and to prepare students for a career as a photographer.  Graduates will be prepared to enter the fields of photography, freelance photography, photojournalism, and commercial photography.

Goal 1 To provide the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively in visual and verbal format

  • Students will articulate an understanding of the visual problem-solving process.
  • Students will collaborate in project critiques demonstrating the ability to discuss both their own work and the work of their peers.
  • Students will demonstrate appropriate communication with instructor and peers via critique, written assignments, and class interaction.
  • Students will recognize the elements of photographic visual language including composition, emphasis and subordination, tonal range, and depth of field among others.

Goal 2 To understand camera function in relation to creative expression

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the creative process, i.e. analysis, incubation, illumination, and verification.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of different ways and means to communicate information through various media and software.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of reciprocity through shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental lighting techniques.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of digital photographic technologies including image capture and output.

Goal 3 To provide advance knowledge of photography through diverse global, cultural, and historical perspectives

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of photography on a global scale within a historical context.
  • Students will recognize the works of numerous masters from various backgrounds and cultures in photography and the arts.
  • Students will discuss work in comparison to contemporary and historical masters.
  • Students will discuss how the history of photography reflects significant historical and cultural events.
  • Students will research and organize resources to broaden their understanding of the field of photography.

Goal 4 To create imagery using traditional and digital methods

  • Students will demonstrate Black and White film processing and printing competency.
  • Students will demonstrate digital photographic software editing and digital printing competency.
  • Students will demonstrate large format camera techniques and competency.
  • Students will demonstrate digital video recording technologies including video capture, camera handling, and editing software applications. 

Goal 5 To prepare students for a career as a photographer

  • Students will identify and discuss plans for job or transfer.
  • Students will create professional sites to market their skill set.
  • Students will create a plan for career or transfer goals with specific action items.
  • Students will create and present an Artist statement. 
  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

 

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course provides an understanding of principles as applied to all phases of traditional wet-process darkroom photography. Primary instruction will be in the utilization of a manual 35mm film camera. It covers instruction in photo optics, camera equipment, film and paper emulsion, photographic chemicals, filters and lens attachments, lighting, composition, and exposure control.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of visual communication and creativity with an emphasis on understanding historically significant art styles. Students explore various types of visual expression and apply creative problem-solving principles to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects in a variety of media. Emphasis is placed on formulating basic design and layout principles, with particular stress on application. Students are introduced to the masters, practices, and careers of painting, sculpture, graphic design, animation, film, digital media, illustration, and photography.

This course surveys the history of photography, beginning with the camera obscura of the Middle Ages through the beginning of the 20th Century. It emphasizes the artistic intent and purpose of the photographer.

This course introduces techniques used to create, edit, and manipulate photographs through digital processes. Topics include image capture and input methods, workflow, editing in the digital darkroom, and output techniques for black and white as well as color images. Students operate a DSLR camera, and are introduced to Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Photographic composition and aesthetics, and their use as a form of visual communication, are emphasized.

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Second Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course covers the theory, role, scope, and practice of compositing digital photographic images and introduces the ways and means to utilize image editing software to communicate effectively with an audience. Emphasis is placed on masking, blending modes, painting techniques, and advanced compositing. It investigates approaches to manipulate raster-based graphics and utilizes design to communicate conceptual elements to an audience. Prerequisite: PT207 Digital Photography 1: Camera and Editing

This course introduces the techniques of multimedia production. The techniques of DSLR video production are explored and students shoot and edit video captured from HD DSLR cameras. Students produce videos focusing on technical skills and storytelling through multimedia elements. Prerequisite: PT207 Digital Photography 1: Camera and Editing

This course focuses on the development of photography in the 20th Century. It explores technological innovations throughout the 20th Century and their impact on photography. It reinforces the premise that photography is a vital means of communication in the field of visual communications. It covers the interdisciplinary nature of 20th Century photography, and how it lends itself well to science, art, and communications.

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Third Semester

This course allows students to develop a body of video work that addresses both linear and non-linear narrative structures and explores the creation of meaning through the combination of sound, movement, and narrative progression. Students incorporate both DSLR video and smartphone video in the development of course work. Discussions and readings include historical and theoretical explorations of video as an art form and means of visual communication. Students further hone their technical skills using current video software and applications while gaining practical experience with a variety of equipment options and techniques for video capture.Prerequisites PT106: Multimedia Photography.

This course covers the concepts and techniques of advertising and illustrative photography. It emphasizes studio work using view cameras. Topics include the advanced uses of the view camera, lighting techniques and applications, color correction, and studio techniques.

This course covers newspaper and magazine photography through realistic assignments, critiques, and reference to accepted practices. The work of prominent photojournalists is viewed and discussed. Photographic projects are required, including a photo essay, to demonstrate skill in documenting a subject through photography. Prerequisites: PT101 Photography 1.

This course covers advanced imaging techniques to create digital images for printing purposes. it emphasizes working with software programs, and develops advanced skills in the use of computer-based imagery and digital media. It strikes a balance between the stimulation of creativity and the acquisition of technical knowledge. Prerequisite: PT208 Digital Photography 2: Compositing

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

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Fourth Semester

This course is focused on helping students develop a professional approach to the industry. Projects are customized by inclination and requirements, and a personal direction is encouraged. Key aspects of entering the field, such as portfolio presentation and personal marketing are addressed. Emphasis is placed on refining the student’s portfolio and credentials so that they can confidently take the next step In their personal plans for joining the professional photography industry. Prerequisites: PT104 Studio Techniques and PT202 Advanced Darkroom Techniques.

Portrait and fashion photography equips students with the skills necessary for portraiture. Emphasis is placed on lighting and posing arrangements and combinations. The influences and techniques of notable figures within the genre of portrait and fashion photography are explored. The course incorporates DSLR video components and current professional practices.

This course covers the techniques used to reproduce photographs for print production. Reproduction for newspaper, magazine, and bookwork is discussed. Halftones, duotones, and posterizations are produced using the vertical and horizontal process cameras. Darkroom processing and offset prepress procedures are included.

This course introduces the concepts of light and optics. Topics include the historical development of optical instruments, electromagnetic spectrum, lenses and image formation, light-sensitive materials and processes, color filters, Kirlean imaging, and holography. Examples are chosen from a variety of fields, including photography, human vision, and nature. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course encourages work with experimental photography by exploring and exploiting photographic materials and techniques for creative ends. The mixing of photography with other media is encouraged. Printing processes once popular and now regaining interest are explored. Prerequisites: PT101 Photography 1 or PT126 Basic Photography or PT214 Fine Art Photography 1.

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