Commercial Photography - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The Commercial Photography Certificate of Achievement provides the training necessary to move successfully into the photographic workplace. The instruction provides the basic skills for a career in one or more of the following: portrait, advertising, documentary, news/photojournalism, wedding/event, architectural, corporate, industrial, aerial, scientific, fine arts, photographic restoration, real estate etc.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Demonstrate excellence in image-making techniques across analog and digital platforms.

Demonstrate an understanding of vision, craft and mechanics as it applies to commercial photography.

Apply a variety of technologies to achieve specific image-making outcomes.

Have an understanding of different genres of photography and the variety of venues that use photographic imagery.

Demonstrate the communication and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the field of commercial photography.

Demonstrate proficiency in lighting concepts including light ratios,studio strobe use, small portable flash use, lighting setups forspecific effects, and use of light modifiers.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

5.5-9 units
PHTO 151
Portrait Photography
An introductory lecture/lab course examining the styles, considerations, and techniques of photographic portraiture, including studio, headshots, environmental, and fashion photography. Introduces lighting and equipment specific to photographic portraiture. Requires an adjustable camera with manual exposure mode.
            PHTO 170
            Digital Photography
            An introductory course on the tools of digital photography including cameras, scanners, printers and Adobe Lightroom software. Topics include image capture, enhance enhancement and presentation including ink jet prints and digital slideshows. For this course Mac skills are useful, but not essential.
            1. Corequisite: PHTO 385
            2. Corequisite: PHTO 384
                    Core Elective - Commercial Photography (Cert.)
                    An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.

                    Portfolio development for visual arts students who are interested in transfer, employment or exhibitions. This course will cover how to curate and present a coherent body of artwork that reflects technical skills, creativity and style. Students will learn design strategies, content editing, and formatting options for print and digital content. Students will also learn how to develop personal brands, marketing materials, artist statements, and resumes. Previous course work in the arts is advised -  at least 5-7 quality examples of visual or motion-based art is strongly recommended for success in this course.

                    This course is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the 1800’s to the present. This course examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to the fine arts, sciences, social sciences, fashion, and mass media. Emphasizes the aesthetic and historical influences on photography, as well as the medium of photography’s effects upon society and culture and as a form of visual communication.
                    A course exploring alternative photographic materials and processes including pinhole photography, cyanotype, Van Dyke, gum printing, toning, making digital and traditional enlarged negatives and making photographic books. A course for students with a background in photography or digital photography. Students are responsible for providing cameras, paper, mat board and other miscellaneous supplies necessary to the completion of work. Process chemicals are supplied.
                    A course investigating theories and working techniques in black and white photography using analog and hybrid digital systems to produce negatives and prints. Exploration of advanced techniques for controlling the printing process. Emphasizes the utilization of those techniques in pursuit of a personal visual style. Students are required to provide their own cameras, film and paper.
                    A course designed to introduce the students to the fundamentals of color photography, including the practical application of color theory to problems involving the use of color negative film and color prints as a means of personal expression along with scanning of film for digital output. Includes an examination of contemporary trends in color imagery. Students are required to supply their own cameras, film and paper.

                    An introduction to using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones. Provides beginning uses of remotely operated vehicles for digital imaging, photography, and other applications. Covers safety precautions, team collaboration, intelligent mission planning, high resolution image capture, and editing.This course is designed to give the student the ability to safely and competently fly a drone. Emphasis is placed on safety, equipment selection, and flying. Provides a starting point to drone data collection for multiple disciplines and careers.

                    An introduction to the equipment and techniques of large format photography including producing negatives and prints. The student will work with view cameras in the studio and on location to create a variety of image styles. (S1)
                    An introductory lecture/lab course designed to give the student a working knowledge of the equipment, techniques, markets and strategies necessary for those who desire to pursue a career in photography for publication.
                    Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in the corequisite class.
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 380 and 381. Corequisites: PHTO 110 or 120 or 130 or 150 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to black and white photo process only.
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 382 and PHTO 383. Corequisite: PHTO 140 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to color photo processes only
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                    Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.

                    Spring Year 1

                    6-13 units
                    PHTO 110
                    Basic Photography

                    Designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of photography as a means of personal expression or as a tool for professional growth. Introduces the student to the history of photography, photographic theory, and cultural influences. Emphasizes the adjustable camera for effective visual communication and personal expression. Included will be units on cameras, lighting, exposure, print development, aesthetics, composition, content, and critical evaluation of student work. It includes basic instruction of image editing software for manipulating imagery. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including digital SLR's, 35mm film cameras, smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras can be used. Manual digital camera suggested. School cameras are available for checkout. Appropriate for students without prior photographic experience.

                        1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
                        1. Category 3: Arts and Humanities
                          PHTO 150
                          Introduction to Commercial Photography
                          A combined lab and lecture course that provides the student with an overview of photography as a career. Introduces professional photographic equipment and techniques in actual studio situations. Students will produce photographs of architecture, portraits, and advertising subjects as they would for a commercial client. 1 hour per week lecture, 3 hours per week lab. Adjustable 35 mm camera suggested, school cameras available.
                          1. Prerequisite: PHTO 110
                                  Core Elective - Commercial Photography (Cert.)
                                  An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.

                                  Portfolio development for visual arts students who are interested in transfer, employment or exhibitions. This course will cover how to curate and present a coherent body of artwork that reflects technical skills, creativity and style. Students will learn design strategies, content editing, and formatting options for print and digital content. Students will also learn how to develop personal brands, marketing materials, artist statements, and resumes. Previous course work in the arts is advised -  at least 5-7 quality examples of visual or motion-based art is strongly recommended for success in this course.

                                  This course is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the 1800’s to the present. This course examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to the fine arts, sciences, social sciences, fashion, and mass media. Emphasizes the aesthetic and historical influences on photography, as well as the medium of photography’s effects upon society and culture and as a form of visual communication.
                                  A course exploring alternative photographic materials and processes including pinhole photography, cyanotype, Van Dyke, gum printing, toning, making digital and traditional enlarged negatives and making photographic books. A course for students with a background in photography or digital photography. Students are responsible for providing cameras, paper, mat board and other miscellaneous supplies necessary to the completion of work. Process chemicals are supplied.
                                  A course investigating theories and working techniques in black and white photography using analog and hybrid digital systems to produce negatives and prints. Exploration of advanced techniques for controlling the printing process. Emphasizes the utilization of those techniques in pursuit of a personal visual style. Students are required to provide their own cameras, film and paper.
                                  A course designed to introduce the students to the fundamentals of color photography, including the practical application of color theory to problems involving the use of color negative film and color prints as a means of personal expression along with scanning of film for digital output. Includes an examination of contemporary trends in color imagery. Students are required to supply their own cameras, film and paper.

                                  An introduction to using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones. Provides beginning uses of remotely operated vehicles for digital imaging, photography, and other applications. Covers safety precautions, team collaboration, intelligent mission planning, high resolution image capture, and editing.This course is designed to give the student the ability to safely and competently fly a drone. Emphasis is placed on safety, equipment selection, and flying. Provides a starting point to drone data collection for multiple disciplines and careers.

                                  An introduction to the equipment and techniques of large format photography including producing negatives and prints. The student will work with view cameras in the studio and on location to create a variety of image styles. (S1)
                                  An introductory lecture/lab course designed to give the student a working knowledge of the equipment, techniques, markets and strategies necessary for those who desire to pursue a career in photography for publication.
                                  Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in the corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 380 and 381. Corequisites: PHTO 110 or 120 or 130 or 150 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to black and white photo process only.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 382 and PHTO 383. Corequisite: PHTO 140 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to color photo processes only
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                                  Core Elective - Commercial Photography (Cert.)
                                  An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.

                                  Portfolio development for visual arts students who are interested in transfer, employment or exhibitions. This course will cover how to curate and present a coherent body of artwork that reflects technical skills, creativity and style. Students will learn design strategies, content editing, and formatting options for print and digital content. Students will also learn how to develop personal brands, marketing materials, artist statements, and resumes. Previous course work in the arts is advised -  at least 5-7 quality examples of visual or motion-based art is strongly recommended for success in this course.

                                  This course is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the 1800’s to the present. This course examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to the fine arts, sciences, social sciences, fashion, and mass media. Emphasizes the aesthetic and historical influences on photography, as well as the medium of photography’s effects upon society and culture and as a form of visual communication.
                                  A course exploring alternative photographic materials and processes including pinhole photography, cyanotype, Van Dyke, gum printing, toning, making digital and traditional enlarged negatives and making photographic books. A course for students with a background in photography or digital photography. Students are responsible for providing cameras, paper, mat board and other miscellaneous supplies necessary to the completion of work. Process chemicals are supplied.
                                  A course investigating theories and working techniques in black and white photography using analog and hybrid digital systems to produce negatives and prints. Exploration of advanced techniques for controlling the printing process. Emphasizes the utilization of those techniques in pursuit of a personal visual style. Students are required to provide their own cameras, film and paper.
                                  A course designed to introduce the students to the fundamentals of color photography, including the practical application of color theory to problems involving the use of color negative film and color prints as a means of personal expression along with scanning of film for digital output. Includes an examination of contemporary trends in color imagery. Students are required to supply their own cameras, film and paper.

                                  An introduction to using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones. Provides beginning uses of remotely operated vehicles for digital imaging, photography, and other applications. Covers safety precautions, team collaboration, intelligent mission planning, high resolution image capture, and editing.This course is designed to give the student the ability to safely and competently fly a drone. Emphasis is placed on safety, equipment selection, and flying. Provides a starting point to drone data collection for multiple disciplines and careers.

                                  An introduction to the equipment and techniques of large format photography including producing negatives and prints. The student will work with view cameras in the studio and on location to create a variety of image styles. (S1)
                                  An introductory lecture/lab course designed to give the student a working knowledge of the equipment, techniques, markets and strategies necessary for those who desire to pursue a career in photography for publication.
                                  Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in the corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 380 and 381. Corequisites: PHTO 110 or 120 or 130 or 150 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to black and white photo process only.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class. Students may not be concurrently enrolled in PHTO 382 and PHTO 383. Corequisite: PHTO 140 or any 179, 189 or 199 as related to color photo processes only
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.
                                  Open entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand techniques learned in corequisite class.