Photography

This non-laboratory course is an introduction to digital photography including understanding the use of an interchangeable-lens camera, lenses and basic photographic equipment. The course will address creative considerations and aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, motion, light and color. Technological considerations, digital asset management, and editing software will be introduced.

PHOTO 52 recommended

See the full list: SMC GE Area 3 Course

This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.

This introductory lab course prepares students for general specialization in photography. Black and white film exposure, development, and printing techniques are examined. Various shooting and printing assignments explore a variety of natural light situations and shooting challenges. Weekly lectures support practical application of assignments. Required for photography majors.

In this class, students will acquire a solid foundation in lighting tools and the practical application of lighting. They will learn the proper selection and effective use of a light source, whether photographing a portrait, a still life, or any type of location photography.

This course is an introduction to a professional editing workflow for photography majors, using Adobe Photoshop and other digital imaging software. Students will develop the basic digital asset management, digital printing, and color management skills required in the photography industry. Students learn how to enhance, retouch and composite digital images non-destructively through the use of selections, layers and masks, and prepare files for a variety of outputs, including digital prints.

ENGL C1001 (formerly ENGL 2) recommended for transfer options

See the full list: SMC GE Area 1B Course

Photo 32 is an advanced course that builds on skills learned in Photo 30 and focuses on techniques for photographing people in commercial settings. Assignments are designed to enhance creativity while utilizing advanced commercial lighting techniques for photographing people. Lectures and demonstrations will cover both studio and location lighting, and are geared toward commercial considerations for photographing people.

In this course, students are challenged with lighting applications for a broad range of product and still life photography for use in a variety of commercial markets. Students research and apply current photographic styles while creating a portfolio of images that are applicable to a successful career in commercial photography.

This is a Photoshop and studio photography course that trains students on the commercial-level techniques that combine multiple images into one image suitable for commercial publication. Students will learn various lighting techniques while learning to combine multiple images, and work toward final composites comparable to a professional level of output. This course will prepare students for career requirements through development of suitable images for their portfolio, as well as familiarization with currently utilized retouching tests. These skills also apply to photographers who want to take their own images to a professional level without having to hire a digital artist.

This course addresses the process of building a photographic portfolio that meets current professional industry standards for presenting work to potential employers and clients. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal style that displays a comprehensive understanding of photographic methods, genres, and presentation.

This lecture course examines the necessary steps that a photographer must take to start a commercial photography business. Relevant local, state and federal regulatory and taxing agencies and application forms, professional support services, general ledger accounts setup pertinent to photography, photographic business insurance needs, and employer obligations are discussed. Students will learn how to create a simple business plan applicable to photographic ventures. The course also examines issues of sound financial practices specific to profitability in commercial photography, paying particular attention to matters of copyright and image licensing, calculating cost of doing business, strategies for pricing image usage, and negotiating job fees.

If more than 5 units of Program Electives are completed, this course would not be necessary; COMM C1000 (formerly COM ST 11) or COM ST 21 recommended for transfer options

This class provides the advanced commercial student with the opportunity to develop work to a professional level under the supervision of a faculty adviser on a one-to-one basis. Study facilities as well as color and black and white laboratory privileges are available to the student in support of this portfolio work. Assignments are designed by the student with instructor approval. Admission by interview only.

This survey course in basic news photography is designed for journalism or photography majors and students interested in having work published in magazines and newspapers. Students learn basic camera and storytelling techniques, photo composition, and picture layout principles. A 35-mm single-lens reflex camera with manual focus capability is required. Photography 13 is the same course as Journalism 21. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.

This advanced course provides an in-depth study of photojournalism with an emphasis on creation of photo story ideas, photo essays, news, sports and feature photos for publication. Photo editing and layout for newspapers, magazines, and online publishing will be covered. Students will comprise the staff of the campus newspaper, The Corsair, and online publications. This course may be repeated once for credit. A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with manual exposure capability is required.

Introduction into non-traditional and historical photographic processes. Emphasis is placed primarily on non-silver techniques and processes, including the making of enlarged negatives. Processes may include cyanotype, Van Dyke, platinum/palladium and others

This class is designed to provide the intermediate photography student with the skill set to produce high definition digital video content at industry standards. This course covers common preproduction methods, HD DSLR Camera techniques, lighting for video, recording sound and video and sound editing. Hands-on practical technique is covered in conjunction with theory and concept.

Students will learn the zone system control of exposure and development of films, basic sensitometry, advanced printing techniques including bleaching and toning, use of multiple contrast filters, and archival preservation techniques.

This course covers advanced level digital image manipulation on the computer using Adobe Photoshop. Students will continue to explore more complex features of Photoshop, and learn industry standards for preparing professional imagery for commercial clients.

This course provides an introduction to color printing from negative materials. Students will produce "C" prints from a variety of color films using Dichromic enlargers, RA-4 chemistry, and a roller transport machine processor. Simple problems, such as color balance, exposure choices, paper surfaces, and enlargement are addressed.

This is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the early 1800's to the present digital age.

This course explores the genre of documentary photography while focusing on various communities in the Los Angeles area. Students will create an in-depth project and present a portfolio of photographs documenting the unique characteristics of individual communities in Los Angeles. Each semester will offer a unifying, rotating topic that may focus on specific neighborhoods, subcultures, or other appropriate themes. Lectures focus on historical photographic references and contemporary social issues. The importance and power of documentary photography are discussed and historical examples that have inspired change or shaped our perception of communities are explored. Students utilize large format cameras and film (in addition to their own digital cameras) as a way of better understanding historical processes in photography and nurturing a respect for the medium's alternative, non-commercial side.

This is a beginning video course that is designed to give students a basic understanding of camera operations towards HD DSLR or mirrorless video capturing techniques. Students will record videos using natural light for specific assignments emphasizing creative storytelling and expression. Beginning assignments will focus on cinematic composition, aspect ratio, camera movement, framing, lighting, camera angles, and introductory audio capture techniques. The assignments then progress into more creative, personal storytelling projects.

Through a hands-on approach, this course is designed to give each student a gateway to the art of video editing and post-production techniques. This course explores the technical and conceptual styles of editing a story together though audio and motion footage. Topics include project approach, pacing, budget, file formats and exports, all while capturing the emotions of the viewer through storytelling.

This creative project-based course explores the basic principles of incorporating video content creation into a commercial photography career. Students will work with natural lighting, audio capture, video capture, editing, and export techniques to make their creative visions come to life. Assignments and lectures are informed by industry-specific client expectations and market demands, in order to prepare students for an exciting career that blends photography and video production.

Please see "Independent Studies" section.

Please see "Independent Studies" section.

Independent Study

The internship Program is designed to provide the student with "real life" experience in a photography environment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with "real life" experience in a photography environment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with "real life" experience in a photography environment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with "real life" experience in a photography environment.