Photography Course Descriptions

Course listings include the number of hours of lecture – lab – credits 

The number in parentheses ($) is the expected cost of materials for successful completion of the class.

PHOT 101 Basic Photography

2‑4‑4 Introduction to creative photography techniques including shutter speed effects, depth of field and exposure control through weekly shooting assignments in B&W photography. Photographic composition and design are emphasized.  Lectures include technique, critique and discussions using both student and professional images as examples. Students will learn the use of the 35mm camera, film and print processing in a traditional darkroom, portfolio presentation and gain an aesthetic sense of the photograph. ($200 for film and paper) Cameras are provided by the department.

PHOT 103 Large Format Photography

2‑4‑4 Use of the large format 4X5 film camera. This camera is used for landscape, architectural, and portrait photography when an extremely high resolution negative is required. The negative may be printed in the B&W darkroom or scanned and printed digitally. Introduction to the zone system of exposure control, use of the digital hand-held light meter, and fine art printing. Black and white film shooting done on location. Professional digital cameras with tilt shift lenses will be also be demonstrated. Prerequisite: PHOT 101 with minimum grade of C or better or permission of Department Head. ($200. for film and paper) Cameras and light meters are provided by the department.

PHOT 104 Introduction to Video Production

2-2-3 Development of basic location filmmaking and video skills, introduction to equipment through classes, exercises and small group productions. Emphasis on non‑fiction film format with some opportunity for narrative filmmaking. The pre‑production process, video camera, location lighting, location audio and non‑linear computer‑based editing with Adobe Premiere are explored in depth. ($100 for external hard drive and headphones). All production equipment will be provided by the department.

PHOT 105 Introduction to Digital Photography

2-4-4 This course is an introduction to digital photographic technique and the aesthetics of photography. Through a series of practical demonstrations and shooting assignments, the course provides students with an overview of digital camera operation, digital imaging principles, techniques in composition and aesthetics, and a foundation in photography that will prepare students for more advanced courses and career opportunities in photography.

Additional course fee: $85. Fulfills Interpretive Studies requirements.
Major Academic Approach: Fulfills Interpretive Studies
Major Areas of Learning: Fulfills Humanities

PHOT 113 Digital Technology, Art, and Culture

3-0-3 This is a lecture course in art and cultural history that examines the impact of digital technology on art and on the way society interacts with culture. Survey topics include the history of digital visual art, digital moving images, and digital music/sound art. Students will also examine critical theory that addresses the relationship between technology and art.

Fulfills the American/Global Diversity and Interpretive Studies requirements.
Major Academic Approach: Fulfills Interpretive Studies and American/Global Diversity
Major Areas of Learning: Fulfills Humanities

PHOT 151 Digital Imaging

2‑2‑3 Use of Adobe Photoshop. Introduction to digital imaging, image enhancement and manipulation, archival retouching and file management. ($100. for home access to software) This course does not require a camera.

PHOT 152 Color Photography and Digital Printing

2-2-3  An exploration of color photography, its materials and processes. The major components of the course are: color theory, techniques of color photography, color management systems, output devices, archival issues and techniques. Practical experience will be gained in digital color printing and color management including monitor calibration and printer profiling. Assignments will be digitally enhanced and corrected with Adobe Photoshop and digitally printed to create a fine art or commercial portfolio.

($200 for paper and presentation materials) A high quality digital camera is required for the course)

PHOT 111 History of Photography

3‑0‑3  The history of the photographic image from its invention to the current state‑of‑the‑art, including technological innovations and the role of photography in society. Examination and analysis of photographic work considered important both aesthetically and technically. Students will do research and create presentations for class on important movements and people. This course does not require a camera. Offered in the spring semester only.

PHOT 201 Commercial Photography - Studio

2‑4‑4 Emphasis on studio lighting techniques used when photographing subjects of diffused reflectance, transparent and highly reflective objects, extreme high and low key situations, photo macro‑graphs and location simulations. Introduction to advertising concepts and electronic flash. Prerequisites: PHOT 103 with minimum grade of C or permission of Department Head. ($250 for print and presentation materials) A high quality digital camera is required for the course. Offered in fall semester only.

PHOT 202 Commercial Photography ‑ Portraiture

2‑4‑4   Portrait lighting techniques including use of single and multiple light sources, lighting patterns and ratios, outdoor subtractive lighting, interior lighting techniques for environmental portraiture and flash fill. Business practices, subject posing and specialized camera and lenses are demonstrated. Pre or co-requisite: PHOT 152  or permission of Department Head. ($250 for print and presentation materials) A high quality digital camera is required for the course.

PHOT 205 Commercial Photography ‑ Advanced Studio

2‑4‑4 Advanced use materials, techniques, professional cameras and lenses to create high quality advertising and promotional images for print or web use. Investigation of specialized areas of photography which exist primarily in the studio. Portfolio preparation. Prerequisite: PHOT 152, 201 with minimum grade of C or permission of Department Head. ($250 for print and presentation materials) A high quality digital camera is required for the course. Offered in spring semester only.

PHOT 211 Corporate and Event Videography

2-2-3 Familiarization with TV studio techniques and the role of broadcasting, cable and industrial TV production in current communications practice. Historical perspective on the industry will be explored. Introduction to the planning of visual sequences/ continuity and the use of professional, portable and studio television equipment. Emphasis on short productions with high visual and production values. ($100 for an external hard drive) All production equipment will be provided by the department. Offered in spring semester only.

PHOT 217 Digital Photojournalism

2‑4‑4 The special role of photojournalism in modern society. This course provides advanced photography students with an overview of photojournalism as a career, as a social force, and explore the ethics and laws regarding the profession. Instruction in expanded techniques of modern photojournalism and video journalism along with an appreciation of the history. Students will produce still and moving images for photojournalistic storytelling while developing compositional and technical skills using Adobe Premiere and Lightroom. Prerequisites: PHOT 101, and 104, 152  which may be taken concurrently or permission of the Department Head. A high quality digital camera is required for the course. Offered in fall semester only.

PHOT 291 Internship

1‑2‑1   Students are placed in professional photographic studio or video production house get first­ hand experience in the industry. Supervision is by faculty in conjunction with employer. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the department and permission of Department Head. Also offered in summer.

PHOT 299 Professional Practices in Photographic Imaging

2-2-3   Critical skills for the graduate who intends to seek employment in the field of photographic imaging, video production or transfer to a baccalaureate institution. Portfolio preparation will consolidate images produced in previous courses into a unified body of work. Other components of the course include business aspects, legal issues, resume preparation and development of interview skills. Pre or Co-requisites: PHOT 201, 202 or DVP 120, 150 ($200 for presentation materials). Offered in spring semester only.

 

For additional information, contact the Department of Photographic Imaging at the Community College of Philadelphia.  Telephone:  (215)751-8519.