Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	02/11/2026
Top Code	101200 - Applied Photography (CTE)
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	108
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course explores the art of portraiture, lifestyle, and fashion photography using smartphones. Students will study posing, styling, mood creation, and the dynamics of working with models, peers, and themselves through self-portraiture. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical, creative, and collaborative skills to create impactful portrait and fashion images suitable for both artistic portfolios and professional social media platforms. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate mastery of posing techniques for individuals and groups.
2. Apply principles of fashion styling and mood-setting in portraiture.
3. Capture images that highlight fashion, identity, and storytelling.
4. Build a cohesive portrait/fashion photography portfolio using only smartphones.

Course Objectives

• Explore the art of portraiture, lifestyle, and fashion photography using smartphones. Students will study posing, styling, mood creation, and the dynamics of working with models, peers, and themselves through self-portraiture. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical, creative, and collaborative skills to create impactful portrait and fashion images suitable for both artistic portfolios and professional social media platforms.

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Lecture Content

Week 1 – Introduction to Portraiture & Fashion Photography

• Course overview, expectations, grading.
• History and rise of smartphone portraiture/fashion imagery.
• First self-portrait exercise.

Week 2 – Posing Fundamentals

• Body language, posture, flattering angles.
• Directing beginners vs. experienced models.
• Posing practice.

Week 3 – Styling Basics

• Wardrobe choices, accessories, and props.
• Styling to enhance mood and narrative.
• Styled portrait assignment.

Week 4 – Mood in Portraiture

• Creating atmosphere through light, color, and expression.
• Emotional storytelling in fashion photography.
• Capture a portrait emphasizing mood.

Week 5 – Working with Models I

• Professional etiquette, collaboration, and comfort.
• Communicating creative vision.
• Model portrait session.

Week 6 – Working with Models II

• Editorial vs. commercial approaches.
• Incorporating environment/background for storytelling.
• Editorial-style portrait shoot.

Week 7 – Peer-to-Peer Portraiture

• Shooting people as subjects.
• Learning from both sides of the camera.
• Partnered portrait assignment.

Week 8 – Midterm Project: Portrait Series

• Students submit a 4–6 image portrait series (posing + styling + mood).
• Group critique & feedback.

Week 9 – Self-Portrait Techniques I

• Remote shooting tools: timers, tripods, Bluetooth shutters.
• Creative self-expression through portraiture.
• Conceptual self-portrait.

Week 10 – Self-Portrait Techniques II

• Exploring identity and narrative.
• Fashion-inspired self-portrait assignment.

Week 11 – Fashion Photography: Editorial & Street Styles

• Editorial vs. lifestyle fashion aesthetics.
• Street fashion and candid portraits.
• Street-style fashion shoot.

Week 12 – Group & Duo Portraiture

• Posing multiple subjects cohesively.
• Storytelling with relationships and interactions.
• Group fashion portrait assignment.

Week 13 – Creative Styling & Experimentation

• Avant-garde fashion styling.
• Props, fabrics, and unconventional elements.
• Experimental fashion editorial shoot.

Week 14 – Editing for Portrait & Fashion Consistency

• Skin tones, textures, and fashion color palettes.
• Maintaining a consistent visual aesthetic.
• Editing portraits with styling emphasis.

Week 15 – Portfolio Workshop

• Sequencing portraits, writing captions/artist statements.
• One-on-one instructor feedback.

Week 16 – Final Presentation & Critique

• Students present a 10–12 image portrait/fashion portfolio.
• Group critique & reflection discussion.
• Course wrap-up.

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Instructional methods will include: lecture, demonstrations, class discussions, video demonstrations and student presentations.

Reading Assignments

Students will read approximately 1 hour per week from periodicals or instructor provided material.

Writing Assignments

Students will complete approximately 1 hour per week of written research on locations and storytelling ideas for their projects.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will complete out of class assignments approximately 4 hours per week, researching, designing and producing a photograph for their project.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking will be engaged in the process of producing, and photographing locations, street and people for their projects demonstrating considerations and decision making in regards to street photography trends, lighting, and visual story telling.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will produce a project mood board or file folder containing concept statements, design research, and collected reference material.

Resources Subscreen

• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Photographic technology/commercial photography: Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
• Photography: Master’s degree in photography, fine arts, or art OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in art history or humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.