Academic Catalogs

PHOT A161: Digital Photography Laboratory 1

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/07/2022
Top Code 101200 - Applied Photography
Units 1-2 Total Units 
Hours 54-108 Total Hours (Lab Hours 54-108)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

Instruction and assistance with intermediate Adobe Lightroom Classic and workflow to Adobe Photoshop. Refining skills of image adjustment, masking tools, HDR and preparing files for print from camera projects. Students determine their own projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. PREREQUISITE: PHOT A123, PHOT A125, or PHOT A180. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Operate digital photographic lab equipment with proficiency.
  2. Evaluate the quality of digital images and printing results in an individual project.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Organize project workflow.
  • 2. Operate digital lab equipment with proficiency.
  • 3. Diagnose production errors with accuracy.
  • 4. Assess the inter-relationship of technical execution with concept and aesthetics.
  • 5. Employ creative problem solving skills.
  • 6. Demonstrate ability to verbalize about photographs based upon visual evidence.
  • 7. Produce a finished project.

Lecture Content

This is a lab only course.

Lab Content

Projects to be determined by each student for themselves in consultation with the instructor. Assistance will be offered in the following areas, according to students needs and projects selected: A. Evaluation of image quality. B. Examination of image Luminance, Color and balance and color space. C. Operation of photographic editing software tools. D. Operation of computer equipment and Image organization. E. Operation of printing equipment. F. Examination of appropriate paper type and surface.  G. Diagnosis of production errors. H. Creative problem solving. I. Discussion of individual student projects for technical, conceptual and aesthetic considerations.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Demonstrations of laboratory equipment and software. Demonstration of approaches to problem solving through one-on-one assistance. Handouts providing technical instructions and assistance. Discussion and critique of conceptual and aesthetic strategies in relationship to technical execution. Instructor and peer feedback through on-on-one or small group critique of student work.

Reading Assignments

Reading assignments given as needed to inform a specific project.

Writing Assignments

Writing assignments are not required for this class.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students may complete specific research of digital photographic methodologies to support and assist the individuals growth in completing their project.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Student will demonstrate critical thinking though using digital lab methodologies, and the successful completion of printing projects.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Will be demonstrated through application of creative problem solving in the execution of individual student projects, as well as through student ability to verbalize about visual ideas.

Eligible Disciplines

Photography: Masters degree in photography, fine arts, or art OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in art history or humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Raphael Concepcion. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic Classroom In A Book, 2022 Release ed. Adobe Press, 2022

Other Resources

1. Selected handout materials to be provided and distributed by the instructor.