Academic Catalogs

PHOT A180: Introduction to Professional Photography

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/03/2025
Top Code 101200 - Applied Photography (CTE)
Units 4 Total Units 
Hours 126 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours 90
Total Student Learning Hours 216
Arranged Hours 1- Studio hours practicing use of cameras 2- Use of lighting techniques with LED light 3- Use of lighting techniques with strobe lights 4- Use of lighting techniques with location strobe kits 5- Demonstrating introductory portrait lighting and set-up 6- Practicing setting up still-life set ups and lighting 7- Practicing production skills and organizations relating to assignments 8- Practicing creating images using AI software.
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)

Course Description

Instruction in the basic professional techniques and the use of professional cameras and lighting stressing technical excellence in all phases incorporating the latest photography trends and artificial Intelligence. PREREQUISITE: PHOT A123. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Assess techniques in professional photography and demonstrate the use of 35mm DSLR and large format cameras, current digital systems and various lighting equipment.
  2. Demonstrate competency in professional photographic lighting techniques.
  3. Assess and implement creative visual communication with current photographic conceptual trends.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of 35mm DSLR and large format cameras, lenses and equipment.
  • 2. Differentiate and apply methodologies of digital exposure.
  • 3. Demonstrate a high level of technical skill in printing.
  • 4. Distinguish the differences between existing light, tungsten and strobe lighting.
  • 5. Relate lighting techniques to subject matter and apply accordingly.
  • 6. Identify important emerging digital technologies.
  • 7. Discuss the medium of photography and its wide use in art, science, industry and business.
  • 8. Create and evaluate photo images and recognize critical aesthetic values.
  • 9. Digitally capture with professional digital systems.
  • 10. Create conceptual digital imagery with specific visual communication goals using current AI software.

Lecture Content

1. Orientation Course objectives Class policies Course materials 

2. Purpose and expectations Review of DSLR Cameras

3. Digital workflow File types Storing and organizing files

4. Color Management

5. Lighting

         A. Basics of lighting

         B. Controlling light

         C. Studio facility introduction and procedures

         D. Use of Tungsten Lighting

         E. Introduction to studio lighting

         F. Lighting techniques for still life subjects

         G. Introduction to Strobe Lighting Systems

         H. Comparing strobe to Tungsten lighting

         I. Exposure and strobe lighting

6. Portraits

        A.Types of portraits

         B. Environmental portraits

         C. Photographic portraits through history

7. Careers in photography

         A. Career paths and strategies in photography

        B. A look at the industry

       C. Portfolio Development 

       D. Editing for portfolio presentation

       E. Portfolio design

       F. Presenting a portfolio

8. Emerging Technologies Professional digital capture systems.

8. AI use and industry standards

       A. AI applications in photography

       B. Generative imaging, intelligent editing, automated tagging, and ethical                       image synthesis

Lab Content

Laboratory Content (81 hrs)

Arranged (TBA) Content (45 hrs)

The following content will be covered in a combination of scheduled and TBA lab hours:

1- Studio hours practicing use of cameras

2- Use of lighting techniques with LED light

3- Use of lighting techniques with strobe lights

4- Use of lighting techniques with location strobe kits

5- Demonstrating introductory portrait lighting and set-up

6- Practicing setting up still-life set ups and lighting

7- Practicing production skills and organizations relating to assignments

8- Practicing creating images using AI software. 

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Demonstration of various approaches to problem solving through lecture and critiques. Discussion of photographic principles aesthetic concepts. Instructor and peer feedback through and critique of student work. Slide lecture to illustrate concepts and means. Use of film/video/DVD presentations relating to historical and contemporary ideas. Interactive computer lectures to illustrate the use of the computer as a creative tool.

Reading Assignments

Students will spend 2 hours a week reading from selected handouts provided by the instructor.

Writing Assignments

Writing assignments, 30 minutes per week, will include responses to reading assignments.

Out-of-class Assignments

Student will spend 4 hours per week completing class photography and assignments designed to reinforce concepts introduced in lecture. Students will work independently in studio and outside of class to meet assignment requirements. Student will utilize the digital lab to complete exercises that use problem solving situations related to assignment work.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

90

Methods of Student Evaluation

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

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills through completion of specific assignments which challenge them both technically and conceptually. Each assignment will present the student with decisions to make with regard to the selection of appropriate subject matter with the technique being studied, as well as, the quality of the resulting image.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will demonstrate problem solving and skills with the production of a portfolio of photographic imagery for class projects. These projects require that skills are applied appropriately to solve various challenges that arise. Students will participate in group and individual critiques. Additionally, students will be asked to write project proposals.

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.