Academic Catalogs

PHOT A220: Fashion 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 3 Total Units 
Hours 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours 54
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Arranged Hours ARRANGED (TBA) LAB CONTENT (45 Hours) The lab content will be covered in a combination of scheduled and TBA lab hours.
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

Prepares the student for employment in professional fashion photography. Topics include studio lighting techniques, studio practices, posing of models, garment and set styling, as well as, skin retouching techniques. PREREQUISITE: PHOT A180. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Assess current trends in fashion, lighting, imagery, retouching techniques and demonstrate the ability to design light.
  2. Appropriately use models with various garments.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Explain the history and past applications of fashion photography.
  • 2. Identify and explain contemporary trends in fashion.
  • 3. Identify and explain trends in contemporary fashion imagery.
  • 4. Apply effective lighting techniques.
  • 5. Demonstrate proper utilization of models.
  • 6. Demonstrate proficiency in skin retouching and general retouching for fashion.
  • 7. Demonstrate proper use of props and wardrobe with models.
  • 8. Identify appropriate lighting for different types of garments.
  • Identify and explain the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fashion photography.

Lecture Content

A. Review of history and applications of fashion photography

B. Contemporary trends in fashion imagery

C. Contemporary trends in fashion 

D. Utilization of models

1. Appropriate choice of wardrobe and props in terms of specific model

2. Camera use to enhance D1 and D2

3. Direction of model to attain desired result and personality

E. Photographing all types of garments

F. Lighting

1. Single source

2. Diffused daylight

3. Backlighting in studio

4. Multiple Light sources

G. Retouching for fashion

1. Current Skin Retouching techniques for fashion, Frequency Separation

2. General retouching for fashion photography

3. Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) tools and machine learning reshapes composition, lighting, skin retouching and post-production workflows.

Lab Content

LABORATORY CONTENT (36 Hours)
ARRANGED (TBA) LAB CONTENT (45 Hours)
The following content will be covered in a combination of scheduled and TBA lab hours:

1- Demonstrations of lighting equipment and setup 

2- Demonstrations of appropriate model poses and composition

3- Demonstrations of multiple lighting setups reflecting current lighting trends

4- Students working and practicing in studio utilizing lighting and models

5- Demonstrations of multiple slight sources and balancing of Kelvin

6- Practicing production of fashion shoots

7- Practicing and demonstrations of editing

8- In lab demonstration of current skin retouching methodologies, the use of AI retouching software and retouching techniques, i.e. Frequency Separation.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

1.     Lecture and application of ideas 2.     Demonstration of various approaches to problem solving 3.     Lab demonstrations of current retouching techniques. 4.     Discussion and Instructor feedback 5.     Peer feedback 6.    Slide-lectures to illustrate concepts

Reading Assignments

Students will spend 2 hours per week reading from professional technique periodicals and from selected handouts provided by the instructor.

Writing Assignments

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills with the production of photographic imagery, which will communicate visually using technical skills, conceptual and aesthetic ideas developed through the course.  These ideas will be supported verbally during critiques.

Out-of-class Assignments

Student will complete 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

54

Methods of Student Evaluation

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

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Grades achieved on individual projects, class participation and presentation of final portfolio

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills with the production of photographic imagery, which will communicate visually using technical skills, conceptual and aesthetic ideas developed through the course.  These ideas will be supported verbally during critiques.

Resources Subscreen

  • Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • 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.