Photography (PHTO)

PHTO 101
Basic Photography
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU; UC)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Fundamentals of digital photography with a concentration on camera operation and image composition. Exposure basics including ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed will be emphasized with the use of aperture priority, shutter priority & manual exposure modes. Execution of basic postproduction digital workflow and image output using Adobe Lightroom and ink jet printer technology. This course is the prerequisite for all other photography courses. Material fee.

PHTO 102
Intermediate Photography
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU; UC)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 101 or PHTO 202.

Provides emphasis on artificial lighting control and studio photography fundamentals including: various lighting systems, tethered shooting, use of modifiers and studio backdrops. Both continuous and strobe lighting will be used to explore basic lighting principles. Students will acquire intermediate postproduction digital workflow skills and advanced printing methods using Adobe Photoshop and ink jet printer technology. Material fee.

PHTO 103
Advanced Photography
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 102.

A study of advanced photographic techniques as applied to commercial and industrial careers working with specialized equipment. The continuation of studio applications including tabletop photography is emphasized for the production of product imagery. Artificial light, backgrounds, props and styling techniques are utilized to photograph products with challenging surfaces such as glass or metal. Material fee.

PHTO 108
History of Photography
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: ART 108

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

A survey of the history of photography from its origins to the present. An examination of critical and theoretical approaches to the photographic medium.

PHTO 125
Photography as an Art Medium
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU; UC)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 101 or PHTO 202.

Traditional uses of photographic production will be challenged through non-traditional and conceptual project production. Artists’ works that have influenced the photographic field will be explored thought the process of image description, interpretation and judgment to reflect broader issues in visual culture. Material fee.

PHTO 202
Photojournalism
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: PHTO 101.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of photojournalism. Students learn the fundamentals of camera operation while photographing current events both on and off campus. The ethics of photojournalism is explored through study of the top press organization’s code of ethics and through critique of real world ethical violations. Photographers will learn the skill of caption writing, as well as, an industry standard digital workflow. In addition to class assignments students have the opportunity to collaborate with a reporter from a Citrus College publication. Material fee.

PHTO 204
Video for Photographers
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; CSU; UC)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 102 or PHTO 202.

This class introduces video production to still photographers. Video content will be captured with the use of DSLR or mirrorless camera system. Lighting and camera techniques, audio recording, output options and editing with the use of Adobe Premiere Pro will be explored. Visual storytelling and theme development are studied through the production of interviews, product videos, time-lapse videos, mini-documentaries or video shorts. Contemporary and historical video work will be viewed and discussed along with critique of student work.

PHTO 205
Advanced Imaging Techniques
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 101 or PHTO 202.

Established photo principles such as: proper use of cameras, filters, white balance, exposure, lighting equipment, and color analysis is emphasized in “Advanced Imaging Techniques.” Students investigate advanced digital capture technologies to explore photographic image compositing, panoramic image production, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and aerial image capture. Students will acquire advanced postproduction digital workflow skills and advanced printing methods using Adobe Photoshop and ink jet printer technology. Material fee.

PHTO 207
Intermediate Video for Photographers
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 204.

A continuation of the study of video skills, production and concepts. Intermediate camera techniques, lighting, audio recording and post-production skills are used to explore video production for: the Internet or social media, company branding and news reporting. Students will critique course projects, as well as, relevant contemporary and historical videos.​

PHTO 213
Portraiture on Location
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 101 or PHTO 202.

This course explores a variety of portraiture genres including: editorial, beauty, corporate, headshots, family and event. The principles of portrait production will be executed utilizing lighting equipment for the professional photographer. Control of the quality, direction, intensity and ratio of light is practiced outdoors and on location. Study and direction of pose, gesture and body language is practiced while working with models. Material fee.

PHTO 216
Business Practices for the Photographer
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; CSU)
36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PHTO 102 or PHTO 202.

This course prepares photographers for the complex business aspects of the industry. Students will develop personal biographies, practice statements and resumes. Marketing tools, forms and contracts will be assessed and put into practice. Each student will prepare both print and web-based portfolios showcasing images relevant to their desired photographic clientele.