PHTO 101: Basic Photography

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Winter 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 72
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

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. 36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Compose using elements and principles of design as they relate to photography.
  • Understand each exposure component (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed) and how each component affects the aesthetic properties of an image.
  • Import, export, catalog and develop images in Adobe Lightroom.
  • Develop concepts and project based approaches to photography.
  • Successfully use photographic tools, materials and processes, including camera controls, image exposure, image manipulation, and printing.
  • Safely handle, maintain, use photography equipment and materials.
  • Understand historical and contemporary trends, language, aesthetics and emerging media as they relate to photography.
  • Participate in group and individual critiques of photographic images utilizing relevant terminology and concepts.

Major Course Content

  1. Elements and principles of design as they relate to photography.
  2. Concept development and project based approaches to photography.
  3. Photographic tools, materials and processes, including camera controls, image exposure, image manipulation, processing, and printing.
  4. Safe handling, maintenance, and appropriate use of photography equipment and materials.
  5. Historical and contemporary trends, language, aesthetics and emerging media as they relate to analog and/or digital photography.
  6. Group and individual critiques of photographic images utilizing relevant terminology and concepts.

Lab Content

  1. Digital management, editing, software, and ink jet printing techniques.
  2. Assignments covering: photographic tools, camera controls, image exposure, compositional techniques and principles.
  3. Group and individual critiques.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Supplemental readings will be provided.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Write a 2 page research paper on a specific photographer. Describe in detail the photographer's contribution to the medium. Explain the variety of photographic techniques utilized by the photographer.
2 pages 1.5 line spaced 10 point font size

Examples of Outside Assignments

1. Use aperture, focal length and camera to subject distance to photograph examples of long and short depth of field while exploring positive or negative aspects of your neighborhood, environment or community.
2. Adjust your shutter speed to show examples of stop, pan, partial blur, full blur and extended exposures of moving subject matter
3. Use compositional techniques, elements and principles of design to produce imagery of natural and urban landscapes.
4. Photograph examples of different qualities of light while exploring contemporary times.
5. Produce and environmental portrait using indoor available light.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab