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Courses

Photography

The Las Positas College Photography program offers a broad array of course opportunities crossing a full spectrum of the imaging field. Students become familiar with traditional film-based and digital (electronic) imaging technologies for making artistically rendered, captivating photographic images (both black & white and color) of visual communications and media. Students do hands-on work in the College's well-equipped studio, darkroom and computer laboratory. They master digital imaging in preparation for print and web distribution, create short programs in videography, and work with artificial lighting for portrait and commercial applications. Most students take a history of photography class and a course concentrating on doing documentary work.

Degrees:

Certificates of Achievement:

Photography Courses

PHTO 29P - Independent Study, Photography

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

PHTO 29V - Independent Study, Video Production

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

PHTO 50 - Introduction to Photography

3 units

Introduction to the history and development of photography, basic processes, various types of cameras, materials, basic shooting, processing, developing, and printing of photographs. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 51A - Individual Projects A

1.5 units

Individual projects in digital or film-based photography at the intermediate to advanced level. Development of knowledge and skills acquired in previous or current photography work with emphasis on current projects. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C. 9 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 51B - Individual Projects B

1.5 units

Continued study on advanced topics of photography and exhibition, installation, and portfolio of photography. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 51A with a minimum grade of C. 9 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 56 - Introduction to Digital Photography

1.5 units

The course covers basics for the beginner’s use of digital cameras, film and flatbed scanners, and use of Adobe software for image adjustments. Exploration of digital photography compared with traditional photographic approaches and processes. Operation of Adobe digital imaging software for preparation of web site photos and print output, in both black and white and in color. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 57 - Intermediate Digital Photography

1.5 units

This course covers digital photography including intermediate and advanced digital image capture assignments, camera use, digital manipulation using software such as Adobe Photoshop, and preparation of image files for display printing and use on the Web. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 58 - Introduction to Videography

3 units

Introduction to the theory and practice of video production and desktop video editing including project production phases, timebased visual and sound design, digitizing footage, video output issues, working creatively in a collaborative environment, industry standards, using a Macintosh computer platform. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 60 - Intermediate Black and White Photography

3 units

Using exposure/development controls related to black and white negative materials. Development of intermediate/advanced printmaking skills. Emphasis on visual and critical problems related to black and white photography. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 64A - Artificial Light Photography

3 units

Photography using light sources selected and manipulated by the photographer, use of light sources in a controlled situation to achieve technically accurate renditions of subject matter and to make successful visual statements, and lighting techniques for product, still life, and portrait photography. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 66 - Digital Imaging

3 units

The course covers desktop digital imaging systems including editing software, scanning, camera use, and digital printing. Students will learn to use devices for image capture, storage, output, how to apply traditional photographic controls to enhance image quality in the digital medium, and to digitally manipulate images using digital editing software. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 67 - History of Photography

3 units

A broad chronological survey of photography from its invention to the present. Considers the medium's dual role as technology and art, addresses a multiplicity of photographic themes and purposes, and considers the intersections of photography and technology, history, art, and everyday life. 54 hours lecture.

  • AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A.
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 68 - Color Field Photography

3 units

This course covers the use of either digital photography or color slide or negative film to explore the solution of special technical and visual problems encountered in location shooting. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 69 - Intermediate Videography

3 units

This course covers intermediate level digital video production to integrate and build upon prior video making skills. emphasis is on creative expression, improving all production values, edited quality of finished presentation, distribution of quality video piece to festivals and the web. Class is taught on the Macintosh computer platform. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 58 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 70 - Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers

3 units

Learn to use Lightroom and Photoshop in a workflow designed for digital photographers. Learn Best practices for digital workflows, database management, non-destructive parametric editing, color management, and output to print, web, slideshows, and photo book. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, PHTO 70 may not receive credit. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU.

  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

PHTO 72 - Introduction to Photojournalism

3 units

This course deals with the photographer as a journalist, focusing on theory and practice in press and publications photography, with emphasis on using the camera as a reporting and communications tool. Covered are news and feature photography and photographic essays, including composition, impact, and creativity, for newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and other mass communications media. Understanding and applying photojournalistic and basic technical and visual skills in the making of successful reportage photographs. Consideration of the work of major 20th and 21st century photojournalists. Course is cross listed with MSCM 72. Student will receive credit for taking either MSCM 72 or PHTO 72. Strongly Recommended: PHTO 50 and/or PHTO 56 and/or GDDM 53. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; C-ID# JOUR 160. * MSCM 35, MSCM 72, PHTO 72 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

  • Course Material Fees May Apply
  • Degree Applicable, Credit
  • Grading Option: OP

Independent Study

0.5 - 2 units

Independent Study courses are open to all students and employ many combinations of media and educational techniques to create individualized, self-pacing education. Check with the Counseling Center, Building 1600, concerning transferability of Independent Study courses to four-year institutions. Independent Study is contracted through an instructor for research, field experience, or skill development. Independent Study is offered under many subject areas contained in the Catalog using the number 29. Transfer: CSU; UC credit may be granted only after review of course outline by specific UC campus after transfer. Independent Study courses have a grading option of "OP" unless otherwise indicated.

  • Degree Applicable, Credit