Degrees & Certificates
Photography
Associate in Arts
2022-2023
About the Program
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 photography.
About the Degree
The Associate of Arts in Photography degree is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of professional photography. The program will give students the technical and creative skills needed to pursue a career in the field of photography as well as a broad based education that will augment those skills. Students earning the AA can also earn the Certificate of Achievement in Photography on their way to completion and earning the AA will make a student more employable than if they earn the Certificate of Achievement alone. Upon completion of the degree students will be able to work as an entry to mid-level professional photographer.
Career Opportunities
Professional Photographer, Photography business owner, Portrait Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Architectural Photographer, digital imaging technician, Photo Studio Manager, Photo Assistant.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AA in Photography, students are able to critique, analyze, and discuss photographic images utilizing knowledge of the history, aesthetics, and contemporary issues of the photography field.
- Upon completion of the AA in Photography, students are able to effectively visualize and accurately construct lighting designs utilizing artificial studio lighting and natural light in photographs.
- Upon completion of the AA in Photography, students are able to operate both digital and film-based photographic equipment used in the photography field.
- Upon completion of the AA in Photography, students are able to visualize and produce
entry-level commercial and fine art photographs that demonstrate fully developed concepts
of form, medium, and content.
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| PHTO 50 Introduction to Photography | 3 |
| PHTO 51A Individual Projects A | 1.5 |
| PHTO 56 Introduction to Digital Photography | 1.5 |
| PHTO 57 Intermediate Digital Photography | 1.5 |
| PHTO 58 Introduction to Videography | 3 |
| PHTO 60 Intermediate Black and White Photography | 3 |
| PHTO 64A Artificial Light Photography | 3 |
| PHTO 68 Color Field Photography | 3 |
| PHTO 70 Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers or | |
| GDDM 70 Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers | 3 |
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| PHTO 29P Independent Study, Photography | 2 |
| PHTO 29V Independent Study, Video Production | 2 |
| PHTO 66 Digital Imaging | 3 |
| PHTO 67 History of Photography | 3 |
| PHTO 69 Intermediate Videography | 3 |
| PHTO 72 Introduction to Photojournalism or | |
| JAMS 12 Introduction to Photojournalism | 3 |
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| Total Units in the Major | 27.5-28.5 |
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Arts (AA) Degree, California State University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
Updated: July 2022