Photography
Department website: http://www.sbcc.edu/graphicdesign/
The Photography curriculum is thoughtfully designed to develop essential fundamental technical skills in the operation of various imaging devices such as 35mm DSLR (digital single lens reflex), mirrorless, medium and large-format cameras. Alongside technical training, all courses emphasize the importance of creativity and build conceptual-development skills through a progressive series of thought-provoking assignments.
Lighting techniques—from basic to advanced—are taught in fully equipped studio facilities using professional, industry-standard camera and lighting gear. Similarly, the curriculum offers comprehensive instruction in digital post-production, covering color management, editing, image generation, and printing technologies, all while staying current with emerging innovations.
Importantly, the department also integrates coursework on the business of photography, preparing students for the practical realities of working in the field—whether freelancing, running a studio, or collaborating with clients.
Classrooms and labs feature state-of-the-art, professional-grade computers, scanners, and archival printers, including both small- and large-format models capable of producing prints up to 17” x 22”.
Career Opportunities
Commercial Roles
- Portrait Photographer
- Commercial/Product Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Event Photographer (weddings, concerts, sports)
- Photojournalist
- Fine Art Photographer
- Editorial Photographer (magazines, books)
Technical & Production Roles
- Studio Assistant
- Digital Retoucher
- Photo Editor
- Printing Technician
- Lighting Technician
- Archivist/Photo Conservator
Media & Marketing Roles
- Content Creator
- Social Media Manager (with photo/video focus)
- Visual Content Strategist
- Marketing Photographer for brands/agencies
Specialized/Niche Careers
- Forensic Photographer
- Scientific Photographer
- Aerial/Drone Photographer
- Medical Photographer
- Underwater Photographer
Education & Outreach
- Photography Instructor
- Workshop Facilitator
- Museum/Gallery Educator
- Artist-in-Residence
Photography (PHOT)
PHOT 109 Introduction to Photography (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students learn the fundamentals of photography including techniques of camera operation, photo composition and lighting, basic digital imaging editing, photo printing paper characteristics, print finishing techniques, and image enhancement techniques using industry-standard hardware and software. Students participate in critiques that emphasize the objective and subjective qualities of their work.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: PHOT 190/JOUR 190.
PHOT 130 Digital Assets Management (1 Unit)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109.
Hours: 18 (18 lecture)
Explains both the purpose of digital asset management systems and why you need one. Step-by-step workflow, software, and ‘best practices’ in managing your digital content. Recommended for Photographers, Graphic Designers, Photojournalists, Journalists, and other creative people involved with image generation and storage.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
PHOT 140 Travel and Street Photography (1 Unit)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109.
Hours: 18 (18 lecture)
Covers the fundamentals of travel and street photography to capture stunning images. Includes basic composition, quality of light, exposure variables and workflow suggestions. Designed for beginning-to-intermediate photographers who understand the basic operation of their own camera. Assignments include how to improve landscapes, cityscapes, and appreciate ethical standards when taking photos.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
PHOT 180 Digital Darkroom (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOTO 109 and MAT 131.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Fundamentals of digital imaging, enhancements and manipulations as well as latest in printing technologies; simulate traditional alternative process; special effects; sharpening methods; retouching and natural media techniques; including Giclee printing. Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is beneficial. Emphasis on a digital portfolio and conceptual assignments.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
PHOT 190 Photojournalism (3 Units)
Same as: JOUR 190
Course Advisories: PHOTO 209 and PHOT 109.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Skills and techniques of contemporary photojournalism. Topics include news and editorial sources, photographing single events and extended picture stories, and ethics. Skills include control of color, portable electronic flash, and electronic processes for contemporary publication.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: JOUR 160.
PHOT 209 Intermediate Photography and Lighting (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Exploration of studio lighting and location lighting. Designed particularly for students who are familiar with basic photography and wish to learn more about advanced techniques in photographic composition, studio lighting, special effects, lighting equipment and various digital photography techniques.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
PHOT 215 The Business of Photography (1 Unit)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109.
Hours: 18 (18 lecture)
A course dedicated to teaching students about the business of photography. Students learn to create a business plan, marketing, pricing, invoicing and budgeting in order to run a successful business in the imaging industries.
PHOT 250 Fine Art Photography (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Exploration of classic and contemporary styles of fine art. Students will translate their own personal vision by responding to the major art movements with their camera.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
PHOT 260 Portfolio (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109 and PHOT 180.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students produce a professional portfolio based on the style and passion of their own vision. Students learn communication, business, design and presentation skills to best present their work.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
PHOT 270 Digital Image Retouching (1.5 Unit)
Prerequisites: PHOT 109 and PHOT 180.
Hours: 27 (27 lecture)
Students will learn the basics of digital retouching using image editing software. They will learn to both remove or add image details and repair damaged or aged files. Skills necessary to increase the quality of digital photo files using editing software techniques will be taught.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
PHOT 280 Advanced Photography and Lighting Strategies (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109, PHOT 209.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Designed to take photo, video, and multimedia students beyond basic lighting techniques. Lighting systems include studio, portable electronic strobe and continuous light sources. Location and set lighting covered, with emphasis on establishing mood and matching existing light conditions. Topics include lighting people, building interiors and exteriors, small product, large set lighting and photographing for digital composites.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
PHOT 281 Digital Darkroom II (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 180.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Advanced techniques for color management, enhancements, and archival digital printing technologies in RGB. Timeline editing for video and natural media techniques. Emphasis on creating a digital portfolio through a series of conceptual assignments to expand your creativity.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
PHOT 285 Color Management (3 Units)
Course Advisories: PHOT 109, PHOT 180.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Fundamentals of color management for CMYK and RGB output. Professional calibration methods for scanners, printers, color monitors and digital capture systems. For graphic artists and photographers who are looking for more advanced techniques in color correction, ICC profile systems, work flow automation, and multiple-device matching for optimal reproduction quality.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable