Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Patrick Marasso
Associate Deans
Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Photography is offered as a creative means of visual expression with artistic and commercial application. Opportunities for experimental and applied aspects are provided from the beginning through advanced levels. A serious effort is made to structure offerings so that students can attain individual goals in the field of Photography. Photographic skills complement other diverse fields such as science, environmental studies, law enforcement, teaching, anthropology, art and real estate. This complementary aspect is also stressed in the program.

TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Photography are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.

Faculty

Kirkman Amyx

Professor, Photography

B.F.A., Art Center College of Design
M.F.A., San Jose State University

Randy L. Snook

Professor, Photography/Applied Art and Design

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.F.A., Lesley University Art Institute of Boston

Photography Advisory Committee 

  • The Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley, Sacramento, CA
  • Kat Walker Photography, Orangevale, CA
  • Svitlana Vronska Photography, North Highlands, CA
  • Ann Keen Photography, Auburn, CA

Degrees/Certificates

Photography

AA or AS Degree

Positions for which students of photography are qualified are professional photographer, commercial photographer, advertising and photographic journalism. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses:

PHOT 0010History and Aesthetics of Photography (also ARHI 0134)3
PHOT 0060AElementary Photography3
PHOT 0060BIntermediate Black and White Photography3
PHOT 0065Documentary Photography2-3
or PHOT 0085 Photojournalism
PHOT 0070AStudio Lighting3
PHOT 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)3
Select 7-9 units from the following:7-9
Portfolio Development and Presentation
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Drawing I
Independent Study (up to 1 unit)
Photographing Works of Art (also AAD 0030)
Documentary Photography
Advanced Studio Lighting
Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging (also AAD 0076)
Digital Photography
Color Photography
Photojournalism
Business Practices for Photographers
PHOT 0090B
1
Night Photography Field Workshop
Photojournalism Field Workshop
Field Workshop: Landscape
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop
Outdoor Portrait Workshop
Field Workshop: Travel Photography
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop
Alternative Processes
Advanced Alternative Processes
Internship in Photography (up to 2 units)
Total Units24-27

Photography and Video

AS Degree

This interdisciplinary program of study will enable students to create technically and aesthetically successful still photographs and to capture and edit video with a solid narrative structure that meets client or employer needs. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses

PHOT 0060AElementary Photography3
PHOT 0070AStudio Lighting3
PHOT 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)3
PHOT 0078Digital Photography3
PHOT 0089Documentary Filmmaking (also AAD 0089)3
AAD 0079Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
AAD 0082Intermediate Digital Filmmaking3
Select 3 units from the following:3
Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging (also AAD 0076)
Introduction to Motion Graphics
Total Units24

Photography

Certificate of Achievement

A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

PHOT 0010History and Aesthetics of Photography (also ARHI 0134)3
PHOT 0060AElementary Photography3
PHOT 0065Documentary Photography2-3
or PHOT 0085 Photojournalism
PHOT 0070AStudio Lighting3
PHOT 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)3
PHOT 0078Digital Photography3
PHOT 0088Business Practices for Photographers3
Select 9 units from the following:9
Portfolio Development and Presentation
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Drawing I
Independent Study (up to 1 unit)
Photographing Works of Art (also AAD 0030)
Intermediate Black and White Photography
Documentary Photography
Advanced Studio Lighting
Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging (also AAD 0076)
Color Photography
Photojournalism
PHOT 0090B
1
Night Photography Field Workshop
Photojournalism Field Workshop
Field Workshop: Landscape
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop
Outdoor Portrait Workshop
Field Workshop: Travel Photography
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop
Alternative Processes
Advanced Alternative Processes
Internship in Photography (up to 2 units)
Total Units29-30
1

 Only 2 units total may be taken from the PHOT 90B-90W workshop courses.

Photography and Video

Certificate of Achievement

A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

PHOT 0060AElementary Photography3
PHOT 0070AStudio Lighting3
PHOT/AAD 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging3
PHOT/AAD 0076Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging3
PHOT 0078Digital Photography3
PHOT/AAD 0089Documentary Filmmaking3
AAD 0079Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
AAD 0082Intermediate Digital Filmmaking3
AAD 0093Introduction to Motion Graphics3
Total Units27

Alternative Processes in Photography

Skills Certificate

For those students who want to broaden their expressive abilities beyond the traditional photographic image. Helps prepare students for creative image making for the advertising and portrait photography markets. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

PHOT 0060BIntermediate Black and White Photography3
PHOT 0092Alternative Processes3
PHOT 0093Advanced Alternative Processes3
Total Units9

Color Photography

Skills Certificate

Assists in preparing students to create visually stimulating images utilizing the power of color. Focuses on the aesthetic use of color, as well as technical mastery of color balancing, accuracy and manipulation. These skills are necessary for both laboratory technicians and photographers. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 10 units from the following:10
Photographing Works of Art (also AAD 0030)
Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)
Digital Photography
Color Photography
Night Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit)
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit)
Total Units10

Digital Imaging

Skills Certificate

Designed for students interested in becoming proficient with photographic image capture, preparation and manipulation on the computer. Valuable for those preparing for a career as a photographer, photographic lab technician, or for those upgrading their skills. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

PHOT 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)3
PHOT 0076Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging (also AAD 0076)3
PHOT 0078Digital Photography3
PHOT 0080Color Photography3
Total Units12

Fine Art Photography

Skills Certificate

Designed to give students a broad range of skills used by both laboratory technicians and photographers. Students will be trained to handle a wide range of difficult assignments and creative techniques. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 12 units from the following: 12
History and Aesthetics of Photography (also ARHI 0134))
Intermediate Black and White Photography
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit)
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Alternative Processes
Advanced Alternative Processes
Total Units12

Landscape Photography

Skills Certificate

Course work in landscape photography trains students in the techniques utilized in creating expressive images of the environment. Helps prepare students for capturing the landscape for stock photography use, magazines, web sites and other visual media. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 8 units from the following:8
Digital Photography
Color Photography
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit)
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit)
Total Units8

Narrative Photography

Skills Certificate

This certificate trains students to photograph assignments in such a way that they tell a story. Appropriate for those interested in gaining skills used by photojournalists, documentary and editorial photographers. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 12 units from the following:12
Intermediate Black and White Photography
Documentary Photography
Color Photography
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Photojournalism
Photojournalism Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit)
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Total Units12

Photographic Processes

Skills Certificate

Designed to give students a broad range of skills used by both laboratory technicians and photographers. Helps train students to handle a wide range of difficult assignments and creative techniques. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 12 units from the following:12
Photographing Works of Art (also AAD 0030)
Intermediate Black and White Photography
Introduction to Digital Imaging (also AAD 0075)
Digital Photography
Color Photography
Night Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Alternative Processes
Total Units12

Portrait, Fashion and Wedding Photography

Skills Certificate

For those students interested in preparing for a career in portrait, fashion, or wedding photography. Designed to help train students in portrait techniques and portfolio presentation along with providing an opportunity for students to work with a photographer in the industry. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

Select 13 units from the following:13
Studio Lighting
Advanced Studio Lighting
Digital Photography
Business Practices for Photographers
Outdoor Portrait Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit)
Total Units13

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

PHOT 0010. History and Aesthetics of Photography

Units: 3
Also known as ARHI 134
Hours: 54 lecture
Historical and thematic survey of photography as an art form and communication tool from its invention to the present. Explores various critical perspectives including aesthetic and design principles, influential themes, periods, and photographers. Investigates technical considerations, photography's role in the development of mass culture and other societal influences. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)

PHOT 0030. Photographing Works of Art

Units: 0.5
Also known as AAD 30
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 laboratory)
Methods and procedures involved in reproducing works of art into digital files for cataloging, portfolios, publication and show submissions. Covers equipment needed for both artificial and natural light situations, camera considerations, proper exposure, and presentation of copy work for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Students must furnish presentation materials. (CSU)

PHOT 0060A. Elementary Photography

Units: 3
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Aesthetic use of digital and film cameras. Elements of design and influence of photography as an art form explored. Topics include subject selection, exposure control, composition, lighting, digital and film camera usage, film development, enlarging, print finishing, presentation, and responses to photographs within framework of historical and current perspectives. Students must furnish digital storage media, film and photographic printing paper. Providing an interchangeable lens digital or film camera recommended but not required. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0060B. Intermediate Black and White Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Technical and experimental aspects of black and white photographic tools and techniques stressing the creative use of photography. Topics include creative camera and darkroom experimentation, medium format and toy cameras, pinhole photography, archival permanence and the handmade book. Students must furnish film, paper and presentation materials. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0065. Documentary Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Photographic essay as a focused body of work. Historical origins and cultural impact of documentary photography. Contemporary practitioners, organization of visual essays, and documentary video capture. Students select projects of personal interest and cultural relevance and participate in assigned group projects. Students must supply digital storage media or film, paper, and presentation materials. (CSU)

PHOT 0070A. Studio Lighting

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of “C” or better; and completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in PHOT 75 or 78
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
The application of studio lighting techniques to portrait and commercial product photography. Concentration on creative and technical control of lighting, background, props and composition. Utilizes both studio strobe and continuous light sources. For students seeking a career in photography or one of its related fields, and for those who desire additional and advanced creative or technical work. Students must furnish digital storage media, paper and presentation materials. (CSU)

PHOT 0070B. Advanced Studio Lighting

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 70A with grade of "C" or better; and completion of PHOT 75 or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Additional creative and technical work with studio lighting and portfolio development. Concentration on refining studio techniques used in commercial and fine art photography. Students create a focused body of work over the course of the semester. Students must furnish digital storage media, printing paper and presentation materials. Providing an interchangeable lens digital camera recommended but not required. (CSU)

PHOT 0075. Introduction to Digital Imaging

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 75
Advisory: Completion of AAD 70 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Introduction to the acquisition and computer manipulation of photographs for design and photography. Analysis and critique of images from initial concept to final project creation. Basic scanning, image adjustments, retouching, compositing, and file preparation for printing and other uses. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0076. Advanced Projects in Digital Imaging

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 76
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 75 or AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Advanced digital project development using Photoshop. Creating original images from a variety of input devices including scanners and digital cameras. Speed building in editing techniques. Integration of other software programs. Evaluations and critiques of completed projects. (CSU)

PHOT 0078. Digital Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Use of digital cameras for direct capture of photographic images. Emphasis on practical use of the digital camera in real world situations. Creative and technical controls offered by digital cameras, image file management and image optimization. Color management and digital printing. Basic video capture with digital still cameras. (CSU)

PHOT 0080. Color Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 78 or PHOT 75/AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
A concentration in the study of the history of color photography, color theory, color symbolism, and color as a communication element in photography. Composition, exposure, and theme in creating expressive color photographs also covered. In-depth study of camera usage, lighting, and digital processing techniques to produce accurate color and the creative use of color. Implementation of a color-managed workflow to produce accurate color from digital capture to print. Students create digital prints and slideshows utilizing the expressive use of color. Students must provide a digital camera. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0085. Photojournalism

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better; and completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PHOT 75 or 78
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Theory and practice of photography for publication in newspapers and online news outlets. Emphasis on ethics, communication with single images and photographic essays. Simulations of professional assignments including deadlines. Preparation of digital files for print and online use. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

PHOT 0088. Business Practices for Photographers

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of a minimum of three photography courses
Hours: 54 lecture
Successful business practices for commercial, portrait, and fine art photographers. Elements of starting and running a photography business, including overhead, taxes, insurance, copyright law, contracts, pricing, marketing and advertising. Overview of business resources provided by professional photography organizations. Creation of a business plan related to the students' career goals. (CSU)

PHOT 0089. Documentary Filmmaking

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 89
Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Examines the principles, techniques and terminology that are specific to documentary filmmaking. Students produce documentary films that incorporate industry standard pre-production preparation such as creating contracts, research, location surveys, and script writing. Major topics include camera operation, capturing b-roll, location sound recording, mixing, editing and formatting for distribution. (CSU, UC)

PHOT 0090I. Night Photography Field Workshop

Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Intensive field workshop covering methods and processes of night, artificial and available light photography. Topics include camera and lens use, equipment, metering, lighting, and the unique aspects of the event, region or situation being studied. Specific locations and lighting circumstances vary. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

PHOT 0090J. Photojournalism Field Workshop

Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Intensive field workshop covering specific events, visual styles, locations, methods, and processes of photojournalism. Topics include camera and lens use, composition, equipment, metering and lighting, working methods of photojournalists and the unique aspects of the event or region being studied. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

PHOT 0090L. Field Workshop: Landscape

Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Exploration of landscape photography. Topics include camera and lens use, composition, equipment, metering and lighting, the social contribution of landscape photography and the unique aspects of region being studied. Location of field study will vary. Students must supply camera, digital media or film and presentation materials. (CSU)

PHOT 0090N. Color Nature Photography Field Workshop

Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Exploration of color nature photography. Topics include subject selection, the impact and use of color, capturing accurate vs. altered color, equipment, composition, metering and overcoming the challenges of location and weather. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

PHOT 0090P. Outdoor Portrait Workshop

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Exploration of portraiture in outdoor settings. Topics include camera, lens and equipment selection, camera use, lighting, posing, and composition. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

PHOT 0090T. Field Workshop: Travel Photography

Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Intensive field workshop covering specific locations, methods and processes of travel photography in domestic and international locations. Includes visual themes, narrative and individual images, editorial and stock photography, composition, digital or film cameras, materials and equipment, exposure, selection and presentation of photographs. Overview of the population, habitat, environment and geography, culture and traditions of the region being studied. Special considerations of travel photography. Students must furnish camera, film or digital media, processing and presentation supplies. (CSU)

PHOT 0090U. Drone Photography and Videography

Units: 0.5-2
Prerequisite: FAA (Remote Pilot - Small UAS under 14 CFR Part 107) certification must be completed
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Camera operation and flight maneuvers used by photographers and cinematographers to capture still and motion footage from UAV’s (drones). Topics covered include equipment selection, flight controls, safety, image capture and business opportunities. Students may utilize their own equipment or department provided equipment. This course is designed for those already certified by the FAA (Remote Pilot - Small UAS under 14 CFR Part 107). (CSU)

PHOT 0090W. Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop

Units: 0.5-1
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Documentation of weddings and events, such as: conferences, trade shows, public relations events, campaign rallies, performances, holiday parties and Quinceañeras. Working with portable flash, available light and mixed lighting. Posing and capturing groups and individuals in a timely manner. Creating a shot list and other organizational tools. (CSU)

PHOT 0092. Alternative Processes

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Exploration of alternative photographic processes, many of which were first developed in the 19th century and are known for producing expressive prints with a unique look. Merging of digital technology and non-traditional printing materials explored. Processes may include: cyanotype, salt printing, kallitype, anthotype, lumen, hand-coated silver emulsion, and inkjet transfers. (CSU)

PHOT 0093. Advanced Alternative Processes

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 92 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced study of alternative processes in photography designed to expand on the technical and creative concepts previously acquired. Exploration of the technical and aesthetic variations possible within the processes chosen for study. Concentration on matching creative vision with the appropriate process and the creation of a cohesive fine art portfolio over the course of the semester. Students must furnish printing paper and presentation materials. (CSU)

PHOT 0095. Internship in Photography

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Analyze the major historical and contemporary trends and influences within the medium of photography.
  • Critique photographs orally and in writing for content, composition, craftsmanship, and originality with terminology commonly used in art and photography.
  • Create photographs demonstrating good exposure control under a wide variety of lighting situations, including both natural and studio lighting.
  • Utilize the darkroom or computer to produce final images that have appropriate contrast, density and color as well as incorporate the elements of design, design, principles and compositional conventions.
  • Distinguish between the key principles of copyright laws and understand industry business practices, and other legal and ethical considerations.
  • Develop a portfolio of images that illustrates the student photographer's style, skill with the medium and subject area interests.