Photography (PHO)

In this course, students survey the history of photography as both technology and art form as well as the medium's evolution from humble camera obscura to its status as a major conduit of contemporary culture in the digital era. Students learn to identify a wide range of photographic processes and the important figures that utilized them with intention, across a variety of genre and social contexts. Participation is required in discussions of major artistic trends and the interpretive aspects of photographic content. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this course, students will explore digital capture abroad. Through a series of on-location shoots, lectures, critiques and digital imaging demonstrations, students will create portfolios of photographs revealing their impressions of the chosen location and culture. Digital workflow issues will be addressed throughout the course. An online portfolio will be used as an integral part of the course to exhibit current work. Basic photographic and computer skills are required. Digital cameras will be available for use during the course or students may use their own. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "B-" or equivlent experience verified with portfolio review

This course is a comprehensive study of foundational photographic skills including digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera operation, composition, image organization, processing, and presentation skills. Cameras are available for check out through the WCC Photography Program to complete course assignments. Adobe Lightroom software is used for all image organization, processing and printing. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

This course provides tools and techniques commonly encountered in professional retail, commercial, and editorial portrait studios. Students implement an expanded range of lighting strategies and techniques producing photographs of people. Business and ethical issues regarding the production and publication of portraits are studied. Enhancement, retouching, and interpretation of portraiture with image composite software [Photoshop] are required in assignments and thematic project. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 117 minimum grade "C-"

This is a comprehensive overview of the photography studio workflow, including tungsten and strobe lighting systems. Students obtain a rudimentary command of techniques necessary to illuminate subject matter ranging from still life to portraits. Assignments investigate the technical and aesthetic issues encountered and resolved during the construction of images. Current computer hardware and software skills necessary to produce and manage images in a digital workflow are also garnered. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "C-"

In this course, students explore the craft of creating high-quality B&W negatives and darkroom prints. Students will learn to use manual 35 mm and medium format film cameras, process B&W film, and print using traditional darkroom methods and materials. Prior photography experience is not required. Cameras are available for student check out to complete the course. The title of this course was previously Darkroom Techniques. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this course, students will be introduced to digital photographic imaging using Photoshop. Through a variety of hands-on assignments, students explore ways of working with photographs on the computer. Emphasis is placed on establishing solid foundation skills in digital photographic imaging such as resolution control, effective digital workflows, and print and web output options. PHO 111 must be taken as a prerequisite or concurrently. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "C-", may enroll concurrently

In this course, students will explore a variety of methods and strategies for making monochrome and color-toned black and white images using digital processes. Students learn to optimize camera settings and exposure, in addition to using monochrome adjustments in various software applications. Emphasis will be on learning communicative expression in photography and working with a variety of papers and print sizes. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "C-"

Students are placed in an approved industrial work experience to gain skills and knowledge offered by the employer. Together with the instructor and the employer, students set up work assignments and learning objectives to connect classroom learning with career-related work experiences. This is the first of two possible co-op experiences. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; consent required Level II Prerequisite: PHO 111

This course concentrates on the visual aspects of design using color in photography. Topics include optical color, color theory, color relationships, emphasis with color, psychological effects of color and color control with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Nik software. Students will print photographs using a color-managed workflow. This course was previously PHO 124. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 and PHO 127, minimum grade "C-"; PHO 127 may enroll concurrently

In this course, students will be introduced to the technical and aesthetic aspects of alternative photographic processes. Processes, such as pinhole photography, cyanotype, van dyke brown and lith printing will be used to create new and exciting photographs. Students will discuss how alternative photographic methods can be used to create nontraditional photographic images with a specific artistic or commercial intent. Students with experience equivalent to PHO 122 may contact the instructor for permission to waive the prerequisite. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 or PHO 122, minimum grade "C"

In this course, students are introduced to the operation and use of 4x5 large format cameras. Students learn to load and process sheet film, print large format negatives in the darkroom, and scan and digitize negatives for inkjet output. Students also learn the use of perspective and depth of field controls of the camera through view camera movements. Topics include architectural, portrait, macro and landscape photography. Students will be loaned the use of a large format camera for the semester. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "C-"

In this course, students continue exploring the technical and visual components of large format photography, with a strong emphasis on developing a personal project. Demonstrations include the use of roll film adapters, formats other than 4x5, focus and perspective enhancement with view camera movements, contact printing, large print creation and the integration of digital technology with large format photography. Students are expected to develop an individual large format project, which includes a project proposal and summary report, in this course. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 and PHO 211, minimum grade "C-"

In this intermediate level course, students will learn the tools and techniques necessary for working with retail, editorial, or commercial clients. Several unique lighting techniques and strategies are implemented to produce photographs of people on-location. Emphasis is placed on preparing all necessary resources, inclusive of models, props, and wardrobe. A basic command of business forms and ethical issues surrounding the production and publication of these images is also obtained. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 117 minimum grade "C-"

This course covers the fundamental principles of communicating newsworthy events, contemporary social issues and human interest stories through still photography. Students develop specialized shooting skills, and apply industry standards and ethics associated with photojournalism. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 111 minimum grade "C-"

This course provides an advanced level of investigation into digital photographic tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on color management and workflow skills. Students will work toward developing their own creative style. Students with experience equivalent to PHO 127 may contact the instructor for permission to waive the prerequisite. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 127 minimum grade "C"

This course offers students the opportunity to work on an extended photographic project of the individual's choosing. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal style. Students improve their visual problem-solving skills through researching the technical and aesthetic concerns for their projects and through individual and group critiques. Recommended as a corequisite with Portfolio Seminar. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 117 and PHO 228, minimum grade "C-" Level II Prerequisite: PHO 122 or PHO 129, minimum grade "C-"

This course is a capstone experience for students completing the photography program. Students will produce a professional portfolio, self-promotional materials and publish their portfolios on the Web. Professional critiques will be conducted on individual portfolios. Students will make contacts with potential employers, clients or transfer schools. PHO 230 may be taken concurrently by students seeking additional emphasis on the production of their final portfolios. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 117 and 6 additional PHO courses 100 level or above; minimum grade "C-" all PHO courses

In this course, students gain skills from a new experience in an approved, compensated, industry-related position. Together with the instructor and employer, students set up work assignments and learning objectives to connect classroom learning with career-related work experience. This is the second of two co-op courses. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; PHO 174; consent required