Art Degrees Online

The Photography and Video program at Montserrat is more diverse and dynamic than ever before. The program immerses students in photo studies, time based/video, and traditional 2D photographic media. Because of the critical and technological environment of photographic studies, we require students to take a sequence of courses, which support a broad range of approaches and imaging applications. Students complete their studies with the production of a comprehensive body of work that demonstrates fluency in contemporary photographic media language.

The Photography and Video department offers a full range of classes from traditional photographic processes to digital and electronic media forms. From the onset, courses engage students with the potential of the expanded media environment that now includes still, video, sound, and multimedia forms of expression. Progressive course offerings also provide for a range of technical and conceptual points of departure and aesthetic investigations. Yet in the department, the basic tenets and vocabulary of photographic imaging endures. Using film or flash ram, still or video imaging systems, with or without sound we are still looking through the lens of a camera. Issues of representation, the construction of content and meaning, the communication of ideas, and the dissemination of information continue to be integral components of the photographic dialogue.

The Photography and Video department’s facilities and technology support all course offerings. Our darkroom handles formats ranging from 35mm to 4×5″ negatives. Our shooting studio is equipped with strobes and continuous light systems, computer and archiving stations, and proofing devices. Our digital labs utilize Macintosh computers along with the most current editing software. Students also use professional digital cameras, flatbed scanners, high-resolution film scanners, archiving hardware, media converters, a 44″ wide-format archival inkjet printer, small format archival inkjet printers and color and black and white proofing devices. Still and video cameras, tripods, portable lighting kits, and other equipment are available for students for in-class and off-campus work.

The Photography Program at the College of Visual Arts embraces the overarching principles of photography, including a comprehensive understanding of darkroom and digital techniques, plus an historic and working understanding of alternative processes in photography.

After completion of the first year Foundation Program, students embrace their photography program with hands on camera and darkroom work, in both black and white and color. The objective is for students to gain an in depth understanding of how an image can be created through careful photographic manipulation.

The advanced photography classes build on this foundation teaching the use of medium and large format cameras, working in the studio on lighting strategies, understanding metering, film choices, and other professional techniques. Simultaneously, students address content, exploring the power of the medium and contemporary issues in photography. These issues are further explored within the history of photography and the art and criticism courses in the Liberal Arts Program.

In the third year, students will examine the techniques and possibilities of digital photography. They will investigate digital capture and film scanning, color management, advanced image editing with Adobe Photoshop, outputting to the web, use of our archival photo inkjet printers with beautiful 100% rag art papers, how to work with service bureaus, and how to best implement a digital work flow into their practice.

In the final year students will explore age-old alternative photographic processes. This will include compounding sensitizers and hand coating beautiful art papers to create cyanotypes, gum bichromate, platinum/palladium, and other hands on processes that will round out an understanding of the old and new of photography.

Through CVA’s internship program, students will have an opportunity to explore the various professional opportunities open to photographers. This experience will be supported by the development of a professional portfolio in conjunction with the capstone Photo Studio and Seminar Thesis courses.

The Photography and Video program at Montserrat is more diverse and dynamic than ever before. The program immerses students in photo studies, time based/video, and traditional 2D photographic media. Because of the critical and technological environment of photographic studies, we require students to take a sequence of courses, which support a broad range of approaches and imaging applications. Students complete their studies with the production of a comprehensive body of work that demonstrates fluency in contemporary photographic media language.

The Photography and Video department offers a full range of classes from traditional photographic processes to digital and electronic media forms. From the onset, courses engage students with the potential of the expanded media environment that now includes still, video, sound, and multimedia forms of expression. Progressive course offerings also provide for a range of technical and conceptual points of departure and aesthetic investigations. Yet in the department, the basic tenets and vocabulary of photographic imaging endures. Using film or flash ram, still or video imaging systems, with or without sound we are still looking through the lens of a camera. Issues of representation, the construction of content and meaning, the communication of ideas, and the dissemination of information continue to be integral components of the photographic dialogue.

The Photography and Video department’s facilities and technology support all course offerings. Our darkroom handles formats ranging from 35mm to 4×5″ negatives. Our shooting studio is equipped with strobes and continuous light systems, computer and archiving stations, and proofing devices. Our digital labs utilize Macintosh computers along with the most current editing software. Students also use professional digital cameras, flatbed scanners, high-resolution film scanners, archiving hardware, media converters, a 44″ wide-format archival inkjet printer, small format archival inkjet printers and color and black and white proofing devices. Still and video cameras, tripods, portable lighting kits, and other equipment are available for students for in-class and off-campus work.

In the increasingly global marketplace for ideas, photography surpasses other forms of communication due to its immediacy and ability to cross language and cultural barriers. At the same time, the revolutionary shift to digital technology has given photographers astounding new image-making capabilities as well as added responsibilities. Art Center’s Photography and Imaging Department addresses these new realities and invites students to acquire the skills and creative fluency needed to achieve their vision.

While emerging technologies have profoundly influenced the way artists capture, enhance, display and distribute their work, photographers must still address age-old issues of originality and authorship, meaning and style. Students will be challenged to think innovatively about the form and content of their work to create culturally resonant visual documents, not just well-crafted representations.

Our state-of-the-art traditional and digital facilities support a wide variety of photographic processes. Conceptual and studio classes are supplemented with instruction in technology, fine art, history and advertising as well as courses in business planning, branding, marketing and professional practice. Throughout the course of study, students collaborate with colleagues in Art Center’s Advertising, Fine Art and various design departments through Transdiscipinary Studios and Sponsored Projects with commercial and humanitarian goals. These experiences give students a working understanding of the role of photography in a variety of commercial and social contexts. Graduating majors will have built a substantive body of work that is innovative, definitive and uniquely their own, along with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the professional arena.

AP 9A
Photography

3 units; 3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Laboratory
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
A black-and-white photography course introducing the basic principles, practice and aesthetics of image making including camera techniques, film developing and printing, and print presentation. Course includes lecture, demonstration, critique, darkroom laboratory work and field studies.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU Transfers to UC. CAN ART18.

AP 9B
Photography

3 units; 3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Laboratory
Prerequisite: AP 9A or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
Continues application of principles and practice of photography studied in AP 9A. Introduces fiber base paper printing techniques, archival processing, and Zone System practices. Activities include lecture, demonstration, critique, darkroom laboratory work and field studies.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU Transfers to UC with limits: only 3 units will transfer.

AP 40A-Z
Studies in Photography

1–3 units; .67 hours Lecture, 1.33 hours Laboratory
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 4 times. Course may be repeated for credit if a different area is investigated.
Investigates special areas of interest in Photography. The special area (i.e. field studies, workshops in specific photographic techniques, etc.) will be announced and described in the Schedule of Classes.
Transfer Credit: Students must retain a copy of the course outline, the course syllabus and work completed for this course. Credit for this course is contingent upon a review of the course outline and other materials by the UC transfer campus.

AP 42
Alternative Photographic Processes

3 units; 3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Laboratory
Prerequisite: AP 9B or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
A hands-on exploration of historical, contemporary, and alternative applications of silver-based and non-silver processes and mixed media techniques. Contemporary trends, specialized techniques and integration with new media imagery. Photography as an art form. Synthesis and creative application of skills from AP 9B.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU.

AP 43
Basic Color Photography

3 units; 3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Laboratory
Prerequisite: AP 9B or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
Introduces the use of color photographic materials as expressive media. Covers exposure and development of color negative films, transparencies and prints. Activities include lecture, demonstration, critique, lab and field.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU.

AP 45
Contemporary Trends in Photography

3 units; 3 hours Lecture
An overview of contemporary trends, theories and applications of photography since 1945. No lab time required.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU Transfers to UC.

AP 46A
Beginning Digital Photography

3 units; 2 hours Lecture, 4 hours Laboratory
Prerequisites: AP 9A or equivalent skills, and DM 100 or CS 1 or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
An introduction to electronic (digital) photography. Instruction in the technology and fine art applications of digital image processing and presentation, emphasizing the use of film-based and/or digital cameras to generate original images for manipulation with digital imaging software. Course work includes lecture, demonstration, critique, and computer laboratory work.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU.

AP 46B
Intermediate Digital Photography

3 units; 2 hours Lecture, 4 hours Laboratory
Prerequisite: AP 46A or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
Continued application of principles and practice of digital photography studied in AP 46A. Emphasis on applying aesthetic principles and graphic elements to create a unified body of digitally-generated art.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU.

AP 47
Studio Lighting for Photography

3 units; 3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Laboratory
Prerequisite: AP 9B or equivalent skills.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 and READ 100.
Repeatability: May be taken 2 times.
Introduces the use of studio lighting techniques and equipment emphasizing black and white photography, and including color applications. Topics include: medium and large format studio photography, portrait, still life, fine-art and commercial techniques. Activities include lecture, demonstration, critique, darkroom work and field studies.
Transfer Credit: Transfers to CSU.

Overview — Photography is an associate degree program targeted at preparing you for employment in the photographic industry. Throughout the course work, you will use professional equipment and methods to master the skills necessary for this highly visual, creative and exacting profession. Each of the laboratory/studio areas is equipped with state-of-the-art traditional and digital cameras, lighting, processing and finishing equipment. Courses required to complete the associate degree are offered during the day, with many foundation and elective courses offered in the evenings. Program requirements include the completion of an internship (PHOTO-190). A certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging is also available.

Career Outlook — Photographers are employed in the fields of commercial/advertising, industrial, and portrait photography. Photojournalism is an option, as are employment opportunities in photographic sales and as technical representatives. Graduates can expect to be hired for such positions as studio/location personnel specializing in digital imaging applications.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — After you graduate from the program, most employers will expect you to have:
Fundamental camera skills using all camera formats
Knowledge of film and paper processing methods
Ability to use processing machines, and control color and B/W photographic processes
The ability to arrange subject matter to reflect good composition and to achieve a desirable effect
Ability to achieve the best visual effect using a variety of lighting conditions
Knowledge of the operation and use of studio tungsten and strobe lighting, and the limitations of film in reproduction of images under many lighting situations

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:
A high school diploma or GED
Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment

You should have normal color and depth perception, visualization ability, and a well-developed imagination with a talent for visual problem-solving. Characteristics that will contribute to your success in the field of photography include clean work habits and studio maintenance skills. It is essential for you to be able to communicate with customers and professionals from allied fields, such as commercial artists and printers.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Digital Media Technician
Digital Output Specialist
Photographer
Photojournalist
Wedding/Portrait Photographer

Related Programs:

Graphic Design
Printing and Publishing
Television and Video Production
Visual Communication/Computer Graphics

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.
TECHNICAL STUDIES
Credits

( ) = Semester Order for Full-Time Students

(1)
PHOTO-101
Fundamental Photography
3

(1)

PHOTO-106
View Camera Techniques ‡
3

(1)

PHOTO-107
Photographic Trends
1

(1)

VICOM-150
Introduction to Digital Media ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-108
Photographic Lighting ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-139
Measurement Techniques ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-141
Color Photography 1 ‡
3

(3)
PHOTO-103
Digital Photography ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-121
Commercial Photography ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-124
Portraiture ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-142
Color Photography 2 ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-114
Photographic Portfolio ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-173
Photo Journalism ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-180
Industrial Photography ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-190
Photographic Internship ‡
1

GENERAL STUDIES

ECON-195
Economics
3

OR
Any 200-series ECON course

ENG-151 and
Communication Skills 1 ‡
3

ENG-152
Communication Skills 2 ‡
3

OR
ENG-201 and any 200-series ENG or SPEECH course

MATH-123
Math with Business Applications ‡
3

OR
Any 200-series MATH course

NATSCI-167
Science of Technology
3

OR
Any 200-series NATSCI course

PSYCH-199
Psychology of Human Relations
3

OR
Any 200-series PSYCH course

SOCSCI-197
Contemporary American Society
3

OR
Any 200-series SOCSCI or HIST course

ELECTIVE COURSES: Six Credits Required (Suggestions listed below)

PHOTO-102
Introduction to Digital Photography
1

PHOTO-104
Digital Color Management for the Graphic Industry
2

PHOTO-126
Advanced Studio Lighting ‡
3

PHYED-210
An Active Approach to Wellness and Fitness
3

TOTAL CREDITS: 68
‡
Prerequisite Required.

The Still Photography certificate provides the student with basic skills in traditional and digital photographic processes. The student earning a certificate may seek employment as a studio assistant, laboratory technician, or associate with retail or production organizations in the photographic industry.

This program provides instruction in commercial photographic skills and creative photographic processes. Beginning and intermediate photographic
processes and skills are addressed. Other topics include photographic lighting, photographic commercial/illustration, photojournalism,
color lab technologies and portraiture.
Operate film and digital camera systems both inside and outside
the studio to produce commercially viable images.
• Use supplemental lighting systems and controls to make effective
images.
Produce commercial images in the areas of Portraiture,Weddings,
Sports, Editorial, Product, Forensic, and Photojournalism.
• Develop ability to process images using Photoshop, and produce
prints using digital printers.

The Photography program offers instruction in commercial photographic skills and creative photographic processes. Beginning and intermediate
photographic processes and skills are addressed. Advanced instruction in photographic lighting, photographic commercial illustration,
photojournalism, color lab technologies and portraiture is provided.