Art Degrees Online

In addition to studies in their program major, all of our students puruse a well-rounded education in foundational design, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Art History, and interdisciplinary and special studies.

Here are the course requirements for this major:
KCPH 120 – Introduction to Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCFN 110 or KCVC 113.

An introduction to the fundamentals of photography and 35mm adjustable camera operation. This course includes beginning black and white film development and darkroom printing. The aesthetics of photography will be discussed in terms of its history, and artistic and technical advancements. (Students who have earned credit for VISC 212, Photography, may not use credit earned in KCPH 120 to meet graduation requirements.) Formerly KCFA 261.
KCPH 220 – Intermediate Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 120

The refinement of black and white film exposure and darkroom techniques using the zone system. An introduction to studio and artificial lighting techniques as well as extensive work with manipulation of the photographic image. Subject matter and imagery will be emphasized, along with a continuation of the study of photographic history and aesthetics. Formerly KCFA 262
KCPH 225 – Digital Photography I – 3 Credits
Prerequisite: KCPH 120

An introduction to photography’s digital tools: digital cameras, manipulation, and output. Exploration of consumer and pro-sumer level digital cameras and digital lighting considerations. Introduction to Photoshop, especially image compositing and manipulation. An introduction to film and flatbed scanning, resolution, color correction and digital output. The aesthetics unique to the digital environment, as well as its history will be examined.
KCPH 230 – Color Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 220

An extensive exploration of color photography with an emphasis placed on color negative printing. A study of color theory as it applies to light and film and the contemporary use of color by photographers. Content issues, as well as history, theory, and aesthetic approaches will be emphasized. Formerly KCFA 363
KCPH 240 – Lighting for Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 230.

An introduction to the fundamentals of using and modifying both ambient and studio lighting. This course includes the use of both hot and cold studio lighting for digital and analog photography, including color balancing the light source to specific films. Lighting theory and the history of studio photography will also be discussed. Formerly KCFA 264
KCPH 303 – Special Topics in Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 230

Rotating topics in photography utilizing the specific skills and interest of the faculty, community professionals, and visiting artists. Topics may be subject oriented (such as landscape, portrait, documentary, or photojournalism), technique oriented (manipulated image, directorial mode, or alternative process), or issue oriented (visual semiotics, new topographies, etc.)
KCPH 310 – Photo Seminar – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Junior standing or department consent.

Reading, lecture, and discussion of classic and contemporary essays that outline the important areas of critical discourse in photography including philosophical and psychological theory.
KCPH 325 – Digital Photography II – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 225

Advanced digital capture, manipulation, and output with emphasis on digital workflow and color space management. Focus on the use of high-end digital cameras, scanning backs, drum scanners and film recorders for the production of giclee-type prints for exhibition. Discussion of archival issues as related to digital output.
KCPH 340 – Studio Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 240

Using medium and large format cameras in the photo studio, especially for perspective control. Exposure control using the zone system. Lighting, posing and staging techniques that are used in classic studio photography including still life, models, food, and fashion. An examination of these classic techniques as applied to fine art photography.
KCPH 403 – Seminar in Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Upper-lever students

Seminar dealing with special interests in photography.
KCPH 410 – Professional Photographic Practices – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Senior standing or department approval

A range of practical, legal and ethical issues for the professional photographer including writing an artist’s statement, resumes, business promotional materials, marketing, small business practices, financial practices, and portfolio presentation. Emphasis will be placed on applying to juried shows and the production of a gallery exhibition.
KCPH 430 – Photography Thesis I – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Senior standing or department approval

Emphasizes the production of a unified body of work emphasizing conceptual development and creative decision-making. Includes individual and group critiques. Formerly KCFA 403
KCPH 460 – Photography Thesis II – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCPH 430

Emphasizes responsibility for the creation of a cohesive body of work that displays conceptual continuity and technical integrity. Includes individual and group critiques. The student is required to install a thesis exhibition to complete the BFA degree in photography. Formerly KCFA 460

Download the full Catalog

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.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, should meet with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss transfer requirements.
To explore major-related career information, click on the Career Profile link to find out what you can REALLY do with your degree.

PREREQUISITE COURSES
REQUIRED COURSES FOR CERTIFICATE
UNITS

ART 199
History of Photography
3

PHOTO 101
Introduction to Photography
3

PHOTO 101 or equivalent
PHOTO 103
Intermediate Photography
3

PHOTO 101
PHOTO 105
Advanced Photography
3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent
PHOTO 106 Available Lighting
3

PHOTO 101 or equivalent
PHOTO 109
Color Photography
3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 112 Studio Lighting 4
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 113 Zone System and Fine Printing 3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 114 View Camera 3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 130 Digital Photography 4

Recommended Courses
PHOTO 109 or equivalent PHOTO 116 Color Photography II 3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 117 Alternative Processes 3
PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 118 Documentary Photography 3
ART 130 or PHOTO 101 or equivalent PHOTO 121 Imaging with Photoshop I 3

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED
32

The mission of the Photography and Digital Imaging Department at Foothill College is to provide the finest of instruction in the use of traditional and contemporary photographic techniques for the vocational and avocational student. Majoring in photography with an emphasis in traditional or digital imaging will provide the student with basic aesthetic principles as well as an extensive range of practical photographic techniques needed for college transfer, entry into the photographic workplace, or for artistic expression.
Course work includes black and white processing and printing, digital imaging, color photography, studio lighting, experimental and non-silver processes, zone system techniques, and portfolio preparation. Within the two emphases, students will be encouraged to develop personal, expressive style in addition to achieving technical excellence.