Photography - Commercial
11 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHTC 101 Beginning Black and White Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. This course offers introduction on the use of traditional black and white film techniques, including processing film, silver gelatin printing and related techniques. The beginning photographer will learn basic camera functions, fundamental darkroom skills and black-and-white film processing and darkroom printing techniques. The emphasis is primarily technical, although aesthetics, composition, and contemporary issues in photography will be covered through class critiques and discussions. Topics of discussion will include photographic genres, the photo essay, editing and sequencing a body of work, personal visions, social and political context, documentary versus art photography.
PHTC 125 Beginning Digital Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. This course covers beginning photographic theory and practice in contemporary uses of digital cameras as a creative and vocational medium to create photographic images. Students receive instruction in digital photographic techniques through assignments that build beginning technical and conceptual skills using industry standard digital cameras, Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop software to edit and distribute digital images. This course helps students develop creative thinking and idea execution.
PHTC 150 Beginning Color Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 101 Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to basic color photography technology. This is an intermediate Photography course that teaches Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for photographers. Students create projects using film and digital images, using Adobe Lightroom to organize and edit photos, and Photoshop to retouch and enhance their images. Basic image exporting and printing are covered. Photographic works are presented and discussed to provide a context for the production and critique of photographic images. This is required for photography majors.
PHTC 200 The Business of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 125, PHTC 203, and PHTC 215.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. The Business of Photography is an advanced photography course covering principles and practices within the field for hire or exhibition. Students produce artist resumes and artist statements related to their work. Course includes Social Media, promotion, portfolio layout, releases, estimates, invoices, gallery negotiations, and image licensing issues for photographers. Students must have a developed body of photographic work that will be used for class projects. This course is a capstone course.
PHTC 201 Advanced Black and White Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. This course concentrates on advanced theory and practice of black and white (B&W) photography including professional applications, specialized processes, and mastery of dark room skills with an emphasis on individual expression. Topics include advanced printing techniques, film, paper types, toners, refining printing techniques and Zone System practices, thematic projects, portfolio development and archival processing. This course is designed for advanced photography students.
PHTC 203 Foundations of Cameras & Composition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of PHTC 101 or PHTC 125 Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Survey of 35mm digital and film cameras, 2 ¼ Medium and 4x5 large format film cameras are examined. The course discusses the integration of mechanical and artistic principles in creating photographic images. It provides information applicable to digital and film cameras, lenses, exposure, and conceptual development. Students may also research photographic bodies of work that have had a large impact on society. Students are required to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.
PHTC 205 Documentary and Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of PHTC 101 or PHTC 125 Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course surveys documentary and photojournalism genre photography for its aesthetic, political, and social impact. Students may also research photographic bodies of work that have had a large impact on society.
PHTC 211 Wedding, Portrait and Event Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 101 and/or PHTC 125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. The course discusses the integration of mechanical and artistic principles in creating photographic images related to wedding, portrait and event photography. It provides information applicable to digital and film cameras, lenses, exposure, and conceptual development. Students are required to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college. Students should have preliminary knowledge in the use of Apple Computers. Students will receive instruction in foundational editing techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
PHTC 215 Photography Studio Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 101 or PHTC 125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. This course is an exploration of the photographic studio. Students will be introduced to studio lighting equipment and the principles of traditional lighting methods as well as contemporary commercial applications. Topics will vary per semester and individual student. Students are required to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.
PHTC 275 Advanced Digital Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration. The course covers advanced digital photography theory and practice in the contemporary use of the digital camera to create photographic images. Students receive instruction in digital photography techniques through assignments that build advanced technical skills. Topics covered: digital 35mm, medium and large format cameras, Leaf digital back, Apple Computers in order to use Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom for editing. Course provides experience with professional photography equipment and helps students develop creative thinking, idea execution and preparation to enter the photography professional work force. Students are required to purchase additional supplies.
PHTC 298 Special Studies in Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHTC 101 or PHTC 125 Instructional materials fee of $30.00 is required for this course and must be paid at registration.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is an exploration of various techniques and subjects related to photography and photographic processes. Topics will vary per semester and individual student. Content and unit credit to be determined by student/ instructor conferences and/or department. Students are required to purchase additional supplies not provided by college.