Photography
15 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHOTO 1 History of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
History and appreciation of photographic imagery from a broad range of artists from around the world. Course includes the diverse role photography has played in the communication of social ideas. May be offered as an Honors course.
PHOTO 7 Beginning Digital Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the principles of photography including the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology and post-production, and materials and equipment. Emphasis on critical issues in photography within the context of contemporary art, contemporary media, and photo history.
PHOTO 9 Beginning Photoshop and Digital Imaging
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course using computer imaging applications in photography and digital arts that explores the creative potential of imaging software used by visual artists. Students establish familiarity with output devices, hardware, and software such as Adobe Photoshop. The creation of digital art is examined within the framework of current issues in art and culture.
PHOTO 10 Beginning Darkroom Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the principles of photography. Emphasis on issues in photography in the context of art, mass media, and media history, using camera. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in photography. Instruction in the basic principles of black-and-white photography with darkroom or equivalent experience.
PHOTO 11 Intermediate Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 10
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuation of the principles learned in Photography 10 with more advanced film-based, conceptual, and technical approaches to contemporary photography. Students must furnish an adjustable camera.
PHOTO 12 Studio Lighting
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the use of studio equipment and lighting techniques. Throughout the semester, emphasis will also be on composition, aesthetic judgment, and visual communication. Understanding lighting is critical to photography. Topics include portraits, still life, advertising, and art photography. Students must furnish an adjustable camera.
PHOTO 13 Fine Art Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will explore photography as an art form. The focus will be on contemporary issues in art photography. Emphasis on students making photographic artwork.
PHOTO 20 Marketing and Advertising Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to commercial publications and mediums that use photography to convey visual information, including photojournalism, sports, advertising, and editorials. Focus on the technical and aesthetic aspects of photo creation and the resulting impact of that communication.
PHOTO 50 Introduction to Color Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10
- Advisory
- PHOTO 9
- Transfers to
- CSU
Basic background in the aesthetics, history, theory, techniques, and materials of color photography.
PHOTO 429 Wedding and Event Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10
Photographic techniques used by contemporary wedding, quinceanera, and other events photographers. Subjects covered include: composition, subject posing, selection and use of cameras, lenses, filters, set-ups, lighting, special effects, basic digital workflow, as well as business presentations and sales strategies. Students will produce a web portfolio of projects.
PHOTO 430 Fine Art Photography Portfolio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 13
Designed for photography students interested in furthering their conceptual and technical skills learned in Fine Art Photography through individually directed work in a supervised studio/lab environment with regular group, individual, and written critiques and reviews. Emphasis is on the development of a fine art portfolio.
PHOTO 436 Studio Lighting Portfolio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10 and; PHOTO 12
This course is designed for photography students interested in further honing skills learned in Studio Lighting through individually directed work in a supervised studio environment. Regular group, individual, and written critiques and reviews with an emphasis on the development of work suitable for portfolio review are included.
PHOTO 438 Marketing and Advertising Photography Portfolio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10 and; PHOTO 20
This course is designed for photography students interested in further honing skills learned in photography for media through individually directed work in a supervised environment with regular group, individual, and written critiques and reviews with an emphasis on the development of work suitable for a media-based portfolio review.
PHOTO 439 Wedding and Event Photography Portfolio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 or PHOTO 10 and; PHOTO 429
Designed for photography students interested in further honing skills learned in wedding, quinceañera, and other event photography. Individually directed work in a supervised studio/lab environment that includes group and individual critiques, along with reviews that put an emphasis on the development of a professional portfolio.
PHOTO 450 Color Photography Portfolio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: PHOTO 7 and; PHOTO 50
Designed for photography students interested in furthering their conceptual and technical skills learned in Color Photography through individually directed work in a supervised mentorship with regular meetings, individual and written critiques, and reviews. Emphasis is on the development of a color photography portfolio.