Photography
17 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
PHOT 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Photography 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Photography not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Photography projects (54 hours per unit). Note: Transfer limitations apply.
PHOT 101 Beginning Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Photography 51
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course that develops technical proficiency, critical examination of images, and an aesthetic and cultural awareness of the wide-ranging uses of photography historically and in contemporary society. Instruction will emphasize a foundational proficiency in camera operation, manual exposure settings, composition, lighting, digital camera use, and processing of digital photographs using tools such as Adobe Camera Raw. Also covered is the critical analysis of the aesthetic and technical merits of photographs. Note: May include instruction in analog film processing and darkroom printing techniques. There are digital cameras available on loan to students taking photography classes. This course satisfies the photography requirement for students majoring in journalism.
PHOT 102 Intermediate Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 106 or Photography 101 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Photography 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course continues the exploration of photography as a medium for communication and creativity, reinforcing and enhancing technical and conceptual skills acquired in Photography 101. Students will gain knowledge in intermediate camera control, color, basic studio lighting, digital workflow, editing with Adobe Lightroom Classic, printing and scanning negatives. They will apply their skills through practice across various genres such as portrait, landscape, documentary and product photography.
PHOT 106 Basic Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Formerly
- Photography 10
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction in the elementary aspects of photography with emphasis on principles and techniques of photojournalism, including camera use, news photography, feature photography, sports photography, photo essays, and caption writing. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to take photographs for campus student publications using digital cameras and computer software such as Photoshop. Note: This course is the same as Journalism 6.
PHOT 110 Digital Image Editing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- Photography 150 AND Photography 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to professional digital image editing techniques using industry-standard software such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Students will develop skills in file management, non-destructive editing, selection techniques, photo retouching, compositing, and preparing images for output across various media. Emphasis is placed on establishing efficient workflows from capture to final delivery while maintaining image quality and artistic integrity throughout the editing process.
PHOT 150 The Art of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of photography as an art form, which includes the evolution of photography as art. The course will also cover the aesthetic and cultural impact of photography as art. Also included is an examination of the techniques and methods of traditional and digital photography. Students will learn camera functions and develop their ability to analyze, evaluate, and compose photographs.
PHOT 202 Advanced Photography I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 102 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- Photography 110
- Formerly
- Photography 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced Photography I is designed for students who have completed Beginning and Intermediate Photography courses. This course emphasizes conceptual development, technical refinement, and intermediate lighting techniques in both studio and location settings. Students will explore various genres, develop a cohesive body of work, and engage in peer critiques.
PHOT 203 Advanced Photography II Portfolio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 202 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
This capstone course covers advanced photography skills and emphasizes the creation of a cohesive photographic portfolio for transfer or professional use. Students refine their technical skills and artistic vision, prepare work for public presentation, and explore career paths in photography. Emphasis is placed on curating cohesive bodies of work, professional practices, exhibition preparations, and digital/print portfolio presentation.
PHOT 204 Portraiture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 102 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 4
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of portrait photography in applications such as Editorial, Advertising, Fashion, Headshot, Documentary, Events, Fine-Arts, Conceptual, etc. The class discusses the cultural, historical, and psychological components of portrait photography. Technical skills include using natural, continuous, or strobe lighting to achieve different visual aesthetics in the studio and on location. The course also covers research, planning, posing, and marketing tools for portrait photographers. Laboratory techniques include digital image processing, basic retouching, and output for print and digital publishing.
PHOT 205 Portraiture Portfolio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 204
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This portraiture portfolio course is designed to help students build upon skills in portrait photography and develop a cohesive portfolio. Through an exploration of lighting, posing, advanced editing techniques, and conceptual development, students will enhance their ability to capture compelling and unique portraits. Emphasis will be placed on the technical and creative aspects of portraiture, including studio lighting setups, environmental portraits, and collaboration with subjects. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio that demonstrates their personal style and technical proficiency.
PHOT 206ab Advanced Photojournalism
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 106 or Journalism 6 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Formerly
- Photography 11ab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and laboratory experience in the taking and processing of photographs for publication in the college newspaper, newspaper website and news magazine. Students also receive experience in news, feature and sports photo editing, photo essay page design and layout, as well as digital photography and photo scanning techniques using Lightroom or other industry-standard photo-editing software. Students must also utilize social media, posting and sharing on a variety of current social media platforms. All students enrolled in this course produce content for scholastic competition on the regional, state and national level. Note: This course may be taken two semesters for either Journalism or Photography credit. Note: Journalism 7ab is the same course as Photography 206ab.
PHOT 223A Color and Lighting in Photography I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 102 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 23A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and techniques of color and lighting in still photography. Students will delve into the principles of color theory, properties of light, and learn how to effectively utilize color and lighting to evoke mood, convey meaning, and create visually compelling images. Through hands-on exercises and projects, students will develop proficiency in making high-quality color photographs, digital color correction and editing for print or digital publishing, controlling, and manipulating studio lighting techniques to enhance their photographic compositions. Color film scanning will also be introduced.
PHOT 223B Color and Lighting in Photography II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 223A with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 23B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This intermediate course is designed to deepen understanding and mastery of color theory and lighting techniques in photography. Building upon foundational knowledge in Photography 223A, this course delves deeper into the effective application of more complex color palettes in designing images and the creation of more intricate professional lighting setups in the studio or on site to create compelling visual narratives whether for personal expression, commercial applications, or artistic endeavors. Students will work on an extensive project over multiple weeks that includes research, light diagram construction, tethered photographing, high quality scanning (if applicable), color grading, retouching, print production and publishing etc.
PHOT 250A Photography Laboratory I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an opportunity for students who wish to gain additional hands-on experience in the lab to develop and expand their digital or film processing skills. Students will work on enhancing their portfolio through mastery of photographic finishing techniques.
PHOT 250B Photography Laboratory II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 250A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an opportunity for students who wish to gain additional hands-on experience in the lab to develop and expand their digital or film processing skills upon their completion of Photography 250A . Students will continue to work on enhancing their portfolio through mastery of photographic finishing techniques.
PHOT 254 35mm Black and White Photography
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 101 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students explore black and white 35mm analog and digital photographic techniques and processes with an emphasis on print quality. Students may also be introduced to additional techniques such as hand colored prints; infrared and high-contrast graphic films, and digital images.
PHOT 257 Creative Photographic Processes
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Photography 254 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Photography 57
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a course in creative photography with an emphasis on intermediate silver and non-silver-based photographic processes. Students will learn techniques like applying non-silver photographic emulsions to unconventional surfaces and creating unique photographic books.