Photography
19 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHOT 100 Black and White Film Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the mechanics, optics, chemistry, lighting principles, and practices of analog photography using film. Explores the history, aesthetics, and the conceptualization of photographic imagery. Includes darkroom procedures in developing, printing, and finishing black and white photographic materials.
PHOT 105 Intermediate Black and White Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 100
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continues the study of the art and techniques associated with black and white photography. Problems relating to small and medium format camera systems and optics will be identified and compared. Further refinement in darkroom procedures and aesthetics will be explored.
PHOT 120 Digital Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to theory, mechanics, optics, lighting principles, and practices of photography using Digital Cameras. Explores the history, aesthetics, and the conceptualization of photographic imagery. Photographic seeing is stressed. Includes practices and procedures for image capture, asset management, software developing, printing, finishing and presentation and critique. Students are required to have an adjustable digital camera with manual exposure and RAW format capabilities.
PHOT 125 History and Criticism of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey of the history of photography from its invention to modern times and its development as an art and communication medium. Examines important photographers, their lives and works, in order to establish a critical understanding of photography and its place in our culture.
PHOT 130 Photoshop for Photographers I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
The technology of digital photography, the computer, and inkjet printers. Emphasis on industry standard image editing software as the primary photographic processing and manipulation tools. Continuing instruction in digital image processing directed toward photographic output. Development of capabilities and use of the digital darkroom.
PHOT 135 Photoshop for Photographers II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
A continuing investigation into the technology, theory and aesthetics of digital photography with instruction on advanced digital image processing from a photographic perspective. Emphasis will be on: creating outstanding imagery, perfecting output through the advance use of image editing software, and advancing visual literacy.
PHOT 140 Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- PHOT 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- JOUR 160
A study of the history and practice of photojournalism, providing specific application through photographing for The Telescope, Palomar College's newspaper. Student must provide own camera.
PHOT 145 Advanced Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 140
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to further develop those skills learned in PHOT 140. Provides advanced-level staffing for the college newspaper, magazine, and website. Emphasizes the use of multimedia productions, such as slide shows and DSLR video.
PHOT 160 Photography: Professional Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is intended to prepare students for success after leaving Palomar by developing the materials and skills necessary to succeed beyond Palomar either in entering the creative workforce or continuing their education. The class will develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in a professional creative environment. The class will guide students through the creation of a customized marketing plan, personal brand, professional best practices, communication strategies, ethics, unique legal issues that creative independents face as well as basic pricing, contracts, and related concerns. This class is designed for students wishing to work as professional photographers but is also applicable to any creative professional.
PHOT 171 Landscape Photography and Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
A photographic exploration of the interaction, influences and impact connecting humans, nature and the landscape.
PHOT 197C Photography Topics: General
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 0.50-4.00 hours lecture, 1.50-12.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics in Photography, General. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.
PHOT 209 Photographic Portfolio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 105 or PHOT 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study portfolio design and production, goal-setting, and market research. Develop resumes, artist statements, and cover and inquiry letters. Employ self-promotion techniques for a range of career, scholastic and artistic purposes. Develop visual literacy, analytical skills and subjective thought.
PHOT 210 Advanced Black and White Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 105
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An exploration of the creative and technical possibilities of the View Camera through various assignments aimed at developing a personal style and approach to the production of quality black and white photography. A study of the relationship between film exposure and development and its application in the "zone system" is stressed.
PHOT 215 Creative Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 100
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of photography as an art form using both conventional and non-conventional silver and non-silver processes to permit broad variations and approaches to photographic expression.
PHOT 220 Commercial Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
Considerations of professional technical fundamentals in lighting, camera systems, digital workflow and management as applied in studio and location photography for commercial, advertising, and promotional purposes.
PHOT 221 Beginning Forensic Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class will provide an introduction to forensic photography. It will include basic camera and exposure functions, and the tenets of photographing a crime scene.
PHOT 222 Advanced Forensic Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 221
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with advanced training in forensic photography, emphasizing specialized techniques for crime scene documentation and evidentiary presentation. Students will refine their skills using still photography, video, and digital imaging tools. Instruction includes the application of advanced photographic methods for investigative documentation, courtroom presentations, police training, public information, and community engagement. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, integrity, and clarity in evidentiary photography to support law enforcement investigations and legal proceedings.
PHOT 225 Photographic Portraiture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
Techniques and styles of photographic portraiture. Studio and non-studio applications will be explored using black and white and color films or digital capture. Emphasis on lighting equipment and techniques.
PHOT 295 Directed Study in Photography
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3.33-12.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- PHOT 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent study for advanced students dealing with projects or research in areas not covered by regular classes. Students will work under the guidance of an instructor.