# Photography (PHOT) courses San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 20 courses Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/15522/15846/15848/15523/15592 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027. ### PHOT 100 — Introduction to Darkroom Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is an introduction to basic camera handling skills and the diverse, global aesthetics of black and white film photography. Emphasis is placed on how to use 35mm cameras, lenses, enlargers, and related equipment. Topics include black and white film processing, darkroom printing, print presentation, and critical image analysis. Proper film exposure and utilizing compositional skills and techniques to create original images is also covered. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 102A — Directed Darkroom Studies I - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 48-54 hours lab - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for PHOT 102 - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is the first in a series of four courses of supervised darkroom studies. Emphasis is placed on basic film development and silver gelatin darkroom printing. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 102B — Directed Darkroom Studies II - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 102A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is the second in a series of four courses of supervised darkroom studies. Emphasis is placed on intermediate darkroom photography skills, medium format film and printing techniques, and silver gelatin toning techniques. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 102C — Directed Darkroom Studies III - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 102B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is the third in a series of four courses of supervised darkroom studies. Emphasis is placed on intermediate-advanced darkroom photography skills, experimental darkroom processes, and non-traditional camera usages. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 102D — Directed Darkroom Studies IV - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 102C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is the final in a series of four courses of supervised darkroom studies. Emphasis is placed on large format film and advanced photographic darkroom skills and printing techniques. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 135 — Intermediate Darkroom Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This hands-on course provides students with intermediate-level instruction and practice in black and white film exposure and darkroom printing techniques. Emphasis is placed on various methods for enhancing black and white negatives and print quality. Topics include composition, visual communication skills, use of light, print toning, and experimental film and cameras, including 35mm and medium format. The analysis of diverse historical and contemporary experimental photographers is also covered. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 143 — Introduction to Digital Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is an introduction to digital photography. Emphasis is placed on the methods and processes used for making, refining, and sharing digital photographs, including aesthetics, composition, and photographic communication. Techniques presented throughout the course are rooted in pre-digital age photography, applicable to a variety of current photographic genres and methodologies, and provide a solid base for future photographic advancements. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 144 — Photographic Lighting Techniques - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for PHOT 200, 200A, or 201A - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of photographic lighting. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a foundational understanding of lighting concepts, techniques, and equipment used in film and digital photography, adhering to industry standard practices. Topics include working effectively with available light, manipulating and controlling photographic light in studio and on location, and experimenting creatively with light to fulfill one’s own photographic vision. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 150 — History of Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a survey of the global history and development of photography. Emphasis is placed on the various scientific and aesthetic issues involved in creating the “light-based” image, from its experimental beginnings through the digital age. Topics include the social, cultural, and ethical impacts of photography, the chemical and optical requirements of the process, and the major diverse historical figures in the development of photography and photographic genres. This course is designed for students interested in the history of photography as well as photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. Remove additional instructional supplies as they are no longer needed. ### PHOT 170 — Business and Marketing for Photographers - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 181 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for PHOT 125 - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of the essentials of running a successful photography business, including organization, management, and marketing. Emphasis is placed on exploring diverse photographic markets, finding one’s own niche, and building sustainable and ethical business practices. Topics include business planning, financial management, contracts, copyright law, branding, portfolio and website development, and social media marketing. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking business opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 181 — Photo Editing: Lightroom and Photoshop - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of photographic image editing. Emphasis is placed on industry-standard tools and techniques to enhance, manipulate, retouch, and composite images, using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Topics include developing a consistent workflow that includes image acquisition, organization, editing, output, and archiving. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography or digital image editing. ### PHOT 205 — Travel Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course covers concepts and techniques for creating film and digital photographs while traveling. Emphasis is placed on logistics, travel plans, equipment selection, and travel theory. Topics include narrative storytelling, the ethics of global travel photographs, and the presentation of creative work in person and on social media. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 215 — Photojournalism and Documentary Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for DJRN 215 if taken in the last five years - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course covers the use of photographs to illustrate news stories, feature stories, and other narrative content. Emphasis is placed on various approaches to the creation of imagery, from the objective news photo to the persuasive documentary image. Topics include the photojournalist’s interactions with the photo editor/buyer, ethical concerns and power dynamics in the profession, and the equipment used by professional photojournalists in the field. This course is designed for photography majors, journalism students, and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 220 — Portrait and Fashion Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 144 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** PHOT 181 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of the practice of portrait and fashion photography. Emphasis is placed on styles, approaches, and techniques used to create original and commercially viable images in the studio or on location. Topics include lighting strategies, composition, posing, lens selection, and working with models, clients, and a team to fulfill a photographic vision. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 230 — Advertising and Product Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 144 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 181 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of advertising and product photography. Emphasis is placed on photographic concepts, procedures, and techniques to create and produce images designed to sell a product or service. Topics include collaborating with clients and art directors, working to creative briefs and layouts, staging, propping, and lighting for various product types, editing and retouching, and adhering to deliverable specifications. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in advertising and product photography. ### PHOT 235 — Advanced Darkroom Techniques - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** PHOT 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This hands-on course concentrates on advanced theories and practices of global black and white darkroom photography, including professional applications, specialized processes, and the mastery of darkroom skills with an emphasis on individual expression. Topics include advanced printing techniques, large format film characteristics, paper types, advanced print toning, archival processing, matting and presentation, digital negative inkjet printing, and professional exhibition methods. The analysis of diverse historical and contemporary analog photographers is also covered. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 245 — Landscape and Nature Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course explores the application of film and digital photography in natural environments. From images of the "Grand Landscape" to details and abstracts drawn from nature, the class studies how light, exposure, composition, concepts of isolation and context, color theory, various camera exposure techniques, and camera-less experiments affect the final image. Students also analyze the effects of climate change on landscape photography by examining the works of global and Indigenous landscape and nature photographers and theorists, both historical and contemporary. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 255 — Wedding and Event Photography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** PHOT 181 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** PHOT 144 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for PHOT 257 - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a hands-on study of wedding and event photography. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a foundational understanding of industry-standard practices as well as mentoring students in developing their own style, workflows, techniques, and methodologies. Topics include collaborating with clients, assistants, and vendors; developing effective contracts, checklists, timelines, and shot lists; and photographing both methodically and intuitively in dynamic and high-stakes situations. This course is designed for photography majors and those seeking career opportunities in photography. ### PHOT 268 — Photographic Portfolio - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PHOT 181 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or PHOT 235 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** PHOT 144 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-city-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for PHOT 259, PHOT 259B, or PHOT 265B - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course provides students the opportunity to conceptualize, develop, and execute a print portfolio using digital or darkroom/alternative processes photography. Emphasis is placed on developing a sustainable and engaging personal creative process. Students complete a photographic portfolio reflecting their photographic vision and sense of professionalism as a basis for a fine art, documentary, or commercial photographic career and/or business. This course is designed for advanced digital and darkroom photography students. ### PHOT 290 — Independent Study in Photography - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 48-162 hours other - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Limitation on Enrollment: Obtain Permission Number from Instructor - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is designed for students who wish to pursue special projects or studies in the discipline and is not intended to replace an existing course. A written contract with the instructor is required. This course is designed for students pursuing photography majors and anyone interested in photography industries.