Credit
13 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHOT 109 Introduction to Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHOT 190/JOUR 190
Students learn the fundamentals of photography including techniques of camera operation, photo composition and lighting, basic digital imaging editing, photo printing paper characteristics, print finishing techniques, and image enhancement techniques using industry-standard hardware and software. Students participate in critiques that emphasize the objective and subjective qualities of their work.
PHOT 130 Digital Assets Management
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 (18 lecture)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explains both the purpose of digital asset management systems and why you need one. Step-by-step workflow, software, and ‘best practices’ in managing your digital content. Recommended for Photographers, Graphic Designers, Photojournalists, Journalists, and other creative people involved with image generation and storage.
PHOT 140 Travel and Street Photography
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 (18 lecture)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Covers the fundamentals of travel and street photography to capture stunning images. Includes basic composition, quality of light, exposure variables and workflow suggestions. Designed for beginning-to-intermediate photographers who understand the basic operation of their own camera. Assignments include how to improve landscapes, cityscapes, and appreciate ethical standards when taking photos.
PHOT 180 Digital Darkroom
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOTO 109 and MAT 131.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Fundamentals of digital imaging, enhancements and manipulations as well as latest in printing technologies; simulate traditional alternative process; special effects; sharpening methods; retouching and natural media techniques; including Giclee printing. Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is beneficial. Emphasis on a digital portfolio and conceptual assignments.
PHOT 190 Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOTO 209 and PHOT 109.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- JOUR 160
Skills and techniques of contemporary photojournalism. Topics include news and editorial sources, photographing single events and extended picture stories, and ethics. Skills include control of color, portable electronic flash, and electronic processes for contemporary publication.
PHOT 209 Intermediate Photography and Lighting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of studio lighting and location lighting. Designed particularly for students who are familiar with basic photography and wish to learn more about advanced techniques in photographic composition, studio lighting, special effects, lighting equipment and various digital photography techniques.
PHOT 215 The Business of Photography
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 (18 lecture)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109.
A course dedicated to teaching students about the business of photography. Students learn to create a business plan, marketing, pricing, invoicing and budgeting in order to run a successful business in the imaging industries.
PHOT 250 Fine Art Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of classic and contemporary styles of fine art. Students will translate their own personal vision by responding to the major art movements with their camera.
PHOT 260 Portfolio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109 and PHOT 180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students produce a professional portfolio based on the style and passion of their own vision. Students learn communication, business, design and presentation skills to best present their work.
PHOT 270 Digital Image Retouching
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 (27 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- PHOT 109 and PHOT 180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn the basics of digital retouching using image editing software. They will learn to both remove or add image details and repair damaged or aged files. Skills necessary to increase the quality of digital photo files using editing software techniques will be taught.
PHOT 280 Advanced Photography and Lighting Strategies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109, PHOT 209.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Designed to take photo, video, and multimedia students beyond basic lighting techniques. Lighting systems include studio, portable electronic strobe and continuous light sources. Location and set lighting covered, with emphasis on establishing mood and matching existing light conditions. Topics include lighting people, building interiors and exteriors, small product, large set lighting and photographing for digital composites.
PHOT 281 Digital Darkroom II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 180.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Advanced techniques for color management, enhancements, and archival digital printing technologies in RGB. Timeline editing for video and natural media techniques. Emphasis on creating a digital portfolio through a series of conceptual assignments to expand your creativity.
PHOT 285 Color Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109, PHOT 180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamentals of color management for CMYK and RGB output. Professional calibration methods for scanners, printers, color monitors and digital capture systems. For graphic artists and photographers who are looking for more advanced techniques in color correction, ICC profile systems, work flow automation, and multiple-device matching for optimal reproduction quality.