Photography
Associate of Science (AS) Photography · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Photography curriculum is carefully designed to build fundamental technical skills in the operation of traditional and digital camera systems. In addition, all classes emphasize the importance of creativity and originality in image-making through a progressive series of conceptual assignments. Basics in digital imaging, editing and creative manipulations, digital printing and color management technologies are provided from entry-level classes and throughout the entire curriculum. The program develops the historic relevance of photography in art and multimedia as well as provides a foundation in creative digital processes that will integrate into the workplace. Our digital classrooms include state-of-the-art service bureau-quality equipment and archival printers to thoroughly prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in the workplace.
The program provides a thorough overview of Digital cameras; build conceptual skills as well as technical fundamentals; integrate digital darkroom skills for image editing and enhancements, and to perfect digital printing skills. Students will be prepared for higher educational enterprises as well as solid skills ready for today's workplace.
Conceptual development combined with technical skills will prepare students for jobs in a vast variety of fields both business and art related. Photography supports higher education needs in visual delivery systems, as well as workplace specific skills supporting media arts, websites, newsprint, the mobile media, e-books/magazines, advertisements and most collateral sales materials.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| PHOT 109 | Introduction to Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 209 | Intermediate Photography and Lighting | 3 |
| List A - Complete 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
| PHOT 130 | Digital Assets Management | |
| PHOT 140 | Travel and Street Photography | |
| PHOT 180 | Digital Darkroom | |
| PHOT 190/JOUR 190 | Photojournalism | |
| PHOT 250 | Fine Art Photography | |
| PHOT 260 | Portfolio | |
| PHOT 280 | Advanced Photography and Lighting Strategies | |
| PHOT 285 | Color Management | |
| Total Units | 18.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Use digital and traditional cameras.
- Perform scanning and digital printing.
- Perform lighting in studio.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.