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Photography

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Art Photography

The Art Photography Associate in Arts degree is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in fine art photography, with an emphasis on black-and-white photography, film-based processes and traditional darkroom practices. The program integrates technical skill development with critical analysis, visual literacy, and an exploration of historical and contemporary photographic practices.

Students engage with photography as both a creative and conceptual medium, examining photographic history, theory, and current debates while developing a cohesive body of work. Coursework emphasizes intentional image-making, craftsmanship, and reflective practice in support of individual artistic voice.

Students intending to transfer to a four-year institution are encouraged to consult the lower-division requirements of their intended university to ensure appropriate course selection and transfer alignment.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 443 Art Gallery Operations (3) 3
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation (3) 3
PHOTO 301 Beginning Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 310 Intermediate Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 421 Photographic Theory, Concepts and Aesthetics (3) 3
   or PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3)
PHOTO 365 Alternative Process Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 360 Large Format Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 364 Advanced Black and White Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 366 Advanced Alternative Process Photography (3)
Total Units: 27

The Art Photography Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • SLO #1 Produce a cohesive portfolio of fine art photographs that demonstrates creative self-expression, intentional decision-making, and technical proficiency across a range of themes, approaches, and personal perspectives.
  • SLO #2 Apply silver-based and alternative black-and-white photographic processes to create expressive and well-crafted images.
  • SLO #3 Operate a range of film-based cameras, including medium- and large-format systems, to achieve specific aesthetic and conceptual outcomes.
  • SLO #4 Analyze key developments in the history of photography, situating photographic works within their cultural, historical, and artistic contexts.
  • SLO #5 Evaluate contemporary photographic theories, trends, and aesthetic approaches and relate them to personal image-making practices and broader cultural contexts.

Career Information

Completion of the Art Photography Associate in Arts degree prepares students for entry-level opportunities and further study in photography and related visual arts fields. Potential career pathways include fine art photographer, photographic assistant, gallery or museum staff, exhibition technician or preparator, and entry-level curatorial support roles. Students may also pursue work as general photographers or continue their education at a four-year institution in photography, studio art, or related disciplines. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.


A.A. in Photography

The Photography AA program provides students with a strong foundation in photographic technique, visual literacy, and creative practice. The program supports students pursuing careers in photography-related fields, preparing for transfer to four-year institutions, or seeking to develop photography as a form of visual expression within a broader creative or professional context.

Students gain hands-on experience with both digital and analog processes while exploring the history, theory, and contemporary practices of photography. Coursework emphasizes intentional image making, critical thinking, and the development of a cohesive body of work. As students progress through the program, they are encouraged to refine their personal voice, engage in critique, and consider the cultural, ethical, and conceptual dimensions of photography.

The flexibility of the program allows students to explore specific areas of interest within photography, including fine art, documentary, studio, and applied practices. Students planning to transfer to a four-year degree program in Photography or a related discipline are encouraged to consult the lower-division requirements of their intended transfer institution.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
1st Semester:
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography (3) 3
2nd Semester:
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography (3) 3
2nd Semester:
PHOTO 320 Color Photography (3) 3
4th Semester:
PHOTO 340 Careers in Photography 3
1st semester:
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging 3
1st semester:
PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 421 Photographic Theory, Concepts and Aesthetics (3)
4th Semester:
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
1st Semester:
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society 3
3rd Semester:
RTVF 302 Introduction to Digital Design & Storytelling (3) 3
   or RTVF 304 Introduction to Multimedia (3)
3rd Semester:
PHOTO 370 Portraiture Techniques I (3) 3
   or PHOTO 390 Studio Lighting Techniques I (3)
4th Semester:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PHOTO 260 The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley (2)
PHOTO 271 Color Management and Printing (1.5)
PHOTO 272 Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 273 Video Capture with DSLRs (1.5)
PHOTO 274 Digital Photography Basics (1.5)
PHOTO 275 Digital Applications for Alternative Processes (1.5)
PHOTO 277 Creating a Digital Portfolio (1.5)
PHOTO 278 Flash Photography (1.5)
PHOTO 279 Advanced Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
Total Units: 33

The Photography Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 analyze the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual qualities of effective photographic images.
  • PSLO #2 apply a range of lighting techniques to create intentional photographic images.
  • PSLO #3 create photographs using a variety of camera systems and photographic tools.
  • PSLO #4 produce photographic work using analog and digital processes, including printing and digital output.
  • PSLO #5 develop a cohesive portfolio and related professional materials appropriate for employment, exhibition, or transfer.
  • PSLO #6 demonstrate effective and ethical working relationships with clients, subjects, and collaborators.
  • PSLO #7 develop a personal visual voice informed by skill development, experimentation, critique, and reflective practice.

Career Information

Studio Photography; Portrait & Wedding Photography; Photographic Lab Technician; Photojournalism; Industrial or Architectural Photography. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

Certificates of Achievement

Commercial and Studio Photography Certificate

The Commercial and Studio Photography Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers in studio-based and commercial photographic fields. The program emphasizes professional lighting techniques, concept-driven image making, and industry-standard workflows used in contemporary photographic practice.

Students gain hands-on experience working with strobe lighting, studio equipment, and controlled shooting environments while developing the technical and creative skills required for commercial work. Coursework also introduces students to professional practices such as client collaboration, branding, self-promotion, business strategies, and efficient production workflows.

Students design and refine portfolios tailored to their individual career goals, preparing them for employment, freelance opportunities, or continued study in photography and related visual media fields.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 320 Color Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 340 Careers in Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3) 3
PHOTO 360 Large Format Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 390 Studio Lighting Techniques I 3
PHOTO 392 Studio Lighting Techniques II 3
PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 421 Photographic Theory, Concepts and Aesthetics (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PHOTO 260 The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley (2)
PHOTO 271 Color Management and Printing (1.5)
PHOTO 272 Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 273 Video Capture with DSLRs (1.5)
PHOTO 274 Digital Photography Basics (1.5)
PHOTO 275 Digital Applications for Alternative Processes (1.5)
PHOTO 277 Creating a Digital Portfolio (1.5)
PHOTO 278 Flash Photography (1.5)
PHOTO 279 Advanced Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 263 Cell Phone Photography (1.5)
Total Units: 30

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 create photographs using a variety of traditional and digital camera systems appropriate to commercial applications.
  • PSLO #2 design and execute strobe lighting setups in studio and on-location environments for photographing people and products.
  • PSLO #3 develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates technical proficiency, visual consistency and readiness for commercial photography work.
  • PSLO #4 define business goals and implement self-promotion and branding strategies appropriate to commercial photography practice.
  • PSLO #5 collaborate effectively with photographers, designers, clients, and creative teams to produce compelling commercial images.

Career Information

studio assistant, studio photographer, freelance photographer, editorial photographer, lab manager


Fine Art Photography Certificate

The fine art photography program is designed for students who want to enter a career path in fine art photography. Students will use a variety of cameras and formats to produce images in both color and black and white. Personal expression and creativity, history and contemporary issues in photography and visual communication will also be emphasized.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 301 Beginning Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 310 Intermediate Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 364 Advanced Black and White Photography (3)
PHOTO 320 Color Photography 3
PHOTO 360 Large Format Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 365 Alternative Process Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 366 Advanced Alternative Process Photography (3)
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3) 3
PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3) 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PHOTO 260 The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley (2)
PHOTO 272 Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 273 Video Capture with DSLRs (1.5)
PHOTO 275 Digital Applications for Alternative Processes (1.5)
PHOTO 277 Creating a Digital Portfolio (1.5)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 278 Flash Photography (1.5)
Total Units: 24

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 communicate visual ideas in a variety of formats
  • PSLO #2 describe important historical and contemporary movements in photography
  • PSLO #3 produce a portfolio of images emphasizing personal creativity and self expression

Career Information

freelance photographer, editorial photographer, photojournalist, gallery apprentice, museum apprentice, teacher


Portraiture and Wedding Photography Certificate

The Portraiture and Wedding Photography Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers in portrait and wedding photography. The program emphasizes working with people in real-world settings, combining technical lighting skills with strong interpersonal communication, storytelling, and visual consistency.

Students learn to pose and direct subjects, collaborate effectively with clients, and work confidently in both controlled and unpredictable lighting environments. Coursework covers the use of studio strobes, available light, and hybrid lighting approaches commonly used in portrait and event photography. Students will develop an intentional portfolio tailored to portrait and wedding photography markets.

In addition to image making, the program introduces essential professional practices including client management, business strategies, self-promotion, branding, and efficient workflow methods. Upon completion, students are prepared to pursue employment, freelance opportunities, or continued study in photography and related visual media fields.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 320 Color Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 340 Careers in Photography (3) 3
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3) 3
   or PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3)
PHOTO 370 Portraiture Techniques I 3
PHOTO 372 Portraiture Techniques II 3
PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 421 Photographic Theory, Concepts and Aesthetics (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PHOTO 260 The Eastern Sierra Landscape, Yosemite Valley (2)
PHOTO 271 Color Management and Printing (1.5)
PHOTO 272 Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 273 Video Capture with DSLRs (1.5)
PHOTO 274 Digital Photography Basics (1.5)
PHOTO 275 Digital Applications for Alternative Processes (1.5)
PHOTO 277 Creating a Digital Portfolio (1.5)
PHOTO 278 Flash Photography (1.5)
PHOTO 279 Advanced Lightroom (1.5)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 263 Cell Phone Photography (1.5)
Total Units: 27

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 create photographs using a variety of traditional and digital camera systems appropriate to portrait and wedding photography.
  • PSLO #2 design and apply strobe and available lighting techniques to effectively photograph clients and models in controlled and real-world environments.
  • PSLO #3 develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates technical proficiency, visual consistency, and readiness for portrait and wedding photography work.
  • PSLO #4 define business goals and implement self-promotion, branding, and workflow strategies appropriate to portrait and wedding photography.
  • PSLO #5 collaborate effectively with clients, models, and other professionals to achieve a shared visual and storytelling goal.

Career Information

photographer's assistant, wedding photographer, portrait photographer, studio assistant, editorial photographer, photojournalist