Skip to main content

Las Positas College statements on hate speech and freedom of expression Read more.

Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Download PDF

Photography Courses

PHTO 29P - Independent Study, Photography

0.5 - 2 units

Supervised study in the area of Photography. Any student interested in registering for a Independent Studies course should contact a full/part-time instructor or dean in the appropriate area. 27-108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 29V - Independent Study, Video Production

0.5 - 2 units

Supervised study in the area of Video Production. Any student interested in registering for a Independent Studies course should contact a full/part-time instructor or dean in the appropriate area. 27-108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 50 - Introduction to Photography

3 units

Introduction to the history and development of photography, basic processes, various types of cameras, materials, basic shooting, processing, developing, and printing of photographs. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 51A - Individual Projects A

1.5 units

Individual projects in digital or film-based photography at the intermediate to advanced level. Development of knowledge and skills acquired in previous or current photography work with emphasis on current projects. 9 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 51B - Individual Projects B

1.5 units

Continued study on advanced topics of photography and exhibition, installation, and portfolio of photography. 9 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 51A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 56 - Introduction to Digital Photography

1.5 units

The course covers basics for the beginner’s use of digital cameras, film and flatbed scanners, and use of Adobe software for image adjustments. Exploration of digital photography compared with traditional photographic approaches and processes. Operation of Adobe digital imaging software for preparation of web site photos and print output, in both black and white and in color. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 57 - Intermediate Digital Photography

1.5 units

This course covers digital photography including intermediate and advanced digital image capture assignments, camera use, digital manipulation using software such as Adobe Photoshop, and preparation of image files for display printing and use on the Web. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 58 - Introduction to Videography

3 units

Introduction to the theory and practice of video production and non-linear video editing, including project production phases, time-based visual and sound design and recording, lighting basics, camera types and camera operation, video output, working creatively in a collaborative environment, industry standards, and using an Apple computer. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 60 - Intermediate Black and White Photography

3 units

Using exposure/development controls related to black and white negative materials. Development of intermediate/advanced print making skills. Emphasis on visual and critical problems related to black and white photography. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 64A - Artificial Light Photography

3 units

Photography using light sources selected and manipulated by the photographer, use of light sources in a controlled situation to achieve technically accurate renditions of subject matter and to make successful visual statements, and lighting techniques for product, still life, and portrait photography. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 66 - Digital Imaging

3 units

The course covers desktop digital imaging systems including editing software, scanning, camera use, and digital printing. Students will learn to use devices for image capture, storage, output, how to apply traditional photographic controls to enhance image quality in the digital medium, and to digitally manipulate images using digital editing software. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 67 - History of Photography

3 units

A broad chronological survey of photography from its invention to the present. Considers the medium’s dual role as technology and art, addresses a multiplicity of photographic themes and purposes, and considers the intersections of photography and technology, history, art, and everyday life. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 68 - Color Field Photography

3 units

This course covers the use of either digital photography or color slide or negative film to explore the solution of special technical and visual problems encountered in location shooting. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.  Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 69 - Intermediate Videography

3 units

This course covers intermediate level digital video production to integrate and build upon prior videography skills. Emphasis is on creative expression, improving all production values, higher quality of finished edited project, and distribution of well-executed videos to festivals and websites. Class is taught with the use of Apple computers. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 58 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 70 - Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers

3 units

Learn to use Lightroom and Photoshop in a workflow designed for digital photographers. Learn best practices for digital workflows, database management, non-destructive parametric editing, color management, and output to print, web, slideshows, and photo book. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, GDDM 70 may not receive credit. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

PHTO 72 - Introduction to Photojournalism

3 units

This course deals with the photographer as a journalist, focusing on theory and practice in press and publications photography, with emphasis on using the camera as a reporting and communications tool. Covered are news and feature photography and photographic essays, including composition, impact, and creativity, for newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and other mass communications media. Understanding and applying photojournalistic and basic technical and visual skills in the making of successful reportage photographs. Consideration of the work of major 20th and 21st century photojournalists. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, JAMS 12 may not receive credit. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC*; C-ID# JOUR 160. * JAMS 12, JAMS 23, PHTO 72 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

Recommended Course Preparation: PHTO 50 with a minimum grade of C and/or PHTO 56 with a minimum grade of C and/or GDDM 53 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass