
Contact Information

- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Patrick Marasso
- Associate Deans
- Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor

- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
Photography is offered as a creative means of visual expression with artistic and commercial application. Opportunities for experimental and applied aspects are provided from the beginning through advanced levels. A serious effort is made to structure offerings so that students can attain individual goals in the field of Photography. Photographic skills complement other diverse fields such as science, environmental studies, law enforcement, teaching, anthropology, art and real estate. This complementary aspect is also stressed in the program.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Photography are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.
Faculty
Kirkman Amyx
Professor, Photography
B.F.A., Art Center College of Design
M.F.A., San Jose State University
Photography Advisory Committee
- The Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley, Sacramento, CA
- Kat Walker Photography, Orangevale, CA
- Svitlana Vronska Photography, North Highlands, CA
- Ann Keen Photography, Auburn, CA
Degrees/Certificates
Associate Degree
Certificate of Achievement
Skills Certificates
Photography
AA or AS Degree
Positions for which students of photography are qualified are professional photographer, commercial photographer, advertising and photographic journalism. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements (Local General Education)
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
Required Courses:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0010 | History of Photography (also ARHI 0134) | 3 |
PHOT 0060A | Beginning Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0060B | The Creative Image | 3 |
PHOT 0065 | Documentary Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0070A | Studio Lighting | 3 |
PHOT 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | 3 |
PHOT 0078 | Digital Photography | 3 |
Select 4 units from the following: | 4 | |
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production | ||
Independent Study (up to 1 unit) | ||
Advanced Studio Lighting | ||
Advanced Projects in Photoshop (also AAD 0076) | ||
Color Photography | ||
Business Practices for Photographers | ||
Night Photography Field Workshop 1 | ||
or PHOT 0090J | Photojournalism Field Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090L | Field Workshop: Landscape | |
or PHOT 0090N | Color Nature Photography Field Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090P | Outdoor Portrait Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090T | Field Workshop: Travel Photography | |
or PHOT 0090U | Drone Photography and Videography | |
or PHOT 0090W | Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop | |
Alternative Processes | ||
Advanced Alternative Processes | ||
Internship in Photography (up to 2 units) | ||
Total Units | 25 |
Photography and Video
AS Degree
This interdisciplinary program of study will enable students to create technically and aesthetically successful still photographs and to capture and edit video with a solid narrative structure that meets client or employer needs. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements (Local General Education)
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0060A | Beginning Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0070A | Studio Lighting | 3 |
PHOT 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | 3 |
PHOT 0078 | Digital Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0089 | Documentary Filmmaking (also AAD 0089) | 3 |
AAD 0079 | Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production | 3 |
AAD 0082 | Intermediate Digital Filmmaking | 3 |
Select 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
Advanced Projects in Photoshop (also AAD 0076) | ||
Introduction to Motion Graphics | ||
Total Units | 24 |
Photography
Certificate of Achievement
A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0060A | Beginning Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0065 | Documentary Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0070A | Studio Lighting | 3 |
PHOT 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | 3 |
PHOT 0078 | Digital Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0080 | Color Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0088 | Business Practices for Photographers | 3 |
Select 7 units from the following: | 7 | |
Portfolio Design | ||
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production | ||
History of Photography | ||
Independent Study (up to 1 unit) | ||
The Creative Image | ||
Advanced Studio Lighting | ||
Advanced Projects in Photoshop (also AAD 0076) | ||
Night Photography Field Workshop 1 | ||
or PHOT 0090J | Photojournalism Field Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090L | Field Workshop: Landscape | |
or PHOT 0090N | Color Nature Photography Field Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090P | Outdoor Portrait Workshop | |
or PHOT 0090T | Field Workshop: Travel Photography | |
or PHOT 0090U | Drone Photography and Videography | |
or PHOT 0090W | Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop | |
Alternative Processes | ||
Advanced Alternative Processes | ||
Internship in Photography (up to 2 units) | ||
Total Units | 28 |
- 1
Only 2 units total may be taken from the PHOT 90B-90W workshop courses.
Photography and Video
Certificate of Achievement
A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0060A | Beginning Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0070A | Studio Lighting | 3 |
PHOT/AAD 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop | 3 |
PHOT/AAD 0076 | Advanced Projects in Photoshop | 3 |
PHOT 0078 | Digital Photography | 3 |
PHOT/AAD 0089 | Documentary Filmmaking | 3 |
AAD 0079 | Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production | 3 |
AAD 0082 | Intermediate Digital Filmmaking | 3 |
AAD 0093 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
Total Units | 27 |
Alternative Processes in Photography
Skills Certificate
For those students who want to broaden their expressive abilities beyond the traditional photographic image. Helps prepare students for creative image making for the advertising and portrait photography markets. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0060B | The Creative Image | 3 |
PHOT 0092 | Alternative Processes | 3 |
PHOT 0093 | Advanced Alternative Processes | 3 |
Total Units | 9 |
Color Photography
Skills Certificate
Assists in preparing students to create visually stimulating images utilizing the power of color. Focuses on the aesthetic use of color, as well as technical mastery of color balancing, accuracy and manipulation. These skills are necessary for both laboratory technicians and photographers. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 10 units from the following: | 10 | |
Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | ||
Digital Photography | ||
Color Photography | ||
Night Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit) | ||
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit) | ||
Total Units | 10 |
Digital Imaging
Skills Certificate
Designed for students interested in becoming proficient with photographic image capture, preparation and manipulation on the computer. Valuable for those preparing for a career as a photographer, photographic lab technician, or for those upgrading their skills. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHOT 0075 | Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | 3 |
PHOT 0076 | Advanced Projects in Photoshop (also AAD 0076) | 3 |
PHOT 0078 | Digital Photography | 3 |
PHOT 0080 | Color Photography | 3 |
Total Units | 12 |
Fine Art Photography
Skills Certificate
Designed to give students a broad range of skills used by both laboratory technicians and photographers. Students will be trained to handle a wide range of difficult assignments and creative techniques. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
History of Photography (also ARHI 0134)) | ||
The Creative Image | ||
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit) | ||
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Alternative Processes | ||
Advanced Alternative Processes | ||
Total Units | 12 |
Landscape Photography
Skills Certificate
Course work in landscape photography trains students in the techniques utilized in creating expressive images of the environment. Helps prepare students for capturing the landscape for stock photography use, magazines, web sites and other visual media. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 8 units from the following: | 8 | |
Digital Photography | ||
Color Photography | ||
Field Workshop: Landscape (up to 1 unit) | ||
Color Nature Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit) | ||
Total Units | 8 |
Narrative Photography
Skills Certificate
This certificate trains students to photograph assignments in such a way that they tell a story. Appropriate for those interested in gaining skills used by photojournalists, documentary and editorial photographers. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 10 units from the following: | 10 | |
The Creative Image | ||
Documentary Photography | ||
Color Photography | ||
or AAD 0079 | Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production | |
Field Workshop: Travel Photography (up to 1 unit) | ||
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Photojournalism Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Total Units | 10 |
Photographic Processes
Skills Certificate
Designed to give students a broad range of skills used by both laboratory technicians and photographers. Helps train students to handle a wide range of difficult assignments and creative techniques. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
The Creative Image | ||
Introduction to Photoshop (also AAD 0075) | ||
Digital Photography | ||
Color Photography | ||
Night Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Alternative Processes | ||
Total Units | 12 |
Portrait, Fashion and Wedding Photography
Skills Certificate
For those students interested in preparing for a career in portrait, fashion, or wedding photography. Designed to help train students in portrait techniques and portfolio presentation along with providing an opportunity for students to work with a photographer in the industry. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select 13 units from the following: | 13 | |
Studio Lighting | ||
Advanced Studio Lighting | ||
Digital Photography | ||
Business Practices for Photographers | ||
Outdoor Portrait Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop (up to 1 unit) | ||
Total Units | 13 |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
PHOT 0010. History of Photography
Units: 3
Also known as ARHI 134
Hours: 54 lecture
Historical survey of photography as an art form and communication tool from its invention to the present. Explores various perspectives including photography as an art form and a technology, influential themes, periods, and photographers. Investigates technical considerations, photography's role in mass culture, and other societal influences. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)
PHOT 0060A. Beginning Photography
Units: 3
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Utilizing digital and film cameras to create photographs that are technically competent and visually appealing. Elements of design and influence of photography as an art form examined. Topics include subject selection, exposure control, composition, lighting, printing, presentation, and responses to photographs within a framework of historical and ethnically and culturally diverse perspectives. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0060B. The Creative Image
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
The conceptual process, experimentation, and photographic tools of creative image making. Consideration of the work by historical and ethnically and culturally diverse photographers. Topics include creative camera and darkroom experimentation, medium format and toy cameras, pinhole photography, the traditional/digital darkroom and bookmaking. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0063. Digital Photography
Units: 3
Formerly known as PHOT 78
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Emphasis on practical use of the digital camera in real world situations. Creative and technical controls offered by digital cameras. Image file management and image optimization using Adobe Lightroom. Color management and digital printing. Basic video capture with digital still cameras. (CSU)
PHOT 0065. Documentary Photography
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Production of photographic essays and individual images that capture what is happening in the world around us. Historical origins and cultural impact of documentary photography and photojournalism. Emphasis on ethics, communication with single images and photographic essays. Bringing together photography and text, contemporary practitioners, and organization of visual essays. (CSU)
PHOT 0070A. Studio Lighting
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A and PHOT 75 or PHOT 78 with grade(s) of “C” or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
The application of studio lighting techniques to portrait and product photography. Concentration on creative and technical control of lighting, background, props and composition. Utilizes both studio strobe and continuous light sources. (CSU)
PHOT 0070B. Advanced Studio Lighting
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 70A with a grade of “C” or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Additional creative and technical work with studio lighting and portfolio development. Concentration on refining studio techniques used in commercial and fine art photography. Students create a focused body of work over the course of the semester. (CSU)
PHOT 0075. Introduction to Photoshop
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 75
Advisory: Completion of AAD 70 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Introduction to the acquisition and computer enhancements of digital images for design and photography. Analysis and critique of images from initial concept to final project creation. Basic scanning, image adjustments, retouching, compositing, and file preparation for printing and other uses. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0076. Advanced Projects in Photoshop
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 76
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 75 or AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Advanced digital project development using Photoshop. Creating original images from a variety of input devices including scanners and digital cameras. Speed building in editing techniques. Integration of other software programs. Evaluations and critiques of completed projects. (CSU)
PHOT 0079. Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Video Production
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 79 and COMM 31A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Use of digital cameras for producing short form video projects. Introduction to principles, techniques and the terminology of video production and digital filmmaking. Guided classroom exercises and projects, including pre-production planning, storytelling, video and audio recording techniques, on-location set-ups and studio set-ups, lighting for filmmaking, and basic video editing and output. (CSU)
PHOT 0080. Color Photography
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 78 or PHOT 75/AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Application of color theory and technical skills to create expressive color photographs. Study of the history of color photography, color symbolism, and color as a communication element in photography. Composition, exposure, and theme in creating effective color photographs also covered. Implementation of a color-managed workflow to produce accurate color from digital capture to print. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0088. Business Practices for Photographers
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of a minimum of three photography courses
Hours: 54 lecture
Successful business practices for commercial, portrait, and fine art photographers. Elements of starting and running a photography business, including overhead, taxes, insurance, copyright law, contracts, pricing and marketing. Overview of business resources provided by professional photography organizations. Creation of a business plan related to the students' career goals. (CSU)
PHOT 0089. Documentary Filmmaking
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 89
Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A/PHOT 79 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Examines the principles, techniques and terminology that are specific to documentary filmmaking. Students produce documentary films that incorporate industry standard pre-production preparation such as creating contracts, research, location surveys, and script writing. Major topics include camera operation, capturing b-roll, location sound recording, mixing, editing and formatting for distribution. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0090I. Night Photography Field Workshop
Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Intensive field workshop covering methods and processes of night, artificial and available light photography. Topics include camera and lens use, accessory equipment, metering, lighting, and the unique aspects of the event, region or situation being studied. (CSU)
PHOT 0090J. Photojournalism Field Workshop
Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Practical experience covering specific event(s). Visual styles, locations, methods, and processes of photojournalism explored. Topics include camera and lens use, composition, equipment, metering and lighting, working methods of photojournalists and the unique aspects of the event or region being studied. (CSU)
PHOT 0090L. Field Workshop: Landscape
Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Exploration of landscape photography. Topics include camera and lens use, composition, equipment, metering and lighting, the social contribution of landscape photography and the unique aspects of region being studied. Location of field study will vary. Students must supply camera, digital media or film and presentation materials. (CSU)
PHOT 0090N. Color Nature Photography Field Workshop
Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Application of color photography concepts in the field. Topics include subject selection, the impact and use of color, capturing accurate vs. altered color, equipment, composition, metering and overcoming the challenges of location and weather. (CSU)
PHOT 0090P. Outdoor Portrait Workshop
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Photographing individuals and groups in an outdoor setting. Topics include camera, lens and equipment selection, camera use, lighting, posing, and composition. (CSU)
PHOT 0090T. Field Workshop: Travel Photography
Units: 0.5-3
Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Intensive field workshop covering specific locations, methods and processes of travel photography. Includes visual themes, narrative and individual images, composition, equipment, exposure, selection and presentation of photographs. Overview of the population, habitat, environment and geography, culture and traditions of the region being studied. (CSU)
PHOT 0090U. Drone Photography and Videography
Units: 0.5-2
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Camera operation and flight maneuvers used by photographers and cinematographers to capture still and motion footage from UAV’s (drones). Topics covered include equipment selection, flight controls, safety, image capture and business opportunities. Students utilize department provided equipment. How to prepare for FAA certification will be discussed. (CSU)
PHOT 0090W. Wedding and Event Photography Field Workshop
Units: 0.5-1
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A or PHOT 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Documentation of weddings and events, such as: conferences, trade shows, public relations events, campaign rallies, performances, holiday parties and Quinceañeras. Working with portable flash, available light and mixed lighting. Posing and capturing groups and individuals in a timely manner. (CSU)
PHOT 0092. Alternative Processes
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Creative expression through alternative photographic processes, many of which were first developed in the 19th century and are known for producing expressive prints with a unique look. Merging of digital technology and non-traditional printing materials explored. Processes may include: cyanotype, salt printing, kallitype, anthotype, tintype, lumen, hand-coated silver emulsion, and inkjet transfers. (CSU)
PHOT 0093. Advanced Alternative Processes
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 92 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced study of alternative processes in photography designed to expand on the technical and creative concepts previously acquired. Exploration of the technical and aesthetic variations possible within the processes chosen for study. Creation of a cohesive fine art portfolio. (CSU)
PHOT 0095. Internship in Photography
Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to 54 hours of work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Analyze the major historical and contemporary trends and influences within the medium of photography.
- Critique photographs orally and in writing for content, composition, craftsmanship, and originality with terminology commonly used in art and photography.
- Create photographs demonstrating good exposure control under a wide variety of lighting situations, including both natural and studio lighting.
- Utilize the darkroom or computer to produce final images that have appropriate contrast, density and color as well as incorporate the elements of design, design, principles and compositional conventions.
- Distinguish between the key principles of copyright laws and understand industry business practices, and other legal and ethical considerations.
- Develop a portfolio of images that illustrates the student photographer's style, skill with the medium and subject area interests.