Photography
16 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
PHTO 70 Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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 may receive credit for GDDM 70 or PHTO 70, but not both.
PHTO 72 Introduction to Photojournalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- JOUR 160
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 may receive credit for JAMS 12 or PHTO 72, but not both.
PHTO 29P Independent Study, Photography
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 108 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 29V Independent Study, Video Production
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 108 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 50 Introduction to Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the history and development of photography, basic processes, various types of cameras, materials, basic shooting, processing, developing, and printing of photographs.
PHTO 51A Individual Projects A
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 9 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 51B Individual Projects B
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 9 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continued study on advanced topics of photography and exhibition, installation, and portfolio of photography.
PHTO 56 Introduction to Digital Photography
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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.
PHTO 57 Intermediate Digital Photography
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 58 Introduction to Videography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FTVE 130
Introduction to the theory and practice of single-camera video production and non-linear video editing, including project production phases and aesthetic theories, 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.
PHTO 60 Intermediate Black and White Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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.
PHTO 64A Artificial Light Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 66 Digital Imaging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 67 History of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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.
PHTO 68 Color Field Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 hours lecture,, 27 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
PHTO 69 Intermediate Videography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.