Photography
53 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHOT A100 Basic Digital Photography
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to help the photo enthusiast increase their visual literacy, increase knowledge of the historic use of photographs in all aspects of society, and to take better pictures. A practical foundation in the use of digital cameras will be introduced, including exposure, composition, lighting, color, as well as, current methodology of image processing. A strong foundation of the historic context of photographs will be provided as a way of students learning to develop their ability to communicate through their images and to place them in context, to analyze, and evaluate photographs.
PHOT A101 Photography and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Lecture/discussion class that explores how photographs function in society, and, in turn, how society determines our visual environment. Images will be analyzed in context of the total photographic milieu: news, advertising, snapshots, art, the internet, TV, etc. How photographs function as evidence, demonstrations of desire, historical memory, cultural values, propaganda, and surveillance will be examined. The manufacturing of personal identity and cultural history through photographic artifacts will be emphasized. Fulfills “100” elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.
PHOT A102 Careers in Photography
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to careers in photography and the Photography program at Orange Coast College. Recommended to anyone interested in pursing photography as a career goal.
PHOT A104 Smartphone Travel Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the art of travel, landscape, and nature photography through the lens of a smartphone. Students will learn to capture landscapes, cityscapes, and cultural portraiture while working with limited gear on the road. The course expands into cinematic videography, storytelling ethics, and the creation of responsible, respectful travel content. Students will also develop a professional toolkit for collaborating with tourism boards, hotels, and brands, including monetization strategies through reels, YouTube Shorts, and affiliate marketing.
PHOT A106 Smartphone Lifestyle and Portrait Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the art of portraiture, lifestyle, and fashion photography using smartphones. Students will study posing, styling, mood creation, and the dynamics of working with models, peers, and themselves through self-portraiture. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical, creative, and collaborative skills to create impactful portrait and fashion images suitable for both artistic portfolios and professional social media platforms.
PHOT A107 Smartphone Street Photography
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Smartphone street photography is a course introducing photography concepts, street lighting, visual communication skills, documentary, visual story telling, as well as camera features unique to smartphone photography. The course focuses on demonstrations, discussions, information resources, lighting and current photography trends. Students will plan and produce their own street photography photo projects. Each student will provide their own smartphone.
PHOT A108 Smartphone Food Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course teaches students the art and practice of food photography using smartphones. Students will learn how to shoot food with natural and artificial lighting, apply food styling basics, and develop culinary storytelling techniques that capture cooking processes, café culture, and dining experiences. Editing skills will be emphasized to enhance color, texture, and visual appeal while avoiding over-processing. The course concludes with practical applications in influencer marketing, exploring collaborations with restaurants, chefs, and brands, along with legal and ethical considerations in sponsored food content.
PHOT A109 Smartphone Fashion Photography
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Smartphone fashion photography is a course introducing photography concepts, fashion concepts and camera features unique to smartphone photography. The course focuses on demonstrations, discussions, critiques, information resources, lighting, fashion trends and smartphone capabilities. Students will plan and produce their own projects. Each student will provide their own smartphone.
PHOT A110 Photography with a Smartphone: Theory and Practice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
This course explores the historical development of photography with a focus on important figures and their work. It is also the study of photography as art and aesthetic experience. In addition to the historical context, students will learn to use their smartphones as sophisticated cameras as well as digital editing techniques in order to enhance their ability to create, compose and evaluate photographs.
PHOT A111 Smartphone Product Photography
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Smartphone product photography is a course introducing photography concepts, product and still-life concepts and camera features unique to smartphone photography. The course focuses on Lighting, propping and sets, composition, demonstrations, discussions, critiques, information resources, product photography trends and smartphone capabilities. Students will plan and produce their own projects. Each student will provide their own smartphone.
PHOT A113 Smartphone Photography Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of smartphone photography, focusing on technical and creative skills. Students will explore exposure, composition, natural versus artificial lighting, and editing applications, with an emphasis on capturing compelling photographs. By the end of the course, students will build a portfolio demonstrating mastery of smartphone-based photographic techniques for personal, artistic, and professional use.
PHOT A114 Smartphone Social Media Storytelling & Branding
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores how smartphone photography and video can be leveraged to develop authentic and effective social media storytelling and branding strategies. Students will learn visual identity design, platform-specific aesthetics, storytelling through reels and posts, audience engagement strategies, and ethical considerations in branding. The course integrates technical, creative, and analytical skills, culminating in a cohesive social media campaign project.
PHOT A115 Smartphone Photography: Editing & Retouching on Mobile
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with advanced techniques in smartphone photo editing and retouching using professional mobile applications. Students will learn how to enhance images for professional and creative purposes while maintaining authenticity. Focus will be placed on skin tone accuracy, consistent visual branding across feeds, color grading, and the fine balance between enhancement and over-processing. The course culminates in a curated, retouched portfolio demonstrating advanced mobile editing mastery.
PHOT A120 Introduction to Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to analog photography as a creative art with an emphasis on using the camera as a means of communication and personal expression. Topics include, the discussion and demonstration of basic black & white 35mm photography; camera use, film processing and making enlargements; the development of technical and aesthetic skills and elements of design and composition. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of photography and its use as a means of communication and personal expression as well as and on the critical evaluation of student work. Enrollment Limitation: PHOT A120H; students who complete PHOT A120 may not enroll in or receive credit for PHOT A120H.
PHOT A120H Introduction to Photography Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of photography. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in photography. Discussion and demonstration of basic black & white 35mm photography. Instructions in the theory and technique of camera use, processing film, and making enlargements. Emphasis on the historical development of photography and its use as a means of communication, personal expression and on the critical evaluation of student work. Enrollment Limitation: PHOT A120; students who complete PHOT A120H may not enroll in or receive credit for PHOT A120.
PHOT A122 Personal Expression
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A120, PHOT A120H, PHOT A123, or PHOT A125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through making photographs, this class explores the development of ideas, and an individual point of view. Discussion of aesthetics and current trends in photography. Students may work with analog or digital media. Fulfills "100" level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.
PHOT A123 Introduction to Digital Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Instruction in photography as a creative art, emphasizing photography as a means of communication and personal expression. Includes examination of the theory of aesthetics, composition, content, and technical elements of photography, as well as, critical evaluation of student work. Introduces DSLR camera operation and digital imaging techniques. This course is required for the Photography Certificates.
PHOT A125 Imaging for Photographers I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A123.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to introduce the student to photographic image processing with computers. Lectures and demonstrations of basic image manipulation, current professional digital workflows, color managed digital printing and archiving of images.
PHOT A127 Darkroom For Photography Majors
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A110 or PHOT A120 or PHOT A120H or PHOT A123.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to 35mm and medium format techniques. Topics will include; Beginning to intermediate film handling, developing, printing methods and working applications of film-based equipment. This class gives the student an opportunity to explore their creative vision with the use of film-based photography equipment.
PHOT A128 Medium and Large Format Film Capture
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A120 or PHOT A120H or PHOT A127.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to intermediate medium format and large format camera techniques. Topics will include; Camera movements, medium format and large format film handling, developing, printing methods, and working applications of medium and large format film based equipment. This class gives the student an opportunity to explore their creative vision with the use of film-based photography equipment.
PHOT A130 History and Appreciation of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an overview of the history of photography from 1800 to the present. The work of major practitioners is discussed, as well as lesser known figures, and the trends, movements, and artist groups that have shaped the course of the medium.
PHOT A141 Black & White Photography Lab 1
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A120, PHOT A120H, or PHOT A127.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction and assistance with intermediate black & white laboratory, using 35mm, RC Papers, and camera projects. Students determine their own projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. Counts towards 100 level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.
PHOT A142 Traditional Black & White Photo Lab 2
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A141.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction and Assistance with intermediate/advanced black & white laboratory using 120 film, fiber based paper, and camera projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. Students determine their own projects. Instruction is offered at intermediate and advanced levels. Counts toward "100" level elective course requirement for photography majors.
PHOT A143 Traditional Black & White Photo Lab 3
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A142.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction and assistance with advanced black & white laboratory, using 4x5 film, fiber based paper, a variety of different film/paper developer combinations, and camera projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. Students determine their own projects. Instruction is offered at advanced levels. Counts toward "100" level elective course requirement for photography majors. Three to six hours laboratory.
PHOT A152 Photo Gallery
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Aids students in the appreciation and critical analysis of contemporary art photography. Presentations and discussions provide background for weekly field-trips to museums and galleries in the Los Angeles area. Course content differs each semester due to the local exhibition calendar. Counts towards "100" level optional course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.
PHOT A161 Digital Photography Laboratory 1
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A123, PHOT A125, or PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction and assistance with intermediate Adobe Lightroom Classic and workflow to Adobe Photoshop. Refining skills of image adjustment, masking tools, HDR and preparing files for print from camera projects. Students determine their own projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes.
PHOT A162 Digital Photography Laboratory 2
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A125, PHOT A180, or concurrent enrollment; or PHOT A161.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction and assistance with digital workflow involving Raw files, Adobe Photoshop and other professional software, including color grading, compositing, layer masks, adjustment layers and preparing files for printing from camera projects. This is a workshop course intended as, but not limited to, an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. Students determine their own projects. Instruction is offered at intermediate levels.
PHOT A180 Introduction to Professional Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A123.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction in the basic professional techniques and the use of professional cameras and lighting stressing technical excellence in all phases incorporating the latest photography trends and artificial Intelligence.
PHOT A187 Laboratory Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A120 or PHOT A120H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of professional black and white photographic techniques. Emphasis on the following areas; film, developer and paper selection and testing, exposure, contrast control (zone system), advanced fine printing techniques, alterations of photographic materials through intensification and reduction, basic sensitometry and practical photochemistry.
PHOT A188 Commercial Photography
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 63 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Overview of the profession of photography. Study and application of the techniques of commercial photography with emphasis on LED, strobe and available lighting; small and large products, advertising illustration, special effects image techniques, and basic business practices.
PHOT A196 Photo Bookworks
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Major course projects are the production of several unique photographic books. Layout, typography, editing of photos, and makeup of a book are covered. Attention will be paid to viewing and discussing a wide range of photographic bookworks. Instruction is offered at intermediate and advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors.
PHOT A200 Documentary Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Concepts, aesthetics and history of documentary photography. Strongly recommended for students interested in journalism, material culture and social/political issues. Students may use B&W, color or digital photography. Instruction is offered at intermediate and advanced levels.
PHOT A220 Fashion Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prepares the student for employment in professional fashion photography. Topics include studio lighting techniques, studio practices, posing of models, garment and set styling, as well as, skin retouching techniques.
PHOT A223 Action Sports Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course designed to address topics and skills associated with photographing in the professional Action Sports industry, for the purpose of illustrating a concept or an idea as it relates to publishing, advertising, web and social media.
PHOT A225 Professional Digital Workflow and Color Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Emphasis on current techniques of advanced digital printing workflow, digital file preparation, color management and advanced digital retouching techniques. Recommended for those with an interest in commercial, editorial, or fine art work. Counts toward "200" level elective for Photography Certificate of Achievement.
PHOT A230 Photography Since 1945
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A critical history of photography from 1945 to the present. Works will be considered from social, political, and art historical perspectives. Will survey the work of major photographers, exhibitions, and critical writers, as well as the ever-increasing role of photography in contemporary cultural life.
PHOT A241 Business Practices for Photographers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presentation of basic business practices in commercial photography including pricing, marketing, and calculating expenses. Helps students to identify and achieve professional photographic objectives.
PHOT A260 Art Portfolio Development 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed study into the history, criticism, interpretation, literature, theory, or business of art photography, not involving any lab work. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement.
PHOT A261 Art Portfolio Development 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A260.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed in-depth study of a specific area of art photography. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement. Lab/Arranged Lab.
PHOT A262 Commercial Portfolio Development 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed in-depth study of a specific area of professional commercial portfolio development. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate and intermediate/advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement. Lab/Arranged Lab.
PHOT A263 Commercial Portfolio Development 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A262.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed in-depth study of the preparation of a professional commercial portfolio and portfolio presentation. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement. Lab/Arranged Lab.
PHOT A264 Exhibition Preparation 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A120, PHOT A120H, or PHOT A123.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed study into the conception, development, planning and installation of photographic exhibitions. Students work closely with faculty in the running of the photography department’s three gallery spaces. Instruction is offered at intermediate and intermediate/advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement.
PHOT A265 Exhibition Preparation 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A264.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed study into the conception, development, planning, and installation of a personal photographic exhibition. Instruction is offered at intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement. Lab/Arranged Lab.
PHOT A266 Marketing and Self Promotion 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed in-depth study of a specific area of photographic marketing and self-promotion. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate and intermediate/advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement. Lab/Arranged Lab.
PHOT A267 Marketing and Self Promotion 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A266.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Faculty directed, in depth study of the implementation and application of a created marketing and self-promotion plan. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student and will include, but not be limited to, branding and identity, logo design, websites, and Internet marketing. Instruction is offered at advanced levels. Recommended for photography majors. Counts toward '200' level elective course requirement.
PHOT A280 Professional Digital Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course on professional digital techniques for emerging digital photographers. A strong technical basis will be introduced, but primary orientation will be toward solving practical problems in professional digital photography. Areas covered will include advanced post-production practices, simulating professional working situations, and professional digital methodologies.
PHOT A282 Professional Portraiture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prepares the student for employment in professional portrait photography or management of a portrait photography studio. Topics include studio lighting techniques, studio practices, the variety of specialized services offered by professional portrait photographers, as well as, skin retouching techniques.
PHOT A283 Art Photography
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A125.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A critique based studio class focusing on photography as a contemporary art medium - concepts, aesthetics and history of art photography in relation to contemporary art practice in general. Students may use black and white, color or digital photography. Instruction is offered at intermediate and advanced levels. Required for photography majors.
PHOT A285 Wedding and Event Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Advisory
- PHOT A188 and PHOT A225.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course in professional wedding and event photography techniques, methodology and workflow. This course is designed to prepare the student for the professional industry by introducing a high technical level.
PHOT A287 Alternative Methods
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A127.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An intermediate to advanced course covering modern photographic techniques involved with alternative photographic processes. Technical and creative experimentation will be emphasized.
PHOT A288 Lifestyle and Editorial People Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Addresses the topics and skills associated with commercial photography of people, usually on location, for the purpose of conveying a message, idea, or concept in advertising, editorial, and annual report applications. Topics include commercial and retail portraiture, concepts communicated through portraiture, location scouting and lighting.
PHOT A289 Architectural Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course in professional architectural photography techniques, methodology and workflow. This course is designed to prepare the student for the professional industry by introducing a high technical level. Exterior and interior architectural photography are covered with an emphasis on different light sources, perspective and color correction. Some fieldwork with instructor.
PHOT A290 Advertising Illustration Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- PHOT A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the advanced photography student and professional photographers with specific interest in the commercial photography field of advertising illustration. Counts toward "200" level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.