Photography
25 courses · Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PHOT 0010 History of Photography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Also known as ARTH 0134 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
- Transfers to
- CSU
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
- Formerly
- PHOT 78
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A and PHOT 75 or PHOT 78 with grade(s) of “C” or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 70A with a grade of “C” or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Advisory
- Completion of AAD 70 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Also known as AAD 75 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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 75 or AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Also known as AAD 76 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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Also known as AAD 79 and COMM 31A 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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 78 or PHOT 75/AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of a minimum of three photography courses
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A/PHOT 79 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Also known as AAD 89 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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Advisory
- Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Advisory
- Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Advisory
- Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Advisory
- Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Advisory
- Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A or PHOT 78 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PHOT 92 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Transfers to
- CSU (with unit limitation)
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)