Anyone with an interest in photography, whether beginner, advanced amateur or professional, will find a course or certificate program within the photography program that will teach them new skills or prepare them for a career in photography.
The OCC Photography program is intended to prepare students for employment in a number of specialization areas within the field of professional photography.
The student, after completing the first year foundation courses, may elect to take advanced courses in commercial photography, advertising illustration, portraiture, architectural photography, fashion photography, documentary photography, multi-media presentations, photo journalism, retouching and business practices for photographers.
In addition to courses intended to train photographers, the program also includes several black and white and color laboratory classes for professional photographers who wish to learn new skills or for those who are interested in careers as photographic laboratory technicians.
Information on Transferring Courses
The OCC Photography program is intended to prepare students for employment in a number of specialization areas within the field of professional photography.
The student, after completing the first year foundation courses, may elect to take advanced courses in commercial photography, advertising illustration, portraiture, architectural photography, fashion photography, documentary photography, multi-media presentations, photo journalism, retouching and business practices for photographers.
In addition to courses intended to train photographers, the program also includes several black and white and color laboratory classes for professional photographers who wish to learn new skills or for those who are interested in careers as photographic laboratory technicians.
Information on Transferring Courses
Photography A100 - Get To Know Your Digital Camera (2)
Designed to help the photo enthusiast take better pictures. Emphasis will be placed on practical experience in the use of digital pocket cameras including exposure, lighting, composition, color, and modes of display. This course may be taken four times.
One hour lecture, three hours non-lecture.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A101 - Photography and Society (3)
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. Fulfills “100” elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Three hours.Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A102 - Careers in Photography (1)
Introduction to careers in photography and the Photography program at Orange Coast College. Recommended to anyone interested in pursing photography as a career goal.Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A120 - Introduction to Photography (3)
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 photography as a means of communication, personal expression and on the critical evaluation of student work in terms of those goals. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged.Transfer Credit: CSU, UC.
Photography A120H - Introduction to Photography Honors (3)
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 photography as a means of communication, personal expression and on the critical evaluation of student work in terms of those goals. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged. Transfer Credit: CSU, UC.
Photography A120L - Basic Photography Laboratory (0)
Photography A121 - View Camera (2)
A basic introduction to view camera techniques. Topics will include; Camera movements, film handling, developing and printing methods and working applications of view camera. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture.Advisory: Photography A120.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A122 - Personal Expression (3)
Explores the use of visual language in relation to ideas. Discussion of aesthetics, history of photography and current trends. Advanced techniques are included, but emphasis will be placed on personal expression. Instruction is offered at beginning and intermediate levels. Fulfills" 100" level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. This course may be taken twice. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory.Prerequisite: Photography A120.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A123 - Basic Digital Photography (3)
Discussion and demonstration of digital SLR photography. Instruction in the theory and technique of digital camera use, working with digital files, and making prints. Emphasis on photography as a means of communication, personal expression and critical evaluation of student work in terms of those goals. This course may not be substituted for the Photo A120 requirement in the Photography Certificate of Achievement. Counts towards "100" level optional course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. This course may be repeated three times.Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
Photography A125 - Imaging with Photoshop 1 (3)
Designed to introduce the student to basic digital cameras and photographic image processing with computers. Lectures and demonstrations of camera features, basic image manipulation, color managed digital printing, and archiving of images. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. This course may be taken two times. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture. Prerequisite: Photo A120 or concurrent enrollment.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A130 - History and Aesthetics of Still Photography (3)
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. Three hours.Transfer Credit: CSU, UC.
Photography A152 - Photo Gallery (2)
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. This course can be taken four times. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Three hours.Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A160 - Black and White Photography Laboratory (1-2)
Assistance with advanced black & white laboratory, studio, and camera projects. This is a workshop course intended as an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in certificate studio/production photography classes. Counts toward “100” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. This course may be taken four times. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.Advisory: Photography A120.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A161 - Digital Photography Laboratory (1-2)
Students requiring additional digital laboratory experience. Assistance provided with scanning and printing projects. This is a workshop course intended as an augmentative laboratory course for those enrolled in advanced digital photography classes. Counts toward “100” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. This course may be taken four times.Three to six hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: Photography A125.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A180 - Introduction to Professional Photography (4)
Instruction in the basic professional techniques and the use of professional cameras and lighting stressing technical excellence in all phases. Required for photography majors entering the program. Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Photography A120
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A187 - Laboratory Practices (3)
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. Counts towards “100” level optional course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Photography A120.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A188 - Commercial Photography (5)
Overview of the profession of photography. Study and application of the techniques of commercial photography with emphasis on tungsten, strobe and available lighting; small and large products, advertising illustration, special effects image techniques, and basic business practices. Five hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A196 - Photo Bookworks (3)
Prerequisite: Photography A125.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. Counts towards “100” level optional course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. This course may be taken two times. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A200 - Documentary Photography (3)
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. This course can be taken two times. Counts towards “200” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture. Prerequisite: Photography A125.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A205 - Professional Digital Capture (3)
Digital photography for the advanced student. Lectures and demonstrations in current techniques of professional level image capture using small and large format camera systems. This course may be taken two times. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture.Prerequisite: Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A220 - Fashion Photography (3)
Editorial and advertising fashion photography as it is practiced professionally. Previous knowledge of color materials is useful. Instruction is offered at beginning, intermediate, intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. For repeating students this becomes a contemporary issues course with course content and independent portfolio work varying according to evolutions in the field and selected area(s) of specialization. Counts toward ‘200’ level optional course requirement for photography majors. This course may be taken four times. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged.Prerequisite : Photography 180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A225 - Professional Digital Workflow and Color Management (3)
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. This course may be taken three times. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture.Advisory: Photography A125 or Digital Media Arts and Design A193.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A230 - Photography Since 1945 (3)
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. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Three hours.Advisory: Photography A130.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC.
Photography A241 - Business Practices (3)
This course provides an introduction to basic business practices in photography. Topics include: establishing a photographic business, current pricing structures, marketing procedures, principles of accounting, calculating fixed and variable expenses, possible legal and ethical problems, general small business practices and a review of professional organizations. Helps students to identify and achieve professional photographic goals and objectives. Strongly recommended for photography majors. Counts toward ‘200’ level elective class requirement. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. Three hours. Prerequisite: Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A260 - Special Projects (2)
Faculty directed in depth study of a limited area of photographic concern. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. Recommended for photogrpahy majors. Counts towards 200 level elective course requirement. This course may be taken four times. One hour conference with instructor, three hours laboratory.Prerequisite: Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A261 - Non-Lab Special Projects (2)
Faculty-directed study into the history, criticism, interpretation, literature, theory, or business of photography, not involving any lab work. Topic(s) and faculty chosen by the student. Instruction is offered at intermediate/advanced and advanced levels. Recommended for photogrpahy majors. Counts towards 200 level elective course requirement. This course may be taken four times. One hour conference with instructor, three hours laboratory.Prerequisite: Photography A120.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A280 - Professional Digital Techniques (3)
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, digital zone system and digital methodologies. Class may be taken two times. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory.Advisory: Photography A125.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A282 - Professional Portraiture (3)
Prepares for employment in professional portrait photography or management of a portrait studio. Includes studio lighting techniques, studio practices, and the variety of specialized services offered by a professional portrait studio. Counts toward 200 level elective course requirement for photography majors. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged.Prerequisite: Photography A125 and A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A283 - Art Photography (4)
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. This course can be taken two times. Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Photography A125.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A287 - Alternative Methods (3)
An intermediate to advanced course covering modern photographic techniques involved with alternative photographic process. Technical and creative experimentation will be emphasized. Counts towards “200” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. This course may be taken four times. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory.Advisory:Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A288 - Editorial and Advertising People Photography (3)
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. Counts towards “200” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement. Two hours lecture, four hours non-lecture.Prerequisite: Photography A188.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A289 - Architectural Photography (3)
Commercial architectural photography intended for advanced students. Projects in both exterior and interior architectural photography with emphasis on different light sources, perspective and color correction. Some fieldwork with instructor.Counts towards “200” level elective course requirement for Photography Certificate of Achievement.Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged. Prerequisite: Photography A180.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Photography A290 - Advertising Illustration Photography (3)
Advanced photography students 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. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory, two hours arranged.Prerequisite: Photography A188.
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Information on Transferring Courses
All courses numbered 100 or higher are transferable to the California State Universities (CSU). Courses that are transferable to the University of California are designated 'UC.' Some of these courses have limits on the amount of credit that is granted. See the UC Transferable Course List available in the Counseling Center or Transfer Center for these limitations. Courses that are non-credit or not AA degree applicable are designated with the letter 'N' preceding the course number. Identification of courses that have been accepted into the California Articulation Number (CAN) system appears after the course title.