Photography

Full-time (Day): 2 terms
Part-time (Night): 4 terms

Prepare for your future as a professional photographer with the Professional Photography Certificate. This intensive program provides comprehensive instruction in digital camera, composition, workflow and image archiving, Photoshop, color management, studio and location lighting, and file preparation for printing and the Web. Learning from world-class photographers and digital technicians, you’ll gain an invaluable network and unique insight into the field as you’re immersed in commercial, advertising, portrait, event and wedding photography.

Cutting-edge digital darkroom training teaches you the skills necessary to efficiently color correct, retouch, manage and print your photographs at the highest professional level. Special training in web, database management, business practices and creative process workshops rounds out your education. You’ll learn the skills you need to develop a professional portfolio and tackle the everyday aspects of running a professional photography business.

To make your learning relevant and professional, you’ll use the same equipment the professionals use: Power Mac G5 computers with color corrected displays, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe Lightroom, Final Cut Pro, Capture One and other professional software applications, scanners, Epson inkjet printers, and ProPhoto lighting equipment. Along with your own digital SLR, you will have access to leading-edge Canon and Nikon digital camera lenses, extensive grip and studio-support accessories, and the latest in studio and location lighting.

PH101 Camera and
Workflow I

In order to develop the skills of a professional photographer, students must acquire a solid technical workflow foundation from capture to archive. This module reviews markets and explores business opportunities available with today’s digital cameras and helps students develop strategies for their use. Topics include exposure control, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field and the creative use of lenses. Popular accessories are also explored and tested to discover their impact on image making. During this module students learn a professional digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom by downloading images from the camera, embedding metadata, editing and building a file structure to easily access the images.

PH102 Camera and
Workflow II

Building on the previous module, students refine their camera skills and master image editing and output with Adobe Lightroom. Students work with camera RAW files to crop, straighten, adjust exposure, correct tonality and color, and resolve issues such as chromatic aberration, luminance and color noise. Classroom exercises show how Lightroom can be an efficient tool for slideshow generation and printing. During this module, students are introduced to photo gallery style websites for storing and displaying their work. Additional assignments include shooting exercises where students will practice their newly-developed camera and workflow skills, including the Faces Project, based on Edward Steichen’s Family of Man exhibition.

PH103 Photoshop I:
Fundamentals

In this module students learn the key features and capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. Topics include proper setup, file “round-tripping” to and from Lightroom, the overall interface, general editing tools and Epson inkjet printing. Through hands-on exercises using tutorial videos students will develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Photoshop. Particular attention will be directed to understanding editing in RGB color space and preparing imagery for use on the web and print.

PH104 Composition and
Design for Photographers

Explore what happens visually when you steal a moment in time from a three-dimensional world and compress it onto a two-dimensional plane. The objective is to stop seeing just subject matter (content) and begin to see the formal elements that make up a photograph (form), and with this begin producing photographs about things and not just photographs of things. Daily shooting assignments will reinforce learned composition design techniques through instructor-led review and critiques.

PH105 Photoshop II:
Advanced Color Correction

This module explores in-depth use of masks on adjustment layers and introduces masking on multiple pixel-based layers with an image. Emphasis is placed on refining color correction through selections and creating more accurate masks through the use of channels. Other advanced retouching tools and techniques are introduced and put to use in preparation for creating prints on Epson inkjet printers.

PH106 Fine Art Printing
for Photographers

As archival-quality printing and media choices continue to develop, knowing how to correctly prepare images for output has become essential to the digital photographer. This module introduces proper techniques for managing high-fidelity inkjet printing and photographic output labs. Through hands-on exercises, you will develop a better understanding of media choices to enable more control over the final output. Particular attention will be directed towards learning proper color management conversions and image refinements for making high quality inkjet prints to ensure the most predictable color reproduction possible.

PH201 Product and
Still Life Studio Lighting

This module provides an introduction to photography in the studio with an emphasis on commercial practice and methodologies. Studio photography differs from other forms in that it is often up to the photographer to design and create content, props, style, lighting and background for the final photograph. The starting point is an empty studio or blank canvas where the photographer must previsualize and control all aspects of the shoot. Students work in the studio using high-powered strobe lighting and various objects—glass, metal, plastic, non-reflective —to explore advanced techniques in controlling light and their effect on revealing structure and surface.

PH202 Photoshop III:
Masking and Compositing

In this advanced module, students use the latest tools and functionality in Photoshop to create more complex selections and new techniques for fine control of image enhancement, photo-compositing and more. Students review methods of selecting, extracting and combining images in building powerful photographic imagery within a digital workflow. Topics include extract filter, pen tool, smart objects, smart filters, liquify, photomerge and more.

PH203 Integrating Photoshop
into the Creative Studio

Not long ago, photographers would spend hours in the studio setting lights for tabletop product shoots. Various modifiers such as snoots, grids, flags, cards and gobos were carefully set for that one instant of exposure. Today, once the products and camera have been set, multiple exposures can be taken using just the quality and intensity of light necessary for each portion of the shot. These multiple exposures are then combined and masked together in Photoshop, creating a perfectly expressed image. In today’s competitive market, the successful professional photographer is one who can previsualize the final image and then efficiently light, shoot and composite the scene with the highest quality.

PH204 Interior and
Architectural Photography

In this module students continue to refine workflow skills and visual aesthetics from previous modules in the context of a structured architectural environment. Working on location with the instructor, students learn to create expressive lighting scenarios using professional approaches to interior and architectural photography. Emphasis is placed on mastering complex lighting scenarios with strobe packs, continuous source halogen lights and Canon/ Nikon portable wireless lighting systems. Through a combination of hands-on exercises and assignments, students will be guided through the process of digitally capturing multiple interior and exterior exposures with an eye towards further refinement using specialized Photoshop postproduction techniques.

PH205 Photo Illustration

Combining their extensive knowledge of camera, lighting and Photoshop tools learned in previous modules, students take their creativity to the next level, exploring ways to previsualize and create imagery as opposed to just capturing it. Subject matter is no longer limited to product and still life. Students create images that express an idea or concept for use in an advertisement.

PH206 Stock Photography

This module deals with all aspects of stock from business preparation to shooting. Students learn the difference between royalty-free and rights-managed, the importance of releasing and what makes an image stock worthy. Students will prepare and deliver images that will be put through a sample edit to see how their vision may or may not align with that of an art director. The module also covers how to incorporate shooting for stock into a normal workflow.

PH207 Working with
Models I

This module demonstrates proper steps in planning and building a production set for a live model shoot. Topics include concept, casting, crew, preproduction, prelight, directing, shoot, edit, postproduction and delivery. Students learn various lighting formulas for basic setups and are encouraged to impose their own modifications on these formulas. The module employs disciplines from seeing and using available environment to choosing equipment, lighting, lenses and advanced postproduction composition techniques to produce high-quality images in an existing location.

PH208 Working with
Models II

Continuing with the previous module, students focus on postproduction including editing protocols for beauty and fashion, beauty retouching, and printing for the models’ portfolio. Students will show their work in a group review where the rules of editing will be discussed. Beauty retouching includes treatment of skin, softening, selective sharpening, treatment of eyes, teeth and hair, blending and masking to optimize facial features. Students will refine their printing skills using the images from the previous week’s shoots.

PH301 Studio Portrait
Photography

Studio portraits have dominated photography since its inception over 170 years ago and the market for photographic studio portraits has thrived right into the current digital age. The photographic portrait studio still offers the ultimate in creative control and efficiency. This module helps students master this creative tool and by emphasizing classical lighting styles, provides a solid foundation in portrait lighting techniques. In addition, students learn basic and classic posing, body blocking, facial correction, feminine and masculine body language, hand posing, basic group posing, glamour posing and portrait retouching.

PH302 Location Portrait
Photography

Building on the previous module, Location Portrait Photography takes students out of the studio into a variety of natural settings to learn the proper use of space and environment to tell a story. Composition skills are further developed, including the use of leading lines, color harmony, point of interest, greatest point of contrast, crash point and the use of light direction in the visual order of disclosure in a location portrait. Lighting techniques include available light indoors and outdoors and portable studio strobe kits and various light modifiers. The many challenges of mixed lighting and the control of background and subject placement will be addressed, as well as the art of casual and formal posing in creating a believable location portrait.

PH303 Portable Lighting
with Speedlights

This module covers the use of single and multiple speedlights in different environments and event photography. Speedlight topics include infrared and radio syncing, TTL and manual exposure, use of various light modifiers, and multiple vs. single pop photography. The module concludes with an exploration of event photography (often using speedlights). Students will learn how to find social event opportunities so they can shoot in the areas of their personal interests. Topics include image output options for event photography such as online print fulfillment and the creation of custom web galleries. Students research, shoot, and market their own event assignments as a follow-on to this module.

PH304 Major Portrait
Markets

Portraits of children, high school seniors and families are consistently among the largest markets for portrait photography. In this module, students review case studies of successful photographers working in these ever-expanding markets. Through classroom exercises and assignments, embracing both studio and location portraiture, students practice and master cutting-edge lighting and posing techniques, documentary style day in the life portraiture, editorial style portraiture and classic portraiture. Students explore innovative marketing ideas, create branding concepts and build competence in each of portrait photography’s major markets.

PH305 Wedding
Photography I

This module illustrates the photographic concepts required successfully photograph a modern wedding. Students focus on a wide range of lighting, posing and photographic styles, and address current trends and traditions in the wedding photography industry. Students learn to properly prepare and shoot using natural, portable flash and mixed lighting in varied setting, including a mock wedding with bride and groom on location. Emphasis is placed on a range of topics including camera and lens selection, flash, individual and group posing, print fulfillment, customer service and marketing.

PH306 Wedding
Photography II

In this module students further refine their formal event skills and explore many aspects of the wedding business with specific attention to succeeding in a competitive, exciting marketplace. Students learn to create a personal brand and signature for their work, and successfully market and network their business. The modules address how to work with brides and appeal to current trends in the industry, and how to set yourself apart. The curriculum also addresses booking weddings, initial consultations, contracts, pricing, print fulfillment and client relationships that will grow and nurture a new wedding business.

PH401 Editorial and
Environmental Portrait

Editorial and environmental portraits tell a story of people of interest, usually for publication, often expressively using attire, props, posing and settings. Environmental portraits, in particular, are frequently shot in situations in which their subjects live, work or play, to provide insights into their lives and personalities. Through class demonstrations, field trips and instructor critiques, students learn to use natural and artificial light to create mood, learn to scout locations and effectively use posing and props to tell a subject’s story.

PH402 Story Building

In this module students learn the elements of telling a story with multiple images including idea generation, shooting, editing, documentation and presentation. Physical layout and placement of images is reviewed and effective captioning is emphasized. Students work n a subject of their choice developing story concept and preparing images for both print and online media. Daily shooting exercises and critiques challenge students and help build their photographic storytelling ability.

PH403 Story Building
with Multimedia I

Building on the previous module, this module takes story building skills to the next level. Using authoring tools students learn to combine their images with audio into an amazing piece of work. Students create a dynamic multimedia piece that will tell a compelling story—and put them at the cutting edge of image presentation.

PH404 Story Building
with Multimedia II

After learning the tools available to combine images and audio, students put them into practice and create their own multimedia piece. Emphasis is placed on image sequencing, the importance of audio and how image transitions can make or break a style of movie.

PH999 Production
Practicum

Practicum gives students who have completed the certificate program practical experience in working on a real-world project. Under the direction of a faculty member students will produce a media project for a nonprofit organization and learn to manage the constraints of a fixed timeframe and well-defined client deliverables. Students will gain confidence and better understand the professional expectations of the position they hold on a project. Practicum allows students to gain professional experience while refining their new skills in a real production environment.