WVC Photo Dept.

Listing of all Photography Classes
(Not all classes are offered each semester)


Photography 1   Basic Photography Lecture   3 units
Lecture 2 hours
Corequisites: Photo 1L and Photo 49A
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

The study of the basic theory of photography including radiant energy, basic optics, camera exposure and filters, artificial light, photochemistry and the history of photography. Students not attending the first meeting of both lecture and lab will be dropped from the course. Day lecture students must take a day lab section. Night lecture students must take a night lab section.




Photography 1L   Basic Photography Laboratory   0 units
Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Corequisites: Photo 1

The application of the basic theory of photography including camera techniques, composition, film developing and printing Students not attending the first meeting of both lecture and lab will be dropped from the course. Day lecture students must take a day lab section. Night lecture students must take a night lab section. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed ) camera and all expendable photographic supples used in the course.




Photography 2   Intermediate Photography Lecture   3 units
Lecture 2 hours
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Corequisites: Photo 2L and Photo 49B
Acceptable for credit: California State University

The study of the advanced theory of photography including special camera techniques, perspective control, and silver and non-silver systems. Students not attending the first meeting of both lecture and lab will be dropped from the course. Day lecture students must take a day lab section. Night lecture students must take a night lab section.




Photography 2L   Intermediate Photography Laboratory   0 units
Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Corequisites: Photo 2 and 49B

The application of the advanced theory of photography including special camera techniques and perspective control. Students not attending the first meeting of both lecture and lab will be dropped from the course. Day lecture students must take a day lab section. Night lecture students must take a night lab section. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 20A   Studio Photography (Portraiture)   2 units
Lecture 1 hour Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: California State University

A studio portraiture course. Studio lighting arrangements will be demonstrated and used by the student to complete projects. The theory of color balance and corrective filtration will be covered as well as the use of selective aids to improve on the quality of the portrait. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 20B   Intermediate Studio Photography (Portraiture)   2 units
Lecture 1 hour Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 1, 1L and 20A
Acceptable for credit: California State University

This course will build upon the skills and techniques of photo 20A and will offer new concepts such as half, three quarter and full-length portraits, family groups, location portraits, executive and children portraiture, in-camera vignetting and diffusion. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 21A   Studio Photography (Product Lighting)   2 units
Lecture 1 hour Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: California State University

Studio lighting arrangements for product photography will be demonstrated and used by the student to complete projects. The theory of color and black and white filters will be demonstrated and different auxiliary lenses will be stressed. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 21B   Intermediate Studio Photography (Product Lighting)   2 units
Lecture 1 hour Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 21A
Acceptable for credit: California State University

This course will build upon the skills and techniques of photo 21A and will offer new concepts such as in-camera masking for backgrounds, producing color backgrounds, using drop-out backgrounds for catalog shots, "floating" products on backgrounds, photographing video screens and digital displays using special effects such as motion, studio fog, multiple exposure, and using the view camera for control of shape and sharpness. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 22   Digital Studio Photography   2 units
Lecture 1 hour Lab 4 hours
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: California State University

This course will introduce the principles and procedures for producing commercial produce illustrations, portraits and advertising images suitable for inclusion in page layout applications and multimedia presentations.




Photography 30   Color Photography   4 units
Lecture 2 hours Lab 6 hours
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

Basic color theory and processing of prints from negatives will be presented. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 45A,B,C   Field Studies   1 unit each
Lecture 16 hours Lab 5 hours
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

A field trip format course with content varying depending on the destination of the filed trip. A preliminary on-campus meeting will be followed by an off-campus field trip. A critique of photo work from the field trip will complete the course. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit-no credit option.




Photography 49AB   Darkroom Apparatus and Technique   1 unit each
Lab 3 hours by arrangement
49A Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L.
49B Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L.
49B Corequisite: Photo 2 and 2L

Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

Extra laboratory time for photo students to complete additional projects for Photo 1 or 2. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course.




Photography 50   Photographic Expression   2 units
Lecture 2 hours by arrangement (TV course)
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course includes twenty 30-minute video tapes which will be broadcast by West Valley College. The tapes contain material on the art and composition of great photographers. The supplemental text will present material on the technical aspects of photography. These materials will be used to complete workbook assignments and quizzes. Credit no-credit option.




Photography 60   Introduction to Electronic Imaging   3 units
Lecture 2 hours Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

An introduction to the theory and practical application of Adobe Photoshop in the field of electronic imaging. Lecture will include the theory of the digital (both original and scanned) images.




Photography 61   Intermediate Electric Imaging   2 units
Lecture 1 hours Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course will build on the foundation of photo 60. Photoshop software will be utilized to manipulate scanned images, stock images and output of digital images to digital end-products. Image manipulation will use advanced portions of Photoshop, including masking color corrections and sharpening and diffusing filters. The theory of the photo DC and input materials will be discussed.




Photography 62   Advanced Electric Imaging   2 units
Lecture 1 hours Lab 3 hours + 1.5 hrs by arrangement
Prerequisite: Photo 61
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

Theory of the different types of electronic cameras and other input devices will be discussed in lecture. Laboratory assignments will create digital images that will be manipulated and out-putted to digital or silver end-products. Photo CDs will be produced and manipulated.




Photography 64   Digital Camera Operation   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours Lab 1 hour by arrangement
Prerequisite: CA 20, Photo 1 or Photo 76 (Photo 1 is required for Photo majors)

This course will introduce the principles of operation of digital cameras in the production of images for multimedia applications. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 65   Current Trends and Issues   2 units
Lecture 2 hours Lab 1 hour by arrangement
Prerequisite: CA 20, Photo 1 or Photo 76 (Photo 1 is required for Photo majors)

This course explores current styles, trends and issues in the digital imaging field. Utilizing internet access to photography archives and galleries, the student will explore and critique a cross-section of digital images produced both for commercial and fine art applications. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 68   CD Image Storing   1 unit
Lecture 2 hours Lab 3 hour + 1 hour by arrangement ( 6 weeks )
Prerequisite: CA 20, Photo 65 and Photo 1 or Photo 76 (Photo 1 is required for Photo majors)

This course addresses the procedures and concepts of preparing and maintaining a digital image library for multimedia applications. Issues of filing, copyright protection and image retrieval will also be covered. Students must supply adjustable ( F/stop and shutter speed ) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography   70 Kodalith Techniques   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course provides an introduction to the use of high-contrast film as a means for image manipulation, making title slides, tone-line images, in-camera masking and sabbattier images. It is a creative technique applicable to photographers with limited darkroom facilities. Students must supply adjustable ( F/stop and shutter speed ) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 71   Slide Duplication   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course is an introduction to simple techniques of making duplicate slides from original 35mm transparencies utilizing a minimum of special equipment. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 72   Environmental Portraits   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course will teach the use of natural light in producing beautiful portraits in outdoor settings. Techniques of posing, camera operation and accessories and the use of light control equipment will be presented. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 73   Photographing Your Art   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course will provide photographers with information on the simplest methods for photographing their artwork for inventory records, portfolio presentations or publication. It will cover the different techniques required for drawings, paintings, sculpture and other media. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 74   Close-Up Photography   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course will provide photographers with principles of close-up photography. It will explore the options for supplemental equipment, lighting and films. It will also explore the many possible areas of subject materials from flowers and insects to printed circuits and silicone wafers. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 75   Photo Projects for the Instructor   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours (6 weeks)
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 1L
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course is designed to provide the teacher of a non-photography class with some creative ideas for photography projects that can be completed with a minimum of experience, equipment and cost. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 76   Visual Communication   1 unit
Lecture 3 hours Lab 1 hour by arrangement (6 weeks)
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

This course is designed to provide visual communication directed to the needs of students working in the field of public relations, journalism, multimedia and desktop publishing. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 91,92,93   Directed Studies   1-3 units
Lab 3, 6 or 9 hours by arrangement
Prerequisite: Interview with instructor to write a contract
Acceptable for credit: University of California and California State University

Advanced work in specialized fields of photography. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.




Photography 110   Introduction to Photography   2 units
Lecture 2 hours

A non-lab photography course designed to acquaint the student with maximum use of a camera for both personal and professional needs. Students must supply adjustable (F/stop and shutter speed) camera and all expendable photographic supplies used in the course. Credit/no credit option.


For additional information: Please contact Michael Leary
telephone: (408)741-2505  fax: 741-2121
or e-mail michael_leary@wvmccd.cc.ca.us


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revised March 9, 1999