Napa Valley College
Photography Technology
 
NVC PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES - Complete Listing

PHOT 120
Introduction To Photography
3 units; 3 hours lecture
This lecture course will show you how to use your digital or film camera properly and begin taking consistently good pictures. We will explain all the terminology so you will understand how your camera, lenses, recording media and flash work! We will teach you about composition, how to better use photography for communication in your work, how to market and sell your photos.
Prerequisite to all courses in the photo-technology program.
CSU, UC                                                                                       

PHOT 121
Basic Laboratory Photography
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
This lecture/lab class will teach you the fundamentals of quality black & white printing (bothtraditional & digital). Learn to properly expose and process your own film and prints. Utilize photography as a vital communications tool and to present your work for publication or the gallery. Facilities are open to students most hours of the day and evening.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 120
CSU, UC

PHOT 123
Advanced Photography
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
Advanced lab and camera techniques in black and white photography. Infrared photography, high contrast films, portable and studio flash, medium and large format cameras, basic photographic chemistry and introduction to the zone system.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 121
CSU

PHOT 130
Documentary Photography
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
Photographing for reproduction in newspapers and magazines.  History of photojournalism and comtemporary trends in the field.  Freelancing and use of stock agencies are also discussed. Wide variety of shooting situations and assignments.  Guest speakers and field trips.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 121
CSU

PHOT 150
Photoshop I
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
This course acquaints the student with methods of digital imaging commonly used by photographers. The emphasis is on retouching and adjusting photos for reproduction, web site application and high quality print output. Adobe Photoshop software is an industry standard and the primary tool for this course. Additionally, students will learn techniques of scanning, file selection, color calibration and various output options that will enhance their photographic capabilities.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 121
Recommended preparation: COMS 110
CSU

PHOT 151
Photoshop 2
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
This course is designed to teach more advanced skills with Adobe Photoshop software as it applies to photographic media. This course builds on the basic skills learned in PHOT 150. In this course the student will acquire mastery of working with 16bit and camera RAW files, color management, color correction through level and curve adjustment, advanced automation features, compositing, masks and channels, use of the pen/path tool and high quality print output.
Prerequisite:  ART 265, PHOT 150.
Recommended preparation: COMS 110
CSU

PHOT 160
International Travel & Documentary Photography
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
Photojournalism, editorial, stock and travel photography.  Photographing/communicating within various cultures at international sites which vary with course offerings.  Provides useful experience and insights for the student considering this type of career. Repeatable for credit three times.
CSU

PHOT 199
Independent Study In Photography
1 - 3 units; 3 - 9 hours lab
A study option that allows students to investigate a specialized area of photography or refine specific skills.  Project may assume one of three forms: 1) research paper, 2) research paper and example work, 3) specific photographic work and an exhibition of the results.
CSU

PHOT 227
Color Negative Printing
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
This lecture/lab course will teach you the theory and practice of color printing from color negatives using the Kodak C-41 and RA-4 color processes. Covers the use and selection of color films and papers as well as the digital scanning of color negatives, prints and transparencies for digital printing. Direct digital shooting and printing assignments allow students to compare both technologies.
Prerequisite:
PHOT -121
CSU

PHOT 240
Experimental Techniques
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
Explores various processes of image production in photography. Silver, non-silver, black and white and color imaging techniques are covered.  Students independently select, research and explore interest areas then share results with entire group.  Emphasis is on non-traditional image making processes and individual experimentation.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 121
CSU

PHOT 250
Portrait Photography
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
A course designed to familiarize students with fundamentals of portrait photography. Topics include commonly used films and materials, available and location lighting, studio lighting, individual and group portraitures, fashion photography. Student must provide 35mm camera.  Training on professional medium format cameras in studio situations. Field trip required.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 123
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 226 or PHOT 227

CSU

PHOT 260
Product And Advertising Photography
4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
An advanced course in successful product and advertising materials and equipment, studio and location lighting, organizational and planning techniques, layout/design, use of professional labs, and career possibilities. Assignments include food, fashion, glassware, architecture, large and small products.  Student provides 35mm camera.  Training on professional studio cameras. 
CSU

PHOT 280
Professional Portfolio
3 units; 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
An advanced photography course to design and develop a professional portfolio. Emphasis will be on commercial and fine art portfolios.  Studio operation, gallery exhibition and business practices are covered. 
Prerequisite:  PHOT 123
CSU

PHOT 298
Selected Topics In Photography
1 - 3 units; 1 - 9 hours lecture/lab
Topics in photography not covered by regular catalog offerings.  Course content and unit credit to be determined in relation to community/student needs and available staff. May be offered as a seminar, lecture, or lecture/lab class.
CSU

PHOT 300
The Expressive Print
1 unit; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks
This course is a hands-on exploration of the process of producing expressive black and white prints. The student will learn the affective qualities in fine printing, specialized darkroom techniques and archival processing.  Equipment selection, the evolution of photographic papers and developing chemistry will also be covered.  Students will propose and produce a black and white portfolio project. 
Prerequiste: PHOT 123

PHOT 301
Location Lighting For Portraiture
1 unit; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks
A lecture/demonstration and field laboratory course designed for advanced photography students who want to learn practical techniques of location lighting.  Course covers choice of camera equipment, films, filters and portable lighting equipment. There will be a number of lighting demonstrations both on and off campus.  Assisgnments will reflect real photographic working situations and practical lighting solutions.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 121

PHOT 302
Visual Literacy For Photographers
1 unit; 3 hours lecture; 6 weeks
Learning to see creatively is the first step toward taking better photographs. This course offers exercises and field trips to teach perception, photographic interpretation and personal expression.  Frequent critiques of student work. Useful for any photographer or artist. Student must provide camera and commercial processing of film. 
Prerequisite:  PHOT 120

PHOT 303
Zone System Workshop
1 unit; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks
A lecture/laboratory course designed for more advanced photography students who wish to learn the Ansel Adams Zone System. The course provides students with instruction, assignments and methodology for establishing a personal exposure, developing and printing calibration. Students will become familiar with film and developer selection, testing, time-temperature development techniques and sensitometry as applied to making properly exposed and developed negatives.
Prerequiste: PHOT 121

PHOT 304
Professional Strategies In Photography
1 unit; 3 hours lecture; 6 weeks
A lecture course designed for more advanced photography students who wish to learn more about professional business techniques in photography. The course will provide students with challenging assignments that mirror actual working situations in photography. There will be a number of guest speakers and field trips to professional studios.
Prerequisite:  PHOT 226 or PHOT 227

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES - SPRING 2006