Do you see the world through a slightly different lens? Do you wish you could capture moments in ways that will tell stories? If so, picture yourself as part of the photography program!
Visual media has become a dominant form of modern communication. From photojournalism to Instagram, photography is quickly becoming an important part of our culture. Allan Hancock College’s photography program offers a variety of courses, such as black and white, digital, color and image manipulation, photojournalism, portraiture, and commercial to provide students with both the personal and professional skills needed for a career in photography.
With an Associate Degree in Photography, students will be prepared for a career in commercial, editorial, or artistic photography or to transfer to a four-year university for further study.
This program will help you to:
- be able to identify and explain terminology, materials, principles, and practices within the discipline of photography and apply them to the production of work for vocational and personal needs
- demonstrate excellence in image-making techniques across analog and digital platforms
- demonstrate an understanding of vision, craft and mechanics as it applies to photography
- apply a variety of technologies to achieve specific image-making outcomes
- demonstrate the communication and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the field of photography
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for GRPH 108.
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ART 108.
An introduction to the visual elements and principles of design. This is a lecture/lab experience requiring specific materials.
Designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of photography as a means of personal expression or as a tool for professional growth. Introduces the student to the history of photography, photographic theory, and cultural influences. Emphasizes the adjustable camera for effective visual communication and personal expression. Included will be units on cameras, lighting, exposure, print development, aesthetics, composition, content, and critical evaluation of student work. It includes basic instruction of image editing software for manipulating imagery. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including digital SLR's, 35mm film cameras, smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras can be used. Manual digital camera suggested. School cameras are available for checkout. Appropriate for students without prior photographic experience.
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13.5-16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.
This course is an introduction to the theories, principles and processes of Graphic Design. Students develop visual communication skills and create digital artwork for printing, publishing and manufacturing industries. Topics include graphic design history; developing strong conceptual and production skills. Students work in a digital studio environment using Apple computers, current Adobe Creative Suite software and digital printing equipment.
You will need a minimum of 9 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
History of Photography |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Commercial Photography |
2 |
|
Portrait Photography |
2 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Total Units:
17
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
The course explores how multimedia transforms experiences of creative expression and communication and impacts our cultural, business, and personal lives. Topics include project planning, development, and exploration through multiple projects. Projects include art for interaction, web imagery, animation, motion graphics, UI/UX, gaming, visual effects, video production, and transmedia storytelling. Course software: Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software.
Corequisite: MMAC 101
A hands-on introduction to the skills, tools, and processes of interactive multimedia, including creation of image, sound, animation and video files. Students will learn to use authoring software and simple scripting language to develop their projects. Course software: Adobe Photoshop, Animate, Audition, and Acrobat.
An introductory course on the tools of digital photography including cameras, scanners, printers and Adobe Lightroom software. Topics include image capture, enhance enhancement and presentation including ink jet prints and digital slideshows. For this course Mac skills are useful, but not essential.
You will need a minimum of 9 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
History of Photography |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Commercial Photography |
2 |
|
Portrait Photography |
2 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15 TO 19
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a minimum of 9 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
History of Photography |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Commercial Photography |
2 |
|
Portrait Photography |
2 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 6 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Art Appreciation |
3 |
|
Art History Renaissance to Modern |
3 |
|
Art of the 20th Century |
3 |
|
Introduction to Digital Art |
3 |
|
Design 1 |
3 |
|
Film as Art and Communication |
3 |
|
Hollywood and the American Film |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production |
4 |
|
Digital Imagery Lab |
1 |
|
Digital Imagery |
3 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Color Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 6 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Art Appreciation |
3 |
|
Art History Renaissance to Modern |
3 |
|
Art of the 20th Century |
3 |
|
Introduction to Digital Art |
3 |
|
Design 1 |
3 |
|
Film as Art and Communication |
3 |
|
Hollywood and the American Film |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production |
4 |
|
Digital Imagery Lab |
1 |
|
Digital Imagery |
3 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Color Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 34 units is required for the associate in science degree.
Required core courses (19 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
or | ||
GRPH 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
or | ||
ART 110 | Design 1 | 3 |
FILM 110 | Introduction to Motion Picture and Video Production | 4 |
GRPH 110 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
MMAC 101 | Introduction to Multimedia | 3 |
MMAC 102 | Introduction to Multimedia Lab | 1 |
PHTO 110 | Basic Photography | 3 |
PHTO 170 | Digital Photography | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 9 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHTO 101 | History of Photography | 3 |
PHTO 120 | Materials and Processes | 3 |
PHTO 130 | Advanced Black and White Photography | 3 |
PHTO 140 | Introduction to Color Photography | 3 |
PHTO 150 | Introduction to Commercial Photography | 2 |
PHTO 151 | Portrait Photography | 2 |
PHTO 179A | Intro to View Camera | 2 |
PHTO 189 | Independent Projects in Photography | 1 - 3 |
Plus a minimum of 6 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART 101 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
ART 104 | Art History Renaissance to Modern | 3 |
ART 106 | Art of the 20th Century | 3 |
ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 |
ART 110 | Design 1 | 3 |
FILM 101 | Film as Art and Communication | 3 |
FILM 102 | Hollywood and the American Film | 3 |
FILM 111 | Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production | 4 |
GRPH 111 | Digital Imagery Lab | 1 |
GRPH 112 | Digital Imagery | 3 |
PHTO 380 | Black And White Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 381 | Black And White Photo Lab 2 | 1 |
PHTO 382 | Color Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 384 | Digital Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 385 | Digital Photo Lab 2 | 1 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of photography as a means of personal expression or as a tool for professional growth. Introduces the student to the history of photography, photographic theory, and cultural influences. Emphasizes the adjustable camera for effective visual communication and personal expression. Included will be units on cameras, lighting, exposure, print development, aesthetics, composition, content, and critical evaluation of student work. It includes basic instruction of image editing software for manipulating imagery. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including digital SLR's, 35mm film cameras, smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras can be used. Manual digital camera suggested. School cameras are available for checkout. Appropriate for students without prior photographic experience.
An introductory lecture/lab course examining the styles, considerations, and techniques of photographic portraiture, including studio, headshots, environmental, and fashion photography. Introduces lighting and equipment specific to photographic portraiture. Requires an adjustable camera with manual exposure mode.
An introductory course on the tools of digital photography including cameras, scanners, printers and Adobe Lightroom software. Topics include image capture, enhance enhancement and presentation including ink jet prints and digital slideshows. For this course Mac skills are useful, but not essential.
You will need a minimum of 5 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Photojournalism |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Color Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Color Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Total Units:
8.5 TO 11
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the 1800’s to the present. This course examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to the fine arts, sciences, social sciences, fashion, and mass media. Emphasizes the aesthetic and historical influences on photography, as well as the medium of photography’s effects upon society and culture and as a form of visual communication.
Prerequisite: PHTO 110
A combined lab and lecture course that provides the student with an overview of photography as a career. Introduces professional photographic equipment and techniques in actual studio situations. Students will produce photographs of architecture, portraits, and advertising subjects as they would for a commercial client. 1 hour per week lecture, 3 hours per week lab. Adjustable 35 mm camera suggested, school cameras available.
You will need a minimum of 5 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Photojournalism |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Color Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Color Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 5 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
Materials and Processes |
3 |
|
Advanced Black and White Photography |
3 |
|
Introduction to Color Photography |
3 |
|
Intro to View Camera |
2 |
|
Photojournalism |
2 |
|
Independent Projects in Photography |
1 - 3 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Black And White Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Color Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Color Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 1 |
0.5 |
|
Digital Photo Lab 2 |
1 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Total Units:
6 TO 11
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A total of 18 units is required to earn the Commercial Photography Certificate of Achievement
Required core courses (13 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHTO 101 | History of Photography | 3 |
PHTO 110 | Basic Photography | 3 |
PHTO 150 | Introduction to Commercial Photography | 2 |
PHTO 151 | Portrait Photography | 2 |
PHTO 170 | Digital Photography | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 5 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
GRPH 116 | Web Portfolio & Social Media | 3 |
PHTO 120 | Materials and Processes | 3 |
PHTO 130 | Advanced Black and White Photography | 3 |
PHTO 140 | Introduction to Color Photography | 3 |
PHTO 179A | Intro to View Camera | 2 |
PHTO 179B | Photojournalism | 2 |
PHTO 189 | Independent Projects in Photography | 1 - 3 |
PHTO 380 | Black And White Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 381 | Black And White Photo Lab 2 | 1 |
PHTO 382 | Color Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 383 | Color Photo Lab 2 | 1 |
PHTO 384 | Digital Photo Lab 1 | 0.5 |
PHTO 385 | Digital Photo Lab 2 | 1 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Information
John R. Hood, Department Chair
Professor of Art and Design
jhood@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3705
Darlene Vera
Administration Assistant II - Fine Arts
darlene.vera@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3252
Location
Photography Faculty
Shane Anderson, Assistant Professor of Photographyshane.anderson1@hancockcollege.edu
Office – 0-328
Office phone: 805-922-6966 ext. 3727
Shane Anderson is an artist and educator. His work explores issues related to landscape use and the ways in which it is perceived and used. Anderson's work investigates the human relationship to the environment and ways in which we occupy, build and shape the contemporary landscape. He was raised in Montana and currently lives and works on the Central Coast of California.