Photography

The Certificate of Achievement in Photography is a commercial photography degree that emphasizes digital photography methods, processes, and technology providing students the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional photographer. The core program courses provide a foundational knowledge using digital capture techniques, processing and output of finished photographs. Elective courses provide students the flexibility to select an area of emphasis that develops photographs technically and conceptually based on their own individual aesthetic. Throughout the program students will have the opportunity to participate in photography exhibitions and develop a professional portfolio that can be used to enter the photographic industry.

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The Photography AA is a commercial photography degree that emphasizes digital photography methods, processes, and technology providing students the knowledge and skills required to work in the photographic industry. The core program courses provide a foundational knowledge using advanced digital capture techniques, processing and output of finished photographs in digital and printed formats. Students will learn studio photography practices and techniques working with light and color for technical and conceptual development of photographs. Throughout the program students will have the opportunity to participate in photography exhibitions and develop a professional portfolio that can be used to enter the photographic industry.

In the past year, we had one student earn the previously named Certificate of Achievement in Digital Photography. Although one certificate is low, it is in line with half of the other regional community colleges in the Bay Area that awarded certificates in photography; Laney (1), Napa (1), Solano (2). Updating the course title, and providing more flexibility for students to select their own emphasis by increasing the number of elective courses, will improve the number of completers for the Certificate of Achievement in Photography. It is anticipated that the updated certificate will eventually be awarded to 5 completers, the average number of certificates awarded by Bay Area by regional community colleges. Note, the average number of certificates awarded in the Bay Area region is heavily influenced by San Francisco Community College that awarded 26 certificates.

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In the past year, we had three students graduate with an AA in Photography. Although the numbers can be improved, Chabot College has consistently awarded more AA degrees than any other college in the Bay Area Region making up 42% of the degrees awarded. It is anticipated that with the new degree programs being offered and 106 students declaring their major as photography that these numbers will only go up in the future.

The Certificate of Achievement in Photography is designed for students interested in working in the photographic industry. The degree provides students with the opportunity to develop the techniques, visual sensibility, historical understanding, and best practices working with digital photographic processes. The Photography certificate is offered for the student seeking to enter the photographic industry as a photographer or digital artist. Job opportunities include: Commercial Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Studio Photographer, Food Photographer, Automotive Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Technical Photographer, Freelance Photographer, Photo Editor, and Digital Artist.

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The Photography Associate in Arts is designed for students interested in working in the photographic industry. The degree provides students with the opportunity to develop the techniques, visual sensibility, historical understanding, and best practices working with digital photographic processes. The principle component of the program is studio and lab activities that explore digital photography through individual expression, critical thinking, and an awareness of digital photography's historical and contemporary issues. Critical dialogue and rigorous expectations about digital photography practices support work toward a unique photographic vision. The Photography Associate degree is offered for the student seeking to enter the photographic industry as a photographer or digital artist. Job opportunities include: Commercial Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Studio Photographer, Food Photographer, Automotive Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Technical Photographer, Freelance Photographer, Photo Editor, and Digital Artist.

Certificate of Achievement. The required courses (PHOT 1A, Digital Photography I & PHOT 5A, Photography Portfolio), provide foundational skills and techniques students need to be successful in the photography industry. In addition to the required courses, there are 14 additional photography courses that students can select from for the electives to complete the certificate, including: PHOT 1B (Digital Photography II), PHOT 2A (Black & White Darkroom Photography), PHOT 2B (Advanced Black & White Photography), PHOT 2C (Alternative Process Photography), PHOT 2D (Large Format Photography), PHOT 3A (Introduction to Studio Lighting), PHOT 3B (Advanced Studio Lighting: Portraiture), PHOT 3C (Advanced Studio Lighting: Product & Still Life), PHOT 4A (Color Theory for Photographers), PHOT 4B (Advanced Color Photography Methods), PHOT 5B (Photography Exhibition), PHOT 6A (Photoshop), PHOT 6B (Advanced Photoshop). The additional courses provide flexibility for students allowing them to specialize within the field of photography.

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Associate in Arts. The required courses are part of the core program offerings. The courses provide the fundamental skills and techniques that students will need to be successful in the photographic industry. In addition to the five required courses, students may select three additional courses from the major electives list. The elective courses for the major are made up from intermediate and advanced level photography courses (11). Along with selected courses from the Art (2) and Digital Media Programs (2). This provides additional flexibility for students allowing them to specialize within their chosen field of study. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
PHOT 1A	Digital Photography I	3	Y1
PHOT 2A	Black & White Darkroom Photography	3	Y1
PHOT 3A	Introduction to Studio Lighting	3	Y1
PHOT 4A	Color Theory for Photographers	3	Y2
PHOT 5A	Photography Portfolio	3	Y2

The Chabot College Photography Advisory Board supported the submission of the Associate in Arts Photography Degree as a Regional CTE Program. I was unable to find an apporpriate place to upload the Advisory Board minutes, however they are available upon request. Thank you.

DeAnza College, Photography Program. Daniel Smith, supported with no overlap between programs. Laney College, Photography Program. Michael Mejia, supported program changes. Las Positas College, Photography Program. Deanna Horvath, supported program changes. San Francisco City College, Photography Program. Erin Denney, requested additional information that was provided. Solano Community College, Photography Program. Sarah Barsness, no feedback.