Photography

photography Overview

Photography is more than just a visual art form; it's a powerful means of storytelling and self-expression. Our Photography program invites you to step into a world of creativity, where you'll learn to capture the essence of life, culture, and emotion through the lens of a camera.

Success Resources

Develop your vision in the San José City College photography program! Discover inspiration all around you. Capture everything from abstract ideas of culture and identity to the small, human details of everyday life. 

Experience traditional black and white photography in our state-of-the-art studios and darkroom or join the digital wave that makes photography accessible to all who wish to establish a global online presence. 

Develop your creative vision, your technical skills, and produce those images that impact your personal life and professional growth.

Department Contacts

  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Division
  • (408) 288-3785

 

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Photography Student Learning Outcomes

  • Apply a variety of lighting techniques to the production of photographs.

  • Produce photographs using various camera, film and digital choices.

  • Produce photographs using various photographic papers and digital output.

  • Create a portfolio and related materials for job preparation.

Looking for Digital Media Art? Learn more about Digital Media Art's offerings

Looking for traditional ART? Learn more about ART's offerings

Frequently asked questions (faq)

The Photography program at SJCC is designed to help students develop their creative vision and technical skills. The curriculum emphasizes capturing various aspects of life, culture, and identity through the lens, encouraging students to find inspiration in their surroundings.

SJCC offers both an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS) in Art degrees. These programs include courses focused on developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design, with specific skill-building in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital mediums.

The curriculum includes courses such as:

  • Intermediate Photography: This course covers black-and-white photography skills, color theory and vision, on-camera flash, studio lighting, digital imaging, and the history of photography. Students will examine issues within photography, ways to conceptualize the finished image, and how photography is used in print and electronic media. Students must provide their own 35mm camera. Field trips to museums and galleries may be required.
  • Digital Photo Editing: Students will learn how to enhance and manipulate images using industry-standard software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. The curriculum covers essential topics including color correction, retouching, compositing, and creative image editing. Students will work on practical projects, developing their skills in image enhancement, and honing their ability to produce professional-quality images.

Specific prerequisites may vary by course. It's recommended to consult the SJCC course catalog or speak with an academic advisor to determine any required prerequisites before enrolling.

Graduates of the Photography program may pursue various career paths, including:

  • Professional Photographer: Specializing in areas such as portrait, commercial, or fine art photography.
  • Photo Editor: Working with publications or media outlets to select and edit images.
  • Studio Manager: Overseeing the operations of a photography studio.
  • Freelance Photographer: Offering photography services on a contract basis for various clients.