Photography Classes At SJSU

Nowadays, it is always a good idea to have a few extra skills underneath your belt. Employers are often impressed by prospective employees that stick out among the crowd and that can claim to be able to do something that the other applicants cannot. Photography is a versatile and important skill; especially in the field of Journalism. Almost every field of Journalism involves some aspect of photography. If, in the future, an employer knows that you can take a decent photograph and understand the technicalities of photography, it could mean major brownie points for you! Also, taking a photography class in college can give you elective points, help take care of those extra units before graduation, or just give you something fun to do. As a result, I am posting a list of photography classes at San Jose State University:

Photo 40: Beginning Photography

• 3 Units
• Graded Activity
• Basic principles of photographic practices including both technical and aesthetic issues.

Photo 112: Color Photography

• 3 Units
• Graded Activity
• Theory, practice and aesthetic investigations of color photography: lighting, filters, chemical and digital processes.

Photo 115: Digital Photography

• 3 units
• Graded Activity
• Advanced theory, practice and aesthetic investigations of digital imaging techniques. Emphasis upon avenues of expression not available through traditional photo processes. Course is repeatable once for credit.

Journalism 95: Beginning Digital News Photography

• 3 units
• Graded Activity
• Basic introduction to news photography and photojournalism field. Includes camera use - composition, aperture, shutter speed, and lens selection- and processing for print or electronic media using PhotoShop. Emphasis on technical aspects of digital news photography and storytelling with photographs.
• ATTENTION STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS: This class can be used to meet the 3 unit requirement for an elective within the JMC school!
  

Photo 122: Product Photography

• 3 units
• Graded Activity
• The technical and conceptual aspects of product photography with emphasis on design, lighting, visual impact and clarity of purpose. Course is repeatable once for credit.
  
• This is a recommended photo class specific for Journalism/PR/Advertising etc. majors.

Photo 126: History of Photography

• 3 units
• Graded Activity
• Technical developments and aesthetic trends in photography traced from its invention in the nineteenth century to the present day. Slide presentations, discussions, field trips.

Photo 121: Photographic Lighting Techniques

• 3 units
• Graded Activity
• Concepts and principles of lighting using both daylight and incandescent light sources and the use of standard studio lighting equipment.

*Keep in mind, that for all of these classes, students are required to have a digital SLR camera that can be manually programmed. When I first took photo 40, I didn't know this and it was kinda surprising to be told I had to buy a $400 or more expensive camera! :)
**As a parting note, a lot of these classes have pre-reqs, so make sure to check you my SJSU or talk to the teacher before trying to add a class.