Photography

Why Study Photography

Our Photography program provides a strong foundation in professional practices, technical skills, visual literacy, and creative expression—whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year college, build a career in photography, or explore photography for personal enrichment.

Coursework includes traditional black-and-white film processing and printing, digital photography, post-processing and digital printing, photojournalism, studio lighting, photographic history and criticism, and professional practices that prepare students for working in the field.

You are encouraged to develop your own unique photographic voice while building strong technical skills and exploring photography’s role in society and culture.

An advisory board of industry leaders works alongside our renowned photography faculty to help ensure that our curriculum reflects current practices in the field and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in photography.

What you can do with a degree in Photography

Three people stand in a photography lab examining strips of film. Two individuals wearing gloves carefully inspect negatives while another person observes nearby

A major in Photography can prepare you for:

Freelance Photographer
Studio Photographer
Digital Technician (Digitech)
Commercial Photographer
Photojournalist or Documentary Photographer
Digital Imaging & Printing Specialist
Darkroom & Analog Photography Specialist
Photography Assistant or Digital Technician
Visual Content Creator

Twenty-Four Blocks — Robert Kastigar

Photographer Robert Kastigar documents the resilience and everyday life of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown. This long-term project captures the people, culture, and connections that define its 24 square blocks. An intimate look at one of North America’s oldest and most enduring neighborhoods.

Learn more about Robert's work

Mannequins wearing traditional Russian folk costumes

Slavic San Francisco — Anastasiia Nelen

Documentary photographer Anastasiia Nelen explores Slavic identity, faith, and heritage in contemporary America. Through intimate storytelling, the project traces migration, memory, and community across generations. Discover a visual narrative shaped by history, culture, and belonging.

Learn more about Nelen's work

Past Exhibitions Photo Gallery Advisory Board

Questions About Credit vs. Non-Credit Classes

If you have questions about which path or certificate is right for you, contact Photography Department Chair Judy Walgren at walgrenjudith@fhda.edu.

Support Our Photography Programs

Your generosity will help with purchases, events, exhibitions, student awards and more.

Donate Today

We appreciate your support and donation!

Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Arts

Photography, AA Program Map

Certificate of Achievement (CA)

Certificate of Proficiency

View academic catalog for Photography department certificate of proficiency requirements.

Photo Criticism Skills Certificate

Non-Credit Certificate of Completion

View academic catalog for Photography department certificate of completion requirements.

After five years of teaching myself, Foothill’s photography program provided the technical rigor and professional insight I was missing. It gave me the confidence to transition from a hobbyist to a business owner capable of taking on high-level professional jobs.

Michael Molcsan

Photography