Photography
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Photography
Our program provides superior instruction in aesthetic principles, practical techniques and artistic expression, with the foundation for college transfer, entry into the workplace or photography for personal enrichment.
Coursework includes traditional processing and printing, digital photography, color photography, studio lighting, experimental processes, photo criticism and portfolio preparation.
You are encouraged to develop a personal, expressive style, achieve technical excellence, and examine photography’s role in society.
An advisory board of industry leaders supports our department faculty with knowledge and expertise so that we continue to offer the appropriate marketable skills for students to successfully enter the workforce.
What you can do with a degree in Photography
A major in Photography can prepare you for:
- Freelance photographer
- Nature photographer
- Illustrator
- Photo studio manager
- Documentary photographer
- Graphic artist
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
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 workDegrees & 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 Art
Certificate of Achievement (CA)
- Photography, CA, Program Map
- Photography Criticism, CA Program Map
- Commercial Photography, CA Program Map
- Digital Photography Techniques, CA Program Map
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.
Quick Look at Photography Courses
For a quick look at Photography's courses at Foothill, see list below. For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- PHOT 5 Introduction to Photography
- PHOT 6A Photoshop for Photographers I
- PHOT 6B Photoshop for Photographers II
- PHOT 6C Photoshop for Photographers III
- PHOT 7A Darkroom I
- PHOT 7B Darkroom II
- PHOT 7C Darkroom III
- PHOT 8 Photography of American Cultures
- PHOT 8H Honors Photography of American Cultures
- PHOT 10 History of Photography
- PHOT 10H Honors History of Photography
- PHOT 11 Contemporary Issues in Photography
- PHOT 11H Honors Contemporary Issues in Photography
- PHOT 22 Photojournalism
- PHOT 22H Honors Photojournalism
- PHOT 57 Professional Practices in Photography
- PHOT 68C Studio Lighting Topics in Photography
- PHOT 68E Lecture Topics in Photography
- PHOT 70R Independent Study in Photography
- PHOT 71 The Photographic Book
- PHOT 71R Independent Study in Photography
- PHOT 72 Lightroom & Photographic Design
- PHOT 72R Independent Study in Photography
- PHOT 73R Independent Study in Photography
- PHOT 74A Studio Photography Techniques I
- PHOT 74B Studio Photography Techniques II
- PHOT 74C Studio Photography Techniques III
- PHOT 78A Landscape Field Study in Photography
- PHOT 78B Social Concerns Field Study in Photography
- PHOT 78C Documentary Field Study in Photography
- PHOT 78D Museum/Gallery Field Study in Photography
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 MolcsanPhotography
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.
We appreciate your support and donation!
More Resources
Ways to Experience More!
At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.
Research & Service Leadership Symposium
Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.
Global Experiential Learning
Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.
Humanities Scholars Work Experience
Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.
IDEA Center
Create, record, and experiment in Foothill’s Interdisciplinary Electronic Arts Center, a creative hub supporting music technology, media, photography, graphic design, and digital arts.
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