PHTO

Subject

PHTO

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

As a First Year Seminar class for incoming freshman interested in photography, this class will provide students with the opportunity to become familiar with Northwest College in general; its programs, majors, services, and personal. These topics will be covered in the first meeting along with an assignment discussing a student academic/career plan or outline. Photographically, this course will provide an intensive weekend of photography in the Beartooth Mountains and Yellowstone National Park exploring the aesthetics, lighting, compositions and technical aspects of landscape, outdoor and nature photography. Orientation sessions prior to the field weekend and critique sessions following the weekend session are also required.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Intended for the non-photo major, this course introduces beginning photography with an emphasis on theories, tools and practices of digital imaging and the hardware and software used with this medium. By the end of this course, students will be familiar with digital darkroom techniques, digital camera, scanners, scanning and file formats, image editing programs, printers and related materials and accessories. Students will also take virtual field trips to galleries and museums to look at collections. (3 hrs lec)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Emphasis on field photography. Lighting, composition, and technical aspects of outdoor and nature photography studied in intensive weekend format. Critique of student work and marketing information included. May be repeated once for credit. (1 hr lec, 2 hrs lab)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated once for credit.

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Students acquire an overview of photography from its early practitioners to contemporary photographers and the history of photographic processes. Students study the history of specific photographic eras and participate in the creation of photographs using same or similar processes from that specific historical period. (3 hrs lec)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Designed as an introductory photography course offering practice and experience in mechanical and creative functions of the medium with emphasis on technical skills and procedures. Introduces basic mechanical principles of the camera and darkroom, enforcing good habits as students learn film and print development techniques. Successful completion contributes to a strong foundation for further study in advanced photography courses. (2 hrs lec, 4 hrs lab)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Introduces the 4 x 5 view camera and skills to control proper perspective of the image and basic lighting. Explores the use of tools with studio assignments and proper exposure and developing techniques. Stresses creativity and expressive use of photographic instruments. Investigates current and historical trends in the imaging industry and issues of ethics in photography.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 1610 with a “C” or better. (2 hrs lec, 4 hrs lab)

Regardless of your Photoshop or Lightroom skill level, this summer intensive workshop will help boost your confidence and hone your digital photography skill sets as the fine details of capturing, downloading, editing and printing high quality digital images. It will review what’s new with Adobe Bridge and Photoshop CC 2018 updates as well as introduce workflow strategies through Adobe Lightroom Classic. This summer intensive workshop will help you learn current and industry practices and organization strategies necessary for file management, color space, white balance, editing, compositing, archiving and finally, printing on the Epson P800 printers. At the end of the week, you will select, edit, print and mat your favorite image from the workshop to be displayed in a farewell exhibition. (3 hrs lec)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Reviews the history of media photography and emphasizes intensive practical photographic experience utilizing a variety of news photographer techniques. Topics include advanced camera techniques, the photo essay, page layout, newspaper and magazine photojournalism styles, and current trends in digital media photography.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 1610 with a “C” or better. (1 hr lec, 4 hrs lab)

Within a shared or related academic program, participating students will produce personal and/or group projects involving elements of public presentation and community service outside the general curriculum of the Photographic Communications program.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Successful completion of at least 15 credit hours and consent of instructor. (1 hr lec, 2 hrs lab)

Develops knowledge and skills in producing creative images in the field of studio illustration. Places major emphasis on photographic styles and tabletop product work. Covers studio and color lab management as part of the interaction and insight a photographer must have to function in this environment. Discusses these topics with a priority on business practices.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 1630 with a “C” or better. (1 hr lec, 4 hrs lab)

Students learn to approach, identify, and solve creative photographic problems for consumer advertising. Emphasis given to advanced techniques in lighting for food, still life, catalogs, and editorial illustrations.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 2510 with a “C” or better. (1 hr lec, 4 hrs lab)

Introduces basic portrait techniques, both in the studio and in outdoor environmental settings. Students explore basic portraiture with emphasis in utilizing classical studio lighting techniques, subject communication skills, and posing and clothing choices for consumer portraiture.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 1630 with a “C” or better. (1 hr lec, 4 hrs lab)

A continuation of Commercial Portrait I. Examines advanced posing and lighting techniques through studio and on-location portraiture. Students apply portrait techniques to special problems.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 2610 with a “C” or better. (1 hr lec, 4 hrs lab)

Course explores digital photography and creative computer enhancement of photographs through the use of the Macintosh computer and Adobe Photoshop software. Covers a variety of input devices including the digital camera and reflective and transmission scanners. Stresses digital darkroom techniques along with computerized retouching and enhancement of traditionally generated photographic prints. (3 hrs lec)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

An introduction to the photographic portfolio for the photography student. A survey of portfolios introduces the student to developing a personal portfolio needed for seeking employment. Photographic problems and assignments relative to student’s experience. Photographic careers explored and discussed. Only for students seeking an AAS in Photographic Communication.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 1630 with a “C” or better. Concurrent enrollment in PHTO 2510 and PHTO 2610 . (2 hrs lec, 4 hrs lab)

A continuation of Professional Portfolio I. Student learns independent production in a selected area of photographic interest. This selected interest represents the student’s specialty in seeking employment. Only for students seeking an AAS in Photographic Communications.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 2710 with a “C” or better and successful completion of at least 30 credit hours. (2 hrs lec, 4 hrs lab)

Students acquire knowledge and skills related to traditional color photography and digital photographic techniques. Projects will be photographed in color utilizing both color negative and positive film. The majority of assignments are photographed using traditional cameras and film, while most of the prints are made using computer and professional-level digital printers. Several assignments cover the tools and techniques used to create images for multimedia and the Web. Students learn historic processes plus color theory and technique. Creativity and an expressive use of color photography are stressed as well as proficiency in camera and digital color processes.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of PHTO 2510 or PHTO 2610 with a “C” or better. (3 hrs lec)

Students learn about advanced digital techniques and approaches to creating photographic images and introduction to digital asset management. Creativity and expressive use of new photographic tools is stressed. Current trends and issues in the imaging world are also presented.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

PHTO 2650 . (3 hrs lec)

Introduces the creation and application of multimedia, with special consideration for video and all its aspects. This course offers an overview of multimedia tools, terminology, and techniques for the development of interactive multimedia projects. Additionally, it utilizes extensive hands-on experience using hardware and software to mold an idea into a well-thought-out interactive experience. May be repeated 3 times for credit. (3 hrs lec)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

hrs

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated 3 times for credit.

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Students learn the necessary technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities required for a professional career in digital preservation and restoration. Ethics of digital imaging restoration will be stressed throughout the entire course.

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu

Prerequisite

Successful completion of PHTO 1600 , PHTO 1610 and PHTO 2650 or consent of Instructor. (3.5 hrs lec, 1 hr lab)

Students will have the opportunity for extensive travel, internationally or domestically, providing a view of travel photography through intensive study in the field. Creativity and expressive use of photographic tools will be stressed. (1 hr lec, 2 hrs lab)

Subject

PHTO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 College Catalog

Source

catalog.nwc.edu