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Your first year at NESOP
Your first year in the Professional Photography Program establishes a solid foundation in photographic craft and visual communications in traditional film and digital technologies. Your studies will emphasize:
mastery of basic technical skills
knowledge of the underlying principles of black and white and color photography
skill image capture and output techniques, both traditional and digital
conveying ideas in a solid and exciting visual language
history of photography
understanding of color
Request a catalog to find out more about our first-year course offerings.
First Year Course Descriptions (download pdf 456k  )
Term One
[ Introduction to Small Format ]
The 35mm camera is, historically, a basic tool for many photographers. This class will thoroughly explain camera basics and usage. Class members will be introduced to the darkroom and will learn developing and printing skills relevant to classic black and white photography. You will explore the cameras capabilities through weekly assignments such as "street photography" and other areas for which this versatile format is known. We will examine the various types of films and processing methods, creating images that are personal, relevant and exciting.
6 units
[ The color experience ]
This course provides an introduction to colortheory, visual exploration and printing. Lecture material will cover the study of light and color, film and paper technology, filter theory and usage, color balance and print density control, achieving and maintaining color balance in printing and core color printing skills. Class participants will work extensively with the C-41 and RA-4 processes. Weekly photographic assignments will be geared toward the exploration of a wide range of problem solving in aesthetic and technical areas. Class critiques will focus on mastering technical skills and developing visual skills.
6 units
[ Digital Capture ]
Digital photography is a revolutionary way to create imagesone that has become a part of the mainstream of the photographic profession. The technology that allows us to make and share pictures quickly also presents its share of challenges. During this ten-week session, students will learn about using standard camera controls (i.e., f-stops, shutter speeds and ISO) while shooting a digital camera. Class members will also learn technical controls only available in digital cameras. This class is about using the camera to make the best possible image capture by understanding digital resolution and camera technology. The class will cover white balance, sharpening and reading the histogram. Weekly assignments and critiques will help complement both technical and aesthetic development.
4 units
[ History of photography ]
Understanding the technical and aesthetic development of photography is essential to a photographic education. We will examine the major figures, movements, techniques, contributions and breakthroughs within the field, in holistic context. Lectures and discussions, demonstrations and handling of historical photographic objects involve you in learning about the history of your chosen profession. Reading and photographic research assignments supplement the lecture and class materials.
2 units
Term Two
[ Intermediate Small Format Photography ]
This class merges the film and digital worlds via specific 35mm techniques for on and off camera flash and other lighting methods. Class assignments will explore advanced exposure and metering methods. You will learn professional lighting control by seeing and using the direction and quality of existing light and using reflectors and light modifiers. The class goal is getting the most from camera functions and taking the medium to the next level via contemporary workflow methods and systems.
6 units
[ Large Format Photography ]
We will work in the studio and on location to learn skills in artificial lighting of people and objects. You will master camera movements by learning view camera methodology. We will teach the study of the Zone System, as well as advanced metering and filtering. Utilizing sheet film, you will become proficient with film exposure, processing and printing of commercial and fine art imagery.
6 units
[ Digital Workflow ]
In this class, you will learn to process a raw file and create an organized workflow. It will cover methods for archiving and backing up files. You will work in Adobe Photoshop, learning how to use the browser for batch processing and making contact sheets. You will also learn to use adjustments for color and contrast correction in order to make a digital print. Through hands-on experiences, you will learn digital workflow techniques from capture to output.
4 units
[ Principles of the Business of Photography ]
This required business course covers basic principles and business practices related to photography. You will be introduced to management, marketing and legal issues such as copyright law. We also will explore pricing structure, cost analysis and sales techniques. This course also includes instructions on and assignments using spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software. We will examine the workflow scenario as it pertains to productionboth in-house and through external laboratory sources.
2 units
Term Three
[ Advanced Digital Small Format Photography ]
This class will focus on advanced electronic flash and lighting techniques applicable in todays digital world. Using digital equipment exclusively, students will work with mixed light sources, analyze color temperature and continue to explore off camera light. Assignments will be designed to build on your aesthetic knowledge. We will encourage experimentation. We will review additional workflow issues of polishing pre- and post-production. You will organize a body of work in portfolio form.
6 units
[ Visual Perception for Photographic Artists ]
The emphasis will change from mastery of technique to an exploration of the visual qualities of a photographic image. In this intense course, you will learn a working knowledge of design and principles of composition. We will guide the transient process with weekly topics such as line, texture, scale and form. Assignments and critiques will emphasize the expressive and communicative possibilities of the photographic medium.
6 units
[ Creating Digital Presentations ]
This advanced class is about creating a body of work that tells a story and learning how to edit and sequence your work. You will shoot projects using digital cameras and then edit your work in Adobe Photoshop. Using presentation software, you will assemble the images with transitions and music to create a final digital slide show presentation.
4 units
[ Practical Business for Photographers ]
This class reviews target marketing and business strategies for specific photographic areas: Advertising, Editorial, Fashion, Portraiture and the Fine Arts. Through study assignments and presentations by experts in each field, you will gain detailed insight into each area of photographic endeavor. We will review advanced business workflow for studio production from a practical standpoint. You will also begin the process of portfolio development, interviewing techniques, rsum writing and website design.
2 units
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