PHT: Photography — Commercial

Browse Courses in the Course Catalog

The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

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PHT-102 Photo Design I

3 credits—This course identifies the fundamental design and compositional elements contained in quality images used for professional photography. The course provides exposure to several photographic styles which can be drawn upon for each individual's photographic journeys.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-106 Introduction to Image Editing

3 credits—This course will provide a basic introduction to raster based still digital image manipulation using industry standard software. This course is designed to provide students with a workable understanding of the digital software interface and tools used in imaging workflows.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $952.00

PHT-108 Camera I

3 credits—This course is an introduction to the basics of camera handling, exposure and meter usage.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-110 Camera II

3 credits—This course is an extension of Camera I and expands on camera captures, introducing editing workflows and image conversions. Additional camera accessories and optical image management are explained along with common problems with optics and what can be done to correct for them.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-108.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-202 Basic Portraiture

3 credits—This course presents an introduction and an overview of the professional portrait field. The course will introduce management techniques used in portrait studios. The course will include instruction on studio equipment and utilizing natural light and studio lighting to produce acceptable portraits.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-106 and PHT-108

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-204 Basic Commercial Photography

3 credits—This course presents an overview of a profession in commercial still photography. Techniques, assignment types, expectations, working conditions, types of photography products used, studio procedures and equipment requirements will be discussed and demonstrated.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-106 and PHT-108

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-208 Basic Photojournalism

3 credits—This survey of photojournalism as a profession leads to publishable photographs through practical assignments. The techniques and working style of outstanding photojournalists are presented in multi-image programs.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-212 Intermediate Electronic Imaging

3 credits—This course will develop skills needed for adjusting and enhancing photographic images after image capture and before going to a final output. The emphasis will be on images used in the photography professions of Portrait, Commercial and Photojournalism. All image manipulations will be accomplished with computer imaging software.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): PHT-106

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-220 Intermediate Portraiture

3 credits—This course is designed to assist the student in learning advanced portrait techniques and the business tools needed to start and maintain a portrait studio. The course creates an awareness of the work environment the student will enter. This course builds on the skills learned in Basic Portraiture and will include portrait assignments incorporating the criteria for acceptable portraits while utilizing studio lighting and natural lighting.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-202.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $902.00

PHT-227 Intermediate Commercial

3 credits—This course builds on the theory and techniques learned in Basic Commercial Photography. Lighting and image control will be presented in a variety of situations both in the studio and on location.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-204.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-240 Portrait Production and Portfolio

3 credits—This course is designed to assist the student in learning production portrait techniques and the customer services needed to start and maintain a portrait studio. The course creates an awareness of the work environment. This course builds on the skills learned in Intermediate Portraiture and will include various portrait assignments in the studio, outdoors and on location. A portfolio presentation is required upon completion.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-220.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $752.00

PHT-243 Wedding Photography

3 credits—This course presents an overview of the professional wedding field. The lessons will include instruction on equipment, lighting and posing utilized for photographing and filming a wedding. The class also covers marketing, sales techniques and the day-to-day business procedures needed to be successful in the wedding field.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Previously completed or currently enrolled in PHT-220 with a minimum grade of D, or have previously completed PHT-110 with a minimum grade of D.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-247 Commercial Production and Portfolio

3 credits—This course will look at a number of challenging situations likely to be encountered by commercial photographers, including ones that require advanced lighting solutions, large teams of people, or extensive planning and preparation. This course analyzes a variety of photographic styles and considers the importance of developing a personal photographic style. Students will be required to produce and present a portfolio of their commercial images.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-227.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-259 Advanced Image Editing

3 credits—This course will deal with adjusting and enhancing photographic images after capture and before final output using computer imaging software. Emphasis will be on images used in the portrait and commercial photography industries.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-212

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-260 Expert Image Editing

3 credits—This course will explore compositing photographs using industry standard software, focusing on both artistic and technical techniques. Students will learn how to combine multiple images seamlessly, create compelling visual narratives, and enhance creative expression.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of D in PHT-259

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHT-928 Photography Independent Study

1 credits—This course provides opportunity for a student to focus previous course work and knowledge on a special issue as well as provide for individualized exploration of topics pertinent to the student's projected objectives within any recognized discipline. Faculty consultation is required prior to registration for this course. This course can be repeated with different content for credit. This course can be taken for 1–5 credit hours.

May be taken for up to 5 credits.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00