Visual Media

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Visual Media

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Visual Media is all about using images – both still and moving – to create messages that connect with people. Learn the artistic theory, skills and business behind effective digital storytelling, using modern photo and video technologies, and earn your Associate of Applied Arts (AAS) degree in Visual Media (formerly Commercial Photography) at Seattle Central College.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Full Time: 6
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available
123.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

There are no entry requirements for this program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.


For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

First Year Class Schedule

  • Monday to Thursday - 9:00AM – 2:00PM and Fridays- 9:00AM – 2:00PM

  • MW or TTH - 2:00pm - 4:00pm Optional Lab hours

Second Year Class Schedule
  • Monday to Friday - 9:00AM – 2:00PM
  • Worker Friendly

    This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults. This includes:

    • Daytime
    • Courses offered between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Explores the varied career paths found in visual media. Emphasis is placed on creative styles and trends in image making and storytellers of today. Entry-level issues such as working conditions, time management, organizational strategies and professional ethics will also be examined. Students will begin learning the language of media and how to critique work of their peers.

VME 110 3.5

Covers the basic methods of commercial lighting; the laws, principles, and practices of light; the qualities of direct/indirect sunlight and tungsten light sources; lighting for form, texture. Introduces standards for the safe operation of lighting equipment in a studio environment.

VME 120 3.5

Covers studio techniques for lighting people. Addresses safe operation of studio equipment for ¿portrait lighting¿ setups. Introduces three-dimensional contrast in a traditional portrait studio setting. Includes subject rapport, subject posing and development of a theme-based narrative using advanced lighting techniques while demonstrating set construction skills. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the program's previous quarter.

VME 121 3.5

Emphasizes research and creative problem solving to achieve a successful solution to a stated visual problem. First of two courses. Students experiment with different presentation techniques and deliverables to solve a series of eleven one week assignments designed to force students to be creative in a short amount of time. Prereq: Successful completion of the program through preceding quarter.

VME 131 3.5

Addresses the terminology and ethics of capturing digital images. Covers the functions and operation of HDSLR cameras. Introduces techniques for determining optimum exposures and basic compositional aesthetics. Includes development of an organized file management system utilizing Adobe Lightroom and parametric editing in Capture One.

VME 145 3.5

Covers the creative and technical requirements of digital image optimization using Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud. Includes interface navigation, tools, layers and filters, creation and manipulation of image selections, adjustments of color and contrast, use of retouching, masking, cropping, and basic image compositing, and the export of images for print and web. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the first quarter of the Associate of Applied Science program in Visual Media.

VME 146 3.5

Introduces advanced image editing techniques and production workflows in Adobe Photoshop. Focuses on precise color correction, refined selections, and multiple image compositing. Includes advanced retouching and image output and evaluation. Requires the creation of a cohesive final project of professional quality utilizing these advanced image editing tools and techniques.

VME 147 3.5

This course provides a bridge between still and motion working with a DSLR camera. Introduction to the Adobe Premiere and technical aspects of video production. Students will design, shoot, and edit several short projects. They will be introduced to a digital, non-linear, post-production environment.

VME 150 3.5

This course examines production methods, pre-production and post-production techniques, basic motion graphics, time-lapse video, slow motion and audio design. Working with crane/jib/sliders and other various tools. Students must work collaboratively as well as individually throughout the quarter.

VME 151 3.5

Builds on production methods, pre-production, and post-production techniques learned in previous courses. Introduces multi-camera solutions, as well as color correction and grading using Adobe SpeedGrade. Emphasis placed on professional audio and sound effects using Pro Tools for mixing and mastering audio. Students learn how to work effectively, and develop and simulate a professional workflow for a specific project.

VME 153 3.5

Focus on portrait & lifestyle photography techniques: seeing and using available light; using on-camera strobe units; choosing appropriate poses & lighting; story-telling sequencing photos; & adding words & music to increase emotional & saleable impact. Includes retail sales materials, presentations, and pricing strategies. Students encouraged to explore solutions and be creative in their approach to visual problem-solving.

VME 160 3.5

Introduces critical listening techniques, basic analog and digital theory, as well as best practices for sound recording and audio editing to develop skills as effective audio storytellers. In the field, students will learn to use equipment typical to the industry to record ambiances, sound effects, and voices. Using Adobe Audition and Premiere students will layer sounds to create audio narratives.

VME 170 3.5

Integrates educational studies with supervised work/internship experience. Provides individualized opportunities to apply visual media knowledge and skills in the workplace. Includes developing work experience learning outcomes and monitoring achievement through self-evaluation and faculty and supervisor evaluations.

VME 197 3.0

Introduces beginner & intermediate concepts & techniques for creating & rendering motion graphics using Adobe After Effects. Focuses on video compositing & animation, integration of titles, basic green screen & keying skills, & 3d/360 video integration. Requires completion of a cohesive final project that integrates multiple applications of After Effects capabilities and techniques utilizing these image rendering and animation tools.

VME 220 4.0

Final of two courses with an emphasis on research and creative problem-solving to achieve a successful solution to a stated visual problem. Students experiment with different presentation techniques and deliverables to solve a series of eleven one-week assignments designed to compel students to be creative in a short amount of time.

VME 232 4.0

Third course in a series with an focus on storytelling through photography and video work. This class will emphasize key script elements such as plot structure, character and scene development. Students will use production design and photographic techniques to produce deliverables that have compelling narrative or character traits. The class work will focus on a series of two to three-week assignments which are designed to compel students to be creative in a short amount of time.

VME 233 4.0

Introduces critical listening techniques, basic analog and digital theory, as well as best practices for sound recording and audio editing to develop skills as effective audio storytellers. In the field, students will learn to use equipment typical to the industry to record ambiances, sound effects, and voices. Using Adobe Audition and Premiere students will layer sounds to create audio narratives.

VME 245 4.0

Advanced digital video production focusing on the skills needed to complete professional digital video productions pertaining to location and studio environments. Students will produce material including short documentaries, interviews, studio productions, and music videos. Students will rotate through the roles of a production team while producing projects.

VME 250 4.0

Begins the final capstone visual media production. Covers the fundamentals of producing & directing techniques of digital video production. In teams, students learn the process of producing a major video production: concepting, script writing, story development, planning, timelines, props, casting, & budgeting. Explores storytelling using 360 video & virtual reality environments to enhance the experience.

VME 251 4.0

Builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in previous Visual Media courses. Introduces advanced editing techniques including compositing footage, color balancing, chroma-keying, advanced effects, and sound mixing and manipulation. Concludes with a capstone project that is collaboratively produced and demonstrates advanced skills in editing techniques.

VME 252 4.0

Second in a series of 3 classes focused on technique. Explores how to understand the needs of the client, the audience, & the art direction of a campaign, as well as professional requirements of corporate & editorial photography. Continued work on understanding lighting controls while working on location. Students engage in real projects to develop conceptual and creative solutions to produce images that tell a compelling story.

VME 261 4.0

The final course, in a series of three, focused on technique. Explores how to understand the needs of the client, the audience, and the art direction of a campaign. Focuses on food & product photography, identifying some of the challenges and how to resolve them. It offers an in-depth research and practice on how different foods, textures, & products (metal, glass, fabric, plastic, etc.) respond to different types of light.

VME 262 4.0

Provides practical experience with pricing and negotiating fees, writing proposals and design briefs, organizing efficient timelines, managing workflows, and applying basic accounting and business practices. Students acquire work contracts with a client and apply their design skills in exchange for a fair wage or equitable trade. Students are provided with ethical guidelines for conduct and behavior within the visual media profession.

VME 270 4.0

Students will collaboratively participate in the planning and organization of the portfolio show. This will include, but is not limited to, Branding, Marketing, Web-Design and Development, Photography, Videography, Exhibit Design, Social Media and Promotion. Students are required to design and install their own work for the show.

VME 276 4.0

The first in a series of 3 courses designed to expand current visual media knowledge & skills, offering students the opportunity to work on a major self-initiated visual media project. Emphasizes research and visual experimentation that leads to a successful visual media solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students have the opportunity to develop strong portfolio pieces with the goal of employment.

VME 280 4.0

Second in a series of three courses designed to expand current graphic design knowledge and skills, offering students the opportunity to work on a major self-initiated design project. Emphasizes research and the design process that leads to a successful design solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students have the opportunity to develop strong portfolio pieces with the ultimate goal of employment.

VME 281 4.0

The last in a series of three courses designed to expand current graphic design knowledge and skills, offering students the opportunity to work on a major self-initiated design project. The course emphasizes research & the design process that leads to a successful design solution. By engaging in a unique quarter-long project, students have the opportunity to develop strong portfolio pieces with the ultimate goal of employment.

VME 282 4.0

Develop, design and prepare a portfolio of work that represents the student's creative voice and professional direction, for presentation to multiple clients, representatives and agencies. Includes various presentation methods, including electronic portfolios. Create marketing materials: business card, stationery and self-promotion.

VME 286 4.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Course provides students with authentic tasks and projects preparing them for real-world work demands encountered in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in a project-based curriculum, exploring the role of communications in the context of New Media and society. Additional objectives of New Media are to develop skills that form the basis for future career work in the creative arts disciplines-all of which relate to general media-and to begin to establish professional contacts.

NME 110 6.0

This interdisciplinary SCCC Creative Academy course, second of a three-course series, brings together Graphic Design and Photography students to apply skills to complete integrative design assignments. Students are given authentic tasks and projects preparing them for real-world work demands encountered in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in this project-based curriculum, exploring the role and interplay of design and communications in the context of New Media and society.

NME 120 6.0

This is the final of a three course series in which advanced techniques will be applied and explored. The course provides students from Design and Photography with authentic tasks and projects preparing them for real-world work demands encountered in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in a project-based curriculum, exploring the role of communications in the context of New Media and society.

NME 130 6.0