Visual Media

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.