Curriculum Development

VIC163 - Digital Studio Photography   •   VIC263 - Advanced Digital Studio Photography      

   VIC104 - Computer Art    •   VIC283 - Portfolio for Photography    •   VIC282 - Portfolio for Graphic Design 

Curriculum Development:  Digital Photography Program

In 2008, I was a co-collaborator in the development of the Digital Photography program.  My responsibilities included; creating curriculum for the studio photography classes, and building professional photography studios at the college. Using funds from the Perkins grant, the photography studios allow the students in the VIC department the opportunity to work with industry standard equipment. 

For more than a decade, I have been able to continually improve the studios. The students have access to a variety of lights and modifiers, gels and backdrops, cameras and lens. This equipment allows the students to create portfolio quality work, and facilitates bringing their imagination to life. Studio photography has been a main focus of my instruction for many years at the college, and the body of work that the students have produced is something I am very proud of.

VIC163 Digital Studio Photography 

When developing the curriculum for VIC163, my goal has been to introduce the students to the technical aspects of digital photography and studio lighting in a way that is fun and exciting. As a lab class, the students learn the concepts by applying them in a hands on approach. This intro class is intended to teach the fundamentals, while allowing the students to explore their creativity. 

The following links are handouts and presentations used for instruction in VIC163.

VIC163  Syllabus Fall 2021    

 VIC163 Shutter Speed / Long Exposure Presentation   

VIC163 Shutter Speed / Long Exposure Examples    

VIC163 PWLME Lab Directions

VIC163 PWLME Project Rubric   

VIC163 Classic Portrait Lighting Techniques Handout 

VIC163 Guide to Strobes 

VIC163 Focal Length in Portraiture Handout

The following images are samples of student work from VIC163 - Digital Studio Photography

Antwan Standberry - Final Project Portrait Series

Carlos Rosas - Final Project Portrait Series

Christine Epling - Painting with Light

Adrianna Martinez - Food Photography

Manual Paz - Single Light Portrait

JLB - Gel Portaits with Multiple Lights

Mark Moravecek - Abstract Still Life

Marissa Gamino - Freezing A Moment in Time

Magda Ginka - Painting with Light

Doina Calcea - In Camera Multiple Exposure

Hugo Gonzales - Final Project Portrait Series

Marquis Blanks - Gel Portraits with Multiple Lights

VIC263 Advanced Digital Studio Photography 

When developing the curriculum for VIC263, my goal has been to build on the fundamentals acquired in VIC163. The students are introduced to advanced studio lighting techniques, and all projects are expected to be portfolio quality. The skills learned in the class translate to the professional world, helping students become freelancers or gain entry level positions at a commercial studio.

The following links are handouts and presentations used for instruction in VIC263.

VIC263  Syllabus Fall 2021

VIC263 High Key Lighting Examples

VIC263 High Key Lighting Lab Directions

VIC263 High Key Lighting Rubric

VIC263 Headshot Tips and Examples

VIC263 Mixing Color Temperature / Slow Sync Examples


The following images are samples of student work from VIC263 - Advanced Digital Studio Photography

Christopher De La Rosa - Creative Self Portrait

Joshua Lechuga - Conceptual Still Life

Amanda Laskowski - High Key Lighting

Wanda Rodriguez - Modern Day Daguerreotype

Jo Jo George - Mixing Color Temp / Slow Sync

Juanita Nolan - Low Key Lighting

Thanos Alatsidas -  Culinary Photography (HIA)

Ceaser Nolasco - Creative Self Portrait

Mike Hennon - Conceptual Still Life

Barbara Delane - High Key Lighting

Jason Sybounheuang - Creative Self Portrait

Oscar Gomez - Mixing Color Temp / Slow Sync

VIC104 Computer Art / Curriculum Redesign

When redesigning the curriculum for VIC104, my goal has been to cast a wide net, and introduce students to a variety of mediums. For software we use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge and Camera Raw.  We also explore studio photography and digital video to create animated gifs. The intention is to introduce graphic design to photographers and photography to graphic designers, to peak their interest in areas they may not have considered pursuing. 

The class also introduces students to critique, and self-evaluation of their work. The student response has been very positive to the projects, and the work being produced is thoughtful, creative, and inspiring.

The following links are handouts and presentations used for instruction in VIC104.

VIC104  Syllabus Fall 2021

VIC104 Low Poly Student Examples

VIC104 Low Poly Project Directions

VIC104 Cinemagraph Demo

VIC104 Cinemagraph Rubric

VIC104 Final Project Album Cover Student Examples

VIC104 Final Written Exam

The following images are samples of student work from VIC104 - Computer Art

Jacek Kaminski - Final Project Album Cover Series

Humberto Vilchis - Photoshop DE / Composite

Jaime De Blas - Final Project Album Cover Series

Tyler Ocampo - Illustrator Low Poly Art

Chris Aguilar - Illustrator Low Poly Art

Christian Limon - Photoshop DE / Composite

Pamela Rosales - Photoshop DE /  Composite

Lucas Larson - Illustrator Low Poly Art

Franklin Ward - Photoshop 3D Stylized 

Franklin Ward - Photoshop DE/ Composite

Tristan  Hrencecin - Final Project Album Cover Series

Luis Cornejo - Barbara Kruger Inspired Poster

VIC283 Portfolio for Photography & VIC282 Portfolio for Graphic Design / Curriculum Redesign

The redesign for the VIC portfolio classes involved adding an online component to the curriculum. The goal of portfolio is for the students to create a cohesive online presence where they showcase their work in a professional way. They are given the option of creating a website, a professional Facebook or Instagram page, or another online platform.  Additionally, the students create a PDF of their portfolio to send to clients, and potential employers.  A resume, and LinkedIn account, complete with a professional headshot taken in the Triton photo studios is also part of the redesign. This class is instrumental in student success because upon completion they have the materials in place to self promote, apply for jobs or transfer to a four-year university.


The following links are samples of student portfolios from VIC283 Portfolio for Photography and VIC282 Portfolio for Graphic Design