PHOTO-150 - Cameras and Composition - Diane Stucker

Introduction

Welcome!

I would like to welcome all of you to Photo 150, which explores photographic composition, manual camera control, and the fundamental historical development, theory, technology, and basic applications of photography.  My name is Diane Stucker, I'm an adjunct faculty member, professional photographer, and I will be your instructor for this course at College of the Canyons.  I look forward to guiding and assisting you in mastering technical elements, developing your artistic voice, and expressing yourself through the photographic image.

Course Description

Introduces the fundamental historical development, theory, technology, and basic applications of photography. Examines principles and analysis of artistic and aesthetic qualities of photographic images through group interaction and discussion. Provides demonstration, analysis of function, and technical experience with single-lens reflex cameras. It is recommended students provide a digital or 35mm film SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment. 

What to Expect in this Course

Weekly Workload: 

Generally each week you can expect to complete coursework including:

• Read 1-3 chapters from your textbook
• Participate in a synchronous class meeting either in person or on Zoom
• Complete a Photo Assignment or Photo Challenge taking photographs
• Participate in critique and/or discussion groups
• Take an online quiz or exam

Course materials will be delivered through Canvas and students may attend class meetings either in person or synchronously online using Zoom

Technology Required: 

Computer and Internet Access:

Students should be computer literate, with at least basic knowledge of Internet navigation and email procedures, and have access to a stable Internet connection for completing online assignments and if attending synchronous meetings on Zoom.  

Visit Student Resources for Online Learning for information about the learning management system at College of the Canyons.

Camera Requirements: 

Because this course is designed to teach photographic composition and manual exposure control, access to a digital camera capable of manual exposure control, DSLR or mirrorless, is necessary for successful completion of this course. 

Don't worry if you don't own a camera.  The Photography Department has cameras available for checkout at no cost - free - to currently enrolled students upon completion of an online learning module covering the basics of proper camera use and care.

Although students can use a film SLR camera capable of manual exposure control, using film requires a greater time commitment and the significant added cost of purchasing color film and accessing a photo lab to process the film and scan the negatives.  

Student Email Requirements:

In order to comply with FERPA, correspondence with the college not coming from your COC Student Email account will be disregarded.  Announcements will be sent through Canvas and you may miss important information if you forget to check your email. Certain e-mail providers will either block or forward emails automatically to a bulk mail folder. Please double check that course email communications are not in your spam folder.

Types of Assessments

• Photographic Projects, which are more involved technical projects
• Photo Challenges, fun and engaging discussions that explore a singular subject or technical principle
• Critiques
• Quizzes and Exams
• Written assignments

Textbook Information

Stone, Jim; London, Barbara: Short Course in Photography
3rd Edition ISBN: 9780205998258
or
4th Edition ISBN: 9780134525815

Other Relevant Course Information

Under California Education Code, instructors are required to drop students for non-participation. Students who do not complete the first week of course work will be automatically dropped from the course.

Whether online or in class, students shall conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the community college learning environment. 

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/03/2026 Sub#: 2011 Sub ID: 207264