About Photography
Photography Majors are advised in focusing their studies toward one of three tracks within the Film, Video, and Photographic Arts Major: Digital and Photographic Arts, Film and Video, or Publication Photography. As a Photography Major, all students gain valuable technical expertise in the use of professional imaging equipment, formats of digital and film cameras, studio lighting, and digital manipulation and enhancement. Students are educated in the traditional methods of photography - film and chemistry - producing a deep knowledge of the medium. They are exposed to film and video, digital editing and use special effects as integral to the study of still and moving imagery.
Learn more about Photography Courses.
The department operates in spacious, well-equipped facilities, a fully equipped digital imaging lab with high-end archival printing capabilities, individual and group film-based color and black-and-white darkrooms, and both video and 16mm film editing and computing facilities. Each major is provided an individual studio space and access to areas for the display of work for exhibition.
Photography graduates have the choice of entering graduate school, becoming art educators or working in the field as independent photographers. Many graduates are successfully working in commercial, scientific, medical and forensic photography. Others have established their own studios and exhibit their work in galleries and museums
Students select one of three tracks: fine arts photography, film and video or applied professional careers. Each track within the major offers the expertise of a diverse, committed faculty and the insight of visiting artists delivered through interdisciplinary, collaborative teaching and creative exploration. The department operates in spacious, well equipped facilities: film-based color and black and white darkrooms, a fully equipped digital imaging and printing lab, and both video and 16mm film editing and computing facilities. Each student works in his or her individual studio space and has access to exhibition areas.
You will develop technical mastery of professional imaging equipment, all digital and film formats, studio lighting, and digital manipulation and enhancement techniques. Exposure to film and video, digital editing and the use of special effects are integral to the study of still and moving imagery.
We encourage participation in exchange programs, international mobility studies and internships with professional artists and photographers. These unique opportunities afforded by this intensive immersion will give you a creative advantage in shaping your career.
Onsite workshops and lectures are sponsored by professional organizations such as ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) and by industry representatives from Fuji film, Leaf America, Gretag MacBeth, Mamiya, Hasselblad and Polaroid Corporation. As a component of your professional practice courses, we host journalists, critics, writers, collectors, curators, and museum and gallery directors to meet with students to critique and review portfolios.
Courses Offered During Fall Semester
Intro to Photography (FVPA295)
This course is designed to cover the fundamental concepts and techniques of photography, including aesthetics and technical aspects as a basis for creating a photographic image. Students learn the camera, film processing, basic darkroom printing, photographic composition and lighting techniques specifically for the studio environment. This course includes demonstrations of equipment and processes, lectures and critiques are part of the daily coursework. Supervising faculty provide a balance of assignments, lectures, critiques, visiting artist lectures, workshops and demonstrations. Students have access to the photography department's shooting studio, and elective darkrooms. Materials required are based on processes pertaining to projects. Students are expected to complete a technical notebook on all lecture material.
Contemporary Color Photo (FVPA325)
This elective course is an FVPA special topic class designed to investigate the contemporary applications of color in photography while developing a working knowledge of color theory in relationship to photographic practice. The course includes a wide range of color-based practices and techniques as well an exploration of subtractive and additive color as they pertain to digital and chemical photographic processes. Studio lighting and the interaction between light, pigmentation, and photographic materials, will also be covered. This course will be of special interest to illustration, drawing and painting students.
Editorial Photo (FVPA327)
This course prepares students for careers as photographers in the advertising and magazine fields. Students will learn the inner workings of those industries and determine how they can market/promote themselves within them. Students will learn how to carry out and meet the expectations of art directors and photo editors while providing creative input of their own. Emphasis is placed on networking, negotiating and understanding contracts as well as building a professional portfolio. Assignments are designed to simulate practical work experiences. This course will be of special interest to Communication Design and Illustration students.
Photo Major Day (FVPA395M)
The primary objective in the Fall semester is to build a solid technical foundation and working methodology for incoming Photography majors. Focus is on establishing technical proficiency, so students are able to draw upon physical knowledge to inform their personal ideas and individual projects. Third year students produce a technical notebook on black and white silver imaging, required for this major. This includes research and testing of film, paper, development and toning procedures. Individual projects are contracted with each student. Projects include an initial proposal, including self-assignments and calendar dates for all phases of work to be completed. Photographic works are reviewed through presentations and field trips to local exhibitions.
Digital Imaging II (FVPA402)
Digital Photo Imaging II Digital Camera Raw and Printing Projects furthers the investigations taken by students in Digital Imaging I, prerequisite for this course. The emphasis for this semester of study is to utilize advanced imaging tools and color management in producing the images that require large scale printers: the panorama, book layout, and large format images for exhibition and installation. This course is focused and directed toward the student's portfolio, and their final exhibition of work, through self-direction projects. Project proposal methodologies and concepts development is an emphasis in this semester's work.
Pre-requisite: Digital Imaging I, or written approval of Instructor
Video Basics I (FVPA461)
Video Basic Tools is a required class for Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, TIME-Digital Arts and Scientific Illustration majors. It is also an open elective class for fine art credit in all majors and for second year foundation students. Using the tools of video, computer graphics, audio and other electronic media, this course focuses on the design elements and thought processes inherent in effective audio/visual communications. Hands-on approach features work in videography, lighting, audio production and mixing, and video editing, as well as support activities such as scripting, research, brainstorming and storyboarding. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking and problem solving, with both group and individual projects required. This course is intended to be an introduction to a very broad area, rather than an in-depth concentration in one subject. An external Firewire drive is required for this class. Required of FVPA and TIME-Digital Arts majors. Electives accepted, including sophomores Limit 10
Photo Major Day (FVPA495M)
In the fourth year, photography majors continue to fine-tune their photographic skills. Fourth year photo majors are required to complete a technical notebook on color processes and research on Chromogenic printing. This includes: exposure, film, and paper tests. Students are also required to submit a proposal describing individual, self-generated projects and final presentation format. Weekly critiques and lectures expand the students' ability for critical observation and self-evaluation
Contemporary Color Photo (FVPA525)
This elective course is an FVPA special topic class designed to investigate the contemporary applications of color in photography while developing a working knowledge of color theory in relationship to photographic practice. The course includes a wide range of color-based practices and techniques as well an exploration of subtractive and additive color as they pertain to digital and chemical photographic processes. Studio lighting and the interaction between light, pigmentation, and photographic materials, will also be covered. This course will be of special interest to illustration, drawing and painting students.
Advanced Video (FVPA597.00)
This advanced studio elective expands upon the knowledge of students who have successfully completed the Video Basics coursework. This class is open to all disciplines, and is designed for those interested in further exploring the use of digital video in the creation of special effects. This course emphasizes pre-production planning and the production process. Pre-production planning and research include professional formatting of concepts, outlines, storyboards, scripts, and production logs. A hands-on approach to video production improves the student's skills with digital video cameras, camera techniques, and lighting. Students shoot for special effects using green screen and motion tracking. In this course students perform various crew positions, learning how to organize and implement their creative visions. Post-production includes editing with the following software: Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Live Type. An external Firewire drive is required for this class.
Limit 10.
Pre-requisite: Video Basic Tools, or written approval of Instructor
Courses Offered During Spring Semester
Introduction To Photography: Concepts and Processes - Sophomore Photo Elective Fall and Spring (PHO295.00)
This course is designed to cover the fundamental concepts and techniques of photography, including aesthetics and technical aspects as a basis for creating a photographic image. Students learn the camera, film processing, composition, basic darkroom printing, photographic composition and lighting techniques specifically for the studio environment.
Course includes demonstrations of equipment and processes, lectures and critiques are part of the daily course work. Supervising faculty provide a balance of assignments, lectures, critiques, visiting artist lectures, workshops and demonstrations. Students have access to the photography department’s shooting studio, and elective darkrooms. Materials required are based on processes pertaining to projects.
Students are expected to complete a technical notebook on all lecture material.
Digital Photo Imaging I – 2 sections (PHO301.01-401.01-501.01)
This course is an introduction to the technical and aesthetic fundamentals of digital photographic imaging. This studio course is designed for students interested in working with digital imagery for various applications. Students use the computer to modify, manipulate, and enhance photographic images. Emphasis is placed on consideration of the hardware and software tools required for successfully capturing, manipulating, and exporting images, as well as on an understanding of the technical issues involved in each step of the production process.
Digital Photo Imaging I is required coursework for Photography, Communication Design, Illustration, and Biomedical Art majors and is recommended for TIME MAJORS. It is available as an open elective in all majors for fine art studio credit. Limit: 11.
Pre-requisite: FND101-201 Digital Art & Design I & II and
Pre-requisite: Intro Photo Elective or written approval of instructor.
Digital Photo Imaging II: Advanced Digital Projects: Archival and Large Format Printing (PHO30X.00-40X.00-50X.00)
Furthers the investigation taken by students in Digital Imaging I, a pre-requisite for this course. The emphasis for this semester of study is to utilize advanced imaging tools and color management in producing the images that require large-scale printers: the panorama, book layout, and large-format images for exhibition and installation. This course is focused and directed toward the student’s portfolio, and their final exhibition of work, through self-directed projects. Project proposal methodologies and concepts development is an emphasis in this semester’s work. This course provides an excellent opportunity for BFA candidates and preparing digital images for BFA Exhibition presentation.
Pre-requisites: Digital Imaging I or written approval of instructor.
3rd Year Major Day: Photographic Materials & Processes (PHO 396.00)
The primary objective in the Fall semester is to build a solid technical foundation and working methodology for incoming Photography majors. Focus is on establishing technical proficiency, so students are able to draw upon physical knowledge to inform their personal ideas and individual projects. Third year students produce a technical notebook on black and white silver imaging, required for this major. This includes research and testing of film, paper, development and toning procedures. Individual projects are contracted with each student. Projects include an initial proposal, including self-assignments and calendar dates for all phases of work to be completed. photographic works are reviewed through presentations and field trips to local exhibitions.
4th Year Photo Major Day: Professional Methodologies and Practices (PHO 496.00)
In the fourth year, photography majors continue to fine-tune their photographic skills. Fourth year photo majors are required to complete a technical notebook on color processes and research on Chromogenic printing. This includes: exposure, film, and paper tests. Students are also required to submit a proposal describing individual, self-generated projects and final presentation format. Weekly critiques and lectures expand the students’ ability for critical observation and self-evaluation.
Experimental Photography: Camera Design to Process Alternatives: Special Topics (PHO31X.00-41X.00-51X.00)
This course examines the relation of “camera” to “vision” for visual communication and experimental imaging processes from darkroom to digital imaging. This course is intended for creative inventors, novice builders, sophisticated industrial designers, and those with a propensity to experiment. There is a rich and ongoing history of photography’s inventions, built on the concept of creating tools to match inner vision, and to visualize the “invisible.”
From pinhole to fiber optics, the microscope to telescope, panoramic circuit cameras to the software managed satellite images of planets in extreme detail, (with a multitude of inventions between for use with both still and moving images); the device invented or selected for photographic imaging in integral to the effectiveness of your final photographic expression and communication.
Equal in importance for final result, is the process for translating “negatives” to print or final output. Image transfer, chemical and digital manipulations, 19th and 21st century processes provide a multitude of possibilities for the artist/scientist’s translation of idea.
Pre-requisite: Intro. Photography 295 or signature of Instructor
Advanced Photography: The Contemporary Portrait (PHO32X.00-42X.00-52X.00)
This course is an exploration of contemporary approaches to portraiture and its relation to the historical photographic portrait. Analysis of both simple and complex photographic identities and real and invented realities will be investigated. Photographic assignments, readings and discussions lead to an enhanced understanding of the student’s individual approach to the portrait and their unique relationship with the subject. Basic knowledge of studio lighting equipment is required.
This course is an advanced level photography elective and open to all majors and elective students. Demonstrations, lectures and critiques are part of the course work. Students have access to the photography department’s shooting studio, and elective darkrooms. Materials required pertain to individual projects.
Students are expected to keep a portrait journal and to produce a portfolio of finished prints.
Pre-requisite: Intro. Photography 295, and Introduction to Studio Lighting or signature of Instructor
Video Basic Tools I ( PHO461.01– PHO461.02)
Video Basic Tools is a required class for Photography majors. It is also an open elective class for fine art credit in all majors and for second year foundation students.
Using the tools of video, computer graphics, audio and other electronic media, this course focuses on the design elements and thought processes inherent in effective audio/visual communications. Hands-on approach features work in videography, lighting, audio production and mixing, and video editing, as well as support activities such as scripting, research, brainstorming and storyboarding. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking and problem solving, with both group and individual projects required. This course is intended to be an introduction to a very broad area, rather than an in-depth concentration in one subject.
An external firewire drive is required for this class. Limit 10
Video II: Digital Video Production for Special Effects (PHO498.00-598.00)
This advanced studio elective expands upon the knowledge of students who have successfully completed the Video Basics coursework. This class is geared for all disciplines and is designed for students who wish to further explore the use of digital video in the creation of special effects. The emphasis for this course is on pre-production planning and the production process. Pre-production planning and research are vital, with professional formatting of concepts, outlines, storyboards, scripts, and production logs. Video production focuses on a hands-on approach to improve the student’s skills with the digital video cameras, camera techniques, lighting, and shooting for special effects like green screen and motion tracking. Through this process students perform various crew positions learning how to for creative visions.
Post-production includes editing with the following software: Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Live Type.
An external firewire drive is required for this class.
Pre-requisite: Video Basic Tools, or written approval of Instructor.
From the Studio to the Gallery (VAT39X.00-49X.00-59X.00)
This course will cover the specific role that exhibitions play in the professional practices of an artist. Students will learn how to interact with galleries and curators, how to successfully prepare for a studio visit, apply to, as well as submit, and prepare work for shipment and gallery installation. In addition, avenues and practices for the exhibition of art in a variety of spaces will be addressed: commercial galleries, non-profit artist-run galleries, university art galleries, museums, alternative spaces and digital exhibitions. Students will discover the complexities of exhibition development, by curating, preparing and mounting a group exhibition as part of the course curriculum.
Concepts covered include issues of communication through artist talks and statements as well as publication. Investigation techniques and editorial practices are explored. An introduction to photographic techniques, tools, and processes for documenting artwork is also included in the course work.
Curators, Preparators, Conservators, and marketing professionals will lecture as a part of the course. Emphasis is divided between academic learning – readings, research, writing, class discussion, field trips to art exhibitions, and hands-on practice in the production of exhibitions and receptions.
Fehrmann, Matthew - Adjunct Faculty
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McEntee, Nancy - Associate Professor
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Penter, Cynthia - Adjunct Faculty
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Toles, Mary Jo - Professor
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Dennis Buck '73 Scholarship for Excellence in Photography
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Photography.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,150, shared by 1 winner(s)
Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Ethel "Boots" Clark '74 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current student majoring in Photography, with an emphasis on work blending photography and electronic media.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $290, shared by 1 winner(s)
Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Maxeen J. Stone Flower '76 Scholarship for Photography
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Photography.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,800, shared by 1 winner(s)
Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Joyce Seid '77 Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Photography
Awarded for excellence to a current 2nd year student majoring in Photography.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $2,180, shared by 1 winner(s)
Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Larry Havre Kline Prize for Excellence in Photography
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 3rd or 4th year student majoring in Photography who demonstrates financial need.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $240, shared by 1 or more winner(s)
Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Ralph Marshall Memorial Prize in Photography
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Photography.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $390, shared by 1 winner(s)
Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Suzy Spitz '77 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded for excellence to a non-traditional student majoring in Painting or Photography.
Total Amount of Award in 2009: $220, shared by 1 winner(s). (Listed in both departments, but only one award.)
Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Download Institute Wide (Open) Awards
Download Award Recipient Information Sheet