Photography Courses
All photography students within the College of Art take the same core foundation studio courses as the other BFA majors during the first year. Portfolio reviews are conducted to further enhance learning through external feedback.
Below are a few of the courses offered in the BA and BFA Photography Degree:
- ART 1060, Introduction to Darkroom Photography
- ART 1100, Introduction to Digital Photography
- ART 2300, Intermediate Photography
- ART 2360, Studio Lighting Photography
- ART 3060, Advanced Photography
- ART 3061, Photography Printmaking
- ART 3360, Photo Workshop
- ART 4360, Photo Professional Practice
- ART 4860, Photography Thesis
- ART 2370, Photo History
- ART 4370, Critical Texts in Photo
An introduction to the basics of black and white photography. This class emphasizes the basic parts and operation of an SLR (manual) camera, black and white film processing, and darkroom use. Students will study the basics of composition, design, lighting, printing, processing, and final print presentation. Students will learn to develop film, process prints, and other printing controls such as dodging, burning, split filtering, experimental printing techniques and the use of filters. Concentration is on photography as a fine art medium. Students must have a 35mm manual control camera.
This is a beginning level class, starting at and expanding on the basics of DSLR color exposure, processing in Camera RAW, Bridge, and Photoshop as well as the basics of using the scanner as a means of photographic capture. This class will cover the basics of photographic color theory, composition fundamentals in photography, and the applications of color in photography. There will be a strong emphasis on developing the ability to communicate ideas effectively through the photographic medium as well as the ability to talk about photographic works analytically, formally and conceptually. Concentration is on photography as a fine are medium. Students must have a 35 mm DSLR camera with manual controls.
This course is a continued study of digital photography through advanced digital capture, advanced Photoshop techniques, scanning film, digital printmaking and artificial lighting. Students will move from physical media (film) to digital files, and back to physical media through the process of digital printmaking. Students will be able to experiment with a variety of digital papers as well as scale in printing, and the narrative potential of video art and photo books. Through lectures, readings, and library visits students will engage with both the virtual and physical spaces of photographic production.
This course covers essential concepts of lighting for studio photography: controlling the quality of light and the architecture of multiple light set ups with flash, strobes, natural lighting, and continuous artificial light along with lighting accessories. Students explore the manipulation of quantity, quality, direction, and contrast of both natural and artificial lighting. The use of artificial and natural lighting in situations outside the studio will also be explored.
An intense exploration of a wide range of lens-based and non-lens based photo media, creating both virtual and physical artworks with emphasis on experimentation, the creation of visual style and the used of photography as a means of personal expression. Through various exercises and prompts students will develop their critical practice and self-directed research models, eventually producing a large, carefully considered portfolio of work. Emphasis will be on professional practices, critical self-reflection throughout the course of the semester, creative, personal and intellectual expression and continued development of connections with their photography across boundaries.
This course is a hands-on exploration of non-traditional methods in photograph image making which may include cyanotype, salt prints,Van Dyke, kallitype, and palladium. Enlarging negatives and other techniques will be demonstrated. This course relies heavily on the knowledge of technical processes that students use to aid in the development of their artwork. The final portion of the semester is dedicated to the completion of more conceptually driven projects.
After technical demonstrations and overview, students will partner with a rotating special topics partner to produce applied lighting techniques in a professional context. There are a series of Photo Workshop classes offered on a regular basis ranging in topics of Fashion, Architecture, Film Set, and Music photography. Other topics will be offered on a less regular basis.
This course introduces the student to professional practices strategies such as invoicing, copy-writing, contracts, negotiation tactics, marketing strategies, studio management skills are necessary for successful careers in photography. Building a client network and finding your unique photographic voice through professional practices are critical to becoming an accomplished professional photographer.
This course provides practical and critical experience of preparing, producing, and installing a body of artwork for exhibition; researching and writing a thesis paper; and preparing and giving a public presentation. Students continue to explore professional practices and business applications in preparation for a career in the arts. Group and individual critiques will form the basis of the course curriculum, supplemented by visiting critics, discussions, readings, and class exercises.
This course surveys the history and development of photography primarily in Europe and America from the 1830s into the twentieth century, examining new technologies and styles such as documentary, portrait, and landscape photography as well as the relationship of photography to painting. This course is only offered in the spring term in even years.
From the time of the first photographs, both practitioners and critics groped for a language to address this new medium and its direct relationship with the world. Over the years, some described photography with phrases such as a "mirror with a memory," "the pencil of nature," a "momento mori," and "embalmed time." Others claimed that this new apparatus would mean the "annihilation of time and space." Some regarded its invention as the death of painting while others saw it as the last recourse of failed painters and the unfortunate triumph of industry over art.
This scientific, but seemingly almost magical, photo-mechanical (and now digital) process has inspired a wealth of philosophical, historical, and critical exposition. During the course of this semester, we will explore these varied interpretations and look at works by the writers who have most shaped contemporary ideas about photography. We will discuss the relationship of this medium to aesthetics, politics, society, memory, and language, and we will address the relevance of these ideas to photographers today.
Internships
All students pursuing a B.F.A. degree must complete at least one internship for college credit. Students may work in any art or design-related employment, such as advertising, publishing, photography, or galleries. Students can earn up to 6 credits towards their degree.