Program Overview
The Watkins College of Art's B.A. in Photographic Studies combines technical and aesthetic instruction with a minor in a complementary field. Students develop creative, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking skills through studio work, critiques, and experiential learning. The program prepares graduates for careers in photography, including studio, commercial, editorial, and photojournalism.
Program Outline
Degree Overview: The Watkins College of Art's B.A. in Photographic Studies is designed for students who are interested in combining a focused study in photographic practices with a minor in a complementary area such as Media Studies, Journalism, Business, Sociology, English Literature, Art History, etc. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop their creative, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking skills in their art-making process. Additionally, students will develop a cross-disciplinary and global perspective by incorporating elements of a wider liberal arts education into their photographic practice.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.
- To develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- To foster students' creativity and self-expression.
- To prepare students for a variety of careers in the arts or related fields.
Program Description:
The B.A. in Photographic Studies is a 4-year program that consists of 120 credit hours.
Minors:
Students can choose from a variety of minors to complement their photographic studies. Some of the most popular minors include Media Studies, Journalism, Business, Sociology, English Literature, and Art History.
Faculty:
The faculty in the Photographic Studies program are all experienced photographers and educators. They are passionate about teaching and helping students develop their artistic skills.
Outline:
The BA and BFA Photography Degree cover the following courses:
ART 1060, Introduction to Darkroom Photography
- Introduction to the basics of black and white photography.
- Focus on the use of an SLR (manual) camera, black-and-white film processing, and darkroom use.
- Covers composition, design, lighting, printing, processing, and final print presentation.
- Students learn to develop film, process prints, and use various printing controls.
ART 1100, Introduction to Digital Photography
- Beginner-level class focusing on the basics of DSLR color exposure, processing in Camera RAW, Bridge and Photoshop, and using the scanner for photographic capture.
- Covers the basics of photographic color theory, composition fundamentals in photography, and the applications of color in photography.
- Emphasis on developing the ability to communicate ideas effectively through photography and analyze photographic works analytically, formally, and conceptually.
ART 2300, Intermediate Photography
- Continues the study of digital photography through advanced digital capture, advanced Photoshop techniques, scanning film, digital printmaking, and artificial lighting.
- Students move from physical media (film) to digital files and back to physical media through digital printmaking processes.
- Experimentation with various digital papers, scale in printing, and the narrative potential of video art and photo books.
- Engages with both the virtual and physical spaces of photographic production through lectures, readings, and library visits.
ART 2360, Studio Lighting Photography
- Covers essential concepts of lighting for studio photography.
- Students explore the manipulation of quantity, quality, direction, and contrast of both natural and artificial lighting.
- Use of artificial and natural lighting in situations outside the studio is also explored.
ART 3060, Advanced Photography
- 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 use of photography as a means of personal expression.
- Development of critical practice and self-directed research models through various exercises and prompts.
- Production of a large, carefully considered portfolio of work.
- Emphasis on professional practices, critical self-reflection, creative, personal and intellectual expression, and continued development of connections with their photography across boundaries.
ART 3061, Photography Printmaking
- Hands-on exploration of non-traditional methods in photograph image making, including cyanotype, salt prints, Van Dyke, kallitype, and palladium.
- Enlarging negatives and other techniques demonstrated.
- Reliance on knowledge of technical processes to aid in the development of artwork.
- Final portion of the semester dedicated to the completion of more conceptually driven projects.
ART 3360, Photo Workshop
- Students partner with a rotating special topics partner to produce applied lighting techniques in a professional context.
- Offered on a regular basis with topics ranging from Fashion, Architecture, Film Set, and Music photography.
ART 4360, Photo Professional Practice
- Introduces students to professional practices strategies such as invoicing, copywriting, contracts, negotiation tactics, marketing strategies, and studio management skills.
- Building a client network and finding your unique photographic voice through professional practices are critical to becoming an accomplished professional photographer.
ART 4860, Photography Thesis
- Provides practical and critical experience in 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 form the basis of the course curriculum, supplemented by visiting critics, discussions, readings, and class exercises.
ART 2370, Photo History
- Surveys the history and development of photography primarily in Europe and America from the 1830s into the twentieth century.
- Examines new technologies and styles such as documentary, portrait, and landscape photography as well as the relationship of photography to painting.
ART 2370, Portfolio Practices
- Students bring coherence to, synthesize, and integrate learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom through inquiry, reflection, and integration.
- Production of an electronic portfolio for both academic and professional purposes.
- Emphasis on visual and written/reflective components of creating and critique.
- Introduction to professional practices in preparation for an internship.
Additional Modules:
- ART 3062, Experiential Video
- ART 3063, Documentary Video
- ART 4370, Critical Texts in Photo
Assessment: Assessment methods in the program may include:
- Critiques of student work by faculty and peers
- Portfolios
- Presentations
- Exams
- Written assignments
Teaching: The Photographic Studies program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
- Studio work
- Group critiques
- Individual meetings with faculty
- Guest speakers The program also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world projects and internships.
Careers: Graduates of the Photographic Studies program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Studio or Commercial Photographer
- Entertainment Photographer
- Lifestyle Photographer
- Fashion/Editorial Photographer
- Photo Editing
- Gallery or Museum Curating
- Photojournalist
- Photo Archivist
- Darkroom and Digital Printing Technician
- Short or Long Form Documentary
Other:
- The program is housed in the Watkins College of Art, which has state-of-the-art facilities for photography.
- Students have access to a wide variety of equipment, including analog and digital cameras (small, medium, and large format), darkrooms, lighting studios, large format printers, and alternative printmaking studios.
- The program offers a variety of opportunities for students to exhibit their work, including four campus gallery spaces and professional conferences.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad or away for a semester.
- The program offers scholarships to incoming students.
