Are you ready to change how you see?
Within the Photography concentration, you will not only learn the skills and abilities that the market demands, but you will learn how to see. You’ll undertake a wide range of professional approaches through studio lighting, traditional darkroom, conceptual work, business practices, and even projects for real clients – so you will be prepared for a career in the commercial and fine art fields. Possible careers within the professional Photography including scientific, architecture, real estate, e-commerce, editorial, portrait and wedding, commercial and product photography. Other careers included fine art photography, art director, and creative director.
Alumni
Our alumni work all over the world and in many different industries. They're super great.
More alumni
AU’s approachability and promise of an education that could rival any other is what ultimately lead me to pursue the Art and Design program.
Jivan Davé, Senior Art Director
My art professors offered a wealth of individualized attention, which gave me the support to explore and find my creative voice. They instilled in me the importance of paying attention to every detail, from the initial framework of a piece to the finishing touches that really stand out.
Andrew Massey, Ceramic Artist
The most valuable take away from my education is the remarkable, luminary professors that guided me through my college experience and into my professional career. They created a home that challenged my thinking, developed my skills and nurtured my dreams. I am forever indebted to the time, effort and love they gave and continue to give to me today.
Emily Weiland, Director of Operations
Thanks to the rigor of the AU art program, I’m comfortable working in a studio, balancing priorities and meeting deadlines. AU professors taught me how to translate big ideas and concepts into physical work.
Lydia Turbeville, Display Experience Lead
Course and program highlights
This is an overview of the major design courses you will take in the Photography concentration. See the complete requirements listing by clicking the link below.
All Degree Requirements
Freshman year
ART 105: Foundations I
Initial offering of two-semester integrated studies sequence for freshman art and interior design majors; prepares students for work at the upper levels in art and design; provides experiences addressing the five major program goals (communication; formal exploration; creative visual problem solving; exploration of tools, materials, and techniques; and investigation of history, theory, and methodologies. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
3 Credit Hours
ART 120: Digital Tools
This course will explore layout composition, visual hierarchy, and problem solving through the use of industry standard software. The goal is to begin to build foundational knowledge of the primary computer applications used in the design industry. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Co-requisite: ART 105.
3 Credit Hours
ART 106: Foundations II
Continuation of topics/experiences in 105. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 105 or permission of instructor.
3 Credit Hours
ART 273: Photography I
This photography course emphasizes the basic aesthetic grammar of photography while providing a historical and critical context for looking at and making photographs. You will learn the visual history and grammar of contemporary photography, the ability to approach digital photography in a serious problem-solving manner, the skill to edit and discuss both your own work as well as other visual artists, and the ability to promote your own work. You will learn basic digital photography, industry standard software for photographers, and digital printing methods. This course, intended for Art and Design majors, has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
3 Credit Hours
Sophomore year
ART 373: Photography II
This photography course emphasizes the basic aesthetic grammar of photography while providing a historical and critical context for looking at and making photographs. The class provides instruction in basic functions of the camera, the visual history and grammar of photography, the ability to approach B&W photography in a serious problem-solving manner, and the skill to edit and discuss both your own work as well as other visual artists. You will learn basic traditional darkroom and film photography methods. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 273.
3 Credit Hours
ART 375: Documentary Photography
This photography course examines the power of the camera as a means to document history, and the ability to cultivate social and cultural awareness. This course provides a comprehensive look at the technical, historical and ethical considerations for documentary photographers. Students will create a collection of images based upon a subject of their choice, which will be critiqued throughout the semester. Students will be encouraged to elevate their work both aesthetically and conceptually. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 373.
3 Credit Hours
Junior year
ART 376: History of Photography
This course is an introduction to the history of the photographic medium, from its invention in the early nineteenth century through the present day. We will survey major artists and makers as well as important developments in aesthetics, theory, and the role of photography in culture. Some of the major recurring topics of the course include the ongoing debates about photography and its relation to art, the role of technology in shaping photographic imagery, and the various social and cultural manifestations of the medium in journalism, science, politics, advertising, art, etc. The goals of the course are to develop an understanding and appreciation of the medium of photography in art and culture and to develop visual and critical thinking skills relevant beyond the scope of this class.
Prerequisite: ART 375.
3 Credit Hours
ART 471: Photography III
This course expands on technical abilities and the visual language of photography by refining aesthetic and conceptual ideas on a more sophisticated level. Students can work with traditional silver-based images, electronic images, or an appropriate combination. The course culminates in an exhibition of student work that is critiqued throughout the semester. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 373.
3 Credit Hours
ART 378: Studio Lighting
This photography course emphasizes the technical abilities of lighting applications for photographers. In this course, students will learn how to effectively balance artificial and natural light to be applied to both product, portrait and fashion images. Through a series of studio assignments students will harness the skills required to create a professional level of lighting applications including light placement, and modification of lighting instruments. Students will also explore editing applications of industry software for photographers. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 376.
3 Credit Hours
ART 479: Advanced Photography Studio
Focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Photography.
Prerequisite: ART 471.
Repeatable: Course may be repeated for up to 9 total credits.
3 Credit Hours
Junior year (summer)
ART 497: Photography Internship
Internships are off-campus experimental learning opportunities designed to provide students insight into the professional work environment. Internships offer the opportunity to explore a career while gaining relevant experience and professional connections. Internships are completed under the guidance of an on-site supervisor and a faculty adviser.
Prerequisite: ART 378.
Repeatable: This course may be repeated once.
3 Credit Hours
Senior year
ART 479: Advanced Photography Studio
Focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Photography.
Prerequisite: ART 471.
Repeatable: Course may be repeated for up to 9 total credits.
3 Credit Hours
ART 479: Advanced Photography Studio
Focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Photography.
Prerequisite: ART 471.
Repeatable: Course may be repeated for up to 9 total credits.
3 Credit Hours
ART 491: Senior Seminar in Studio Art
Examination of topics related to working as a professional studio artist, including exhibiting and the development of cover letters, curriculum vitae, artist resumes, artist statements and slide portfolios, possible preparation for graduate studies.
Prerequisites: ART 471 and Senior standing.
3 Credit Hours
Faculty
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