2009 - 2010 Catalog - The Art Institutes

PHOTOGRAPHY
Bachelor of Fine Arts
12 Quarters
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
In our bachelor of fine arts program, you have the opportunity
to obtain key technical skill with basic classes in photography
(both traditional darkroom and digital), design, and layout. As
you gain proficiency, you increase your skill level with coursework
in studio and product photography, in-depth topical
explorations of subject, and professional level digital photographic
printing. You can sharpen your camera skills through
learning to use camera formats from 35mm to 4x5 studio
cameras with digital backs. Manipulate light to create drama
then play with the color. You scout your locations and then
get in the darkroom for some hands-on processing and printing,
or in the digital lab to make a 24” x 36” digital print.
PREPARING YOUR PORTFOLIO
You start to shape your own style. As you work, a single unexpected
frame may take your breath away or you may shoot all
day before you get the look that you want. Either way, when
you experience the excitement of knowing that you captured
one perfect photograph, you’re hooked. When you’re ready
to graduate, it’s time to bring all the elements of your education
into focus with your portfolio. It’s the culmination of all
your effort and the most important factor in your job search.
As a showcase of your best work, your “book” gauges your
creative talent, technical skill, and value in the marketplace
for potential employers to see.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Photography program is to provide students
with technical skills and the mature design vision
needed to produce compelling imagery. Students will also
acquire communication and business skills appropriate to
market needs.
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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Produce a portfolio of original work for current media and
multiple platforms, demonstrating industry standards, personal
interest and career specialization.
Place themselves and their work within a historical and
cultural context.
Use problem-solving processes to produce visually compelling
imagery reflective of their personal styles and visions.
Conceptualize, plan and implement marketing strategies
and a business model reflective of industry standards, while
demonstrating personal motivation and ethical practices.
GRADUATES ARE PREPARED
After graduation, you will be prepared to start your career in
entry-level positions such as a freelance or stringer photography
assistant at a commercial studio, newspaper, magazine,
or a government agency, working on everything from
on-location in industrial and scientific venues to news and
portraiture. The length of the program is twelve (12), eleven
(11) week quarters.
NOTE: This program strongly recommends ownership of a
fully manual digital SLR camera. The following specifications
are the minimum necessary to qualify a camera for use in this
program:
Detachable lens
Able to control shutter speed and aperture manually
Able to view histogram and adjust the white balance in
camera
Able to record in RAW format