Photography

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Curriculum Requirements (A.A.S.) - 2011-2012 (Click)
Curriculum Requirements (B.F.A.) - 2011-2012 (Click)

Program Description

The Photography program is a two-plus-two model. The associate degree curriculum is imbedded into the Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum, allowing students to enter directly into the B.F.A. program or to move seamlessly into the program following successful completion of the associate degree. The Photography program develops studio skills and artistic expression. Students learn studio lighting skills, darkroom techniques, and control of all camera formats including large format, medium format, 35mm and digital. Continuing developments of digital technology are explored throughout the photography curriculum and are thoroughly examined in courses dedicated to digital imaging.  Instruction is provided on Macintosh computers and in college digital imaging labs. Students learn technical skills, the conceptual and critical analysis of photography through coursework on the history of art and photography, and contemporary photographers, artists and their practice. 

Program Facilities

The photography program has several specialized studios. A dedicated photography computer lab is equipped with 13 high-end Macintosh computers, a large format printer capable of printing up to 24 inches wide and a printer capable of printing up to 14 inches wide. Three darkrooms are tailored to different image processes. The large black and white darkroom has 15 enlarger stations conducive to printing up to medium format. There is a large format darkroom, and a darkroom for developing large format negatives as well as for alternative processes. The darkrooms have superior ventilation system conducive to working with all the chemicals. The photography studio is a large open space used to create and set up a variety of subjects. It is fashioned with various backdrops and lighting equipment including strobe units to create professional photographs. A workspace is provided for students to finish their work including mounting and framing. 

Career Potential & Employment Outlook

Employment opportunities are available in commercial photography studios, galleries, portrait studios, newspapers, magazines, professional and commercial processing labs, camera stores, digital imaging studios, hospitals, government agencies, corporations, public relations firms, stock agencies, as photographer assistants, and on a freelance basis. Throughout the country, graduates will become competitive for jobs that involve all aspects of photography, digital imaging and photographic art making.
Graduates usually enter the job market at entry-level positions and move up the career ladder as their skills and experience increase. Fine Art photographers with exceptional ability may receive recognition for their work and exhibit in galleries. Some move into supervisory positions and/or open their own studios. Graduates may begin by freelancing.  Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies photography as a competitive field, however, they identify that employment of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Kevin Donovan
Director of Enrollment Management
Phone: 716.961.1870
Email: kdonovan@villa.edu