Welcome to Photo House
RIT special interest housing
Photo House is a special interest house at the Rochester Institute of Technology that provides house members with many unique opportunities- including the chance to live in a community that fosters their work as well as provides them with access to photographic facilities at any time. Located on the fourth floor of the Nathaniel Rochester Hall, Photo House isn’t your run of the mill dormitory floor. The combination of the facilities offered and the people that compose the community makes a fantastic environment for aspiring photographers of all types.
Photo House: A History
Photo House was originally established in 1972 for young and aspiring photographers. Since then however it has grown exponentially, and yet still remains unique among the United States university system. Photo House now sponsors everything from social activities for house members to lectures- the latter of which has been appreciated by the entire R.I.T. community. Lectures have been given by notable professionals and educators in the field of photography, such as Lita Suchi, Jacque Sturgis, and Len Prince, to name a few. With a dedicated community behind it, Photo House’s future is as promising as its past is rich.
Photo House: A Community
Photo House is comprised of a group of students who are interested and dedicated to the art of photography- regardless of whether or not they chose it as their major. It is this common interest that binds the community and motivates its actions. The commitment and friendship on floor is akin to that of a fraternity or sorority. Members take it upon themselves to get involved, and as a result of this Photo House has a lot to offer. Activities ranging the gamut from house movie nights and camping to photo critiques and shows promote the spirit of community on floor. Involvement is key, and each member realizes this. Weekly floor meetings and a system of committees make it easy for everyone to be involved and have their voice heard in the community.
Photo House: A Springboard for Young Photographers
Another facet of Photo House is its facilities. On-Floor darkrooms, a studio with strobes, a print finishing area, an on-floor gallery and a library of reference materials all make it easy for any photography student to foster his or her talents. Not only do the facilities offer the chance to hone ones photography skills; gallery shows and critiques allow students to contribute to each other’s learning by sharing information and ideas. Photo House gives students a chance to shoot, to develop, to print, and to display, all while surrounded by peers. This experience is a valuable one for any young photographer.
Overall, Photo House is a community in which each member looks after another and offers information to each other. The environment created by this fosters learning that merely taking photography classes could not possibly provide. With the facilities and information Photo House offers, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Learning doesn’t have to stop when class ends, and Photo House has taken it upon itself to demonstrate that in a grand way.