Advertising Photography Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA Option

The option provides flexibility and specialization within the course curriculum, providing students with a broad overview of the field. Advanced courses allow students to explore a variety of commercial specializations from traditional still life and portraiture, to interdisciplinary courses that model real world team collaborations with graphic designers, new media artists, industrial designers, and computer scientists. This flexibility also enables students to take elective courses from other departments across the university, in majors as diverse as graphic design, visual culture, philosophy, or fine art, in order to enrich their personal visual expression. Within the curriculum, advertising photography students study the inner workings and business aspects of the photographic and imaging industries. In an ever-growing global market, the school encourages and offers many study abroad opportunities for students.

The faculty consists of both full- and part-time professors—all of whom continue their personal photo arts practice and have extensive commercial experience as professional photographers. Students work collaboratively to conceive and execute camera-based work that is both cutting-edge and strategic. Along with conventional print-based imagery, students may also work in moving media, emerging and interactive technologies that have real-world application in the commercial industry. Students build a strong professional portfolio throughout their time in the program.

Advertising photography internships

Students participate in internships with some of the nation’s most respected professional photographers, advertising and design agencies, magazine publishers, photography agents, equipment rental, and production services. Working in a variety of commercial and studio environments, students have the opportunity to learn from photographers, picture editors, art directors, and other professionals. In collaboration with their professors and the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, students identify and apply for relevant internships, which provide real-world work experience that becomes an invaluable part of students’ educational experience.

Career opportunities in advertising photography

A significant number of graduates become self-employed freelance photographers working all over the country. They also work at advertising agencies and magazines as producers and picture editors. Companies hiring our graduates include Saks Fifth Avenue, Conde Nast Publications, Martha Stewart Living, Neiman Marcus, and many others.