Fine Art Photography Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Fine Art Photography Option
Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Overview for Fine Art Photography Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
The fine art photography option prepares students for careers as visual artists, educators, editorial photographers, or freelance artists. Graduates are employed in a number of professional fine-art related institutions such as museums, archives, studios, and commercial galleries. The primary goal is to nurture the artist’s personal aesthetic vision through photographic expression. Studying the theoretical and practical skills needed to create thought-provoking and meaningful images develops technical, conceptual, and aesthetic abilities, and furthers students' goals as contemporary image-makers. This option is part of the photographic and imaging arts BFA program.
The interdisciplinary curriculum enables students to explore other related fields in the fine arts, including painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, video, film, animation, printmaking and printing, computer graphics, and web publishing. Foundation and specialized courses include digital imaging workflow, alternative processes, new media, history and aesthetics of photography, and exhibition display.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in independent projects, educational internships, or co-ops in galleries, workshops, or other art and imaging centers. Students may choose to spend a year abroad earning credit in an applicable field of their choosing.
Industries
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Archivist | Art Director |
| Artist | Conservator |
| Content Producer | Curator |
| Curatorial Assistant | Director of Education |
| Editorial photographer | Freelance Photographer |
| Gallerist/Gallery Manager | Lab Assistant |
| Magazine Editor | Professor/Teacher |
| Studio Manager/Assistant | Videographer |
Cooperative Education and Internships
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Co-op in the College of Art and Design provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Fine Art Photography Internships: Students apply for internships with some of the nation’s most respected galleries, museums, artists and workshop providers. They work behind the camera in editorial, commercial, and studio environments and have the opportunity to learn from photographers, picture editors, art directors, curators and other professionals. Students receive assistance from their professors and from the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education in identifying and applying for internships. Internships provide real-world work experience, which is an invaluable part of our student's educational experience.
Career Opportunities in Fine Art Photography
Graduates find careers as exhibiting artists, photo educators, picture editors, art directors, photographers’ representatives, photographic archivists or curators, museum and gallery staff, multimedia specialists, self-employed photographers, custom-image printers, and film/video artists or animators. Many students choose to pursue graduate work and earn an MFA degree in the arts.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
Featured Work
Fine Art Photography Gallery Show
RIT’s 2020 Fine Art Photography senior exhibition, “Not Far From Here,” is the culminating work of 13 artists, who employ a wide variety of mediums, techniques and ideas.
Global Photo Exhibitions
Alexandra Gataeva
The striking photos of Alexandra Gataeva, an RIT Fine Art Photography student, went on a summer vacation around the world in 2019. Several of her works were accepted into exhibits at...
Large Format Photography
Justin Scalera
Justin Scalera '19 (Fine Art Photography) had the unique opportunity to visually preserve one of Rochester's most historic, treasured sites for an independent study with professor Frank Cost...
Featured Profiles
Alumni Profile: Sam Cannon
Sam Cannon ’14
Sam Cannon '14 (fine art photography) is a New York City-based artist and director who creates short-form videos for huge brands like Gap, Nike and The New York Times.
Class of 2021 Reflections
College of Art and Design Class of 2021 graduates share their favorite RIT memories and offer inspirational words for their peers.
Projection Designs on Broadway
Assistant Professor Josh Thorson created the awe-inspiring projection designs for the hit interpretation of the classic musical "Oklahoma!"
Curriculum for Fine Art Photography Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Photographic and Imaging Arts (fine art photography option), BFA degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ARTH-### | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Artistic Perspective) |
3 |
| ARTH-### | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Global Perspective) |
3 |
| FDTN-111 | Drawing I This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| FDTN-121 | 2D Design I This course is a structured, cumulative introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, the course focuses on the development of both a visual and a verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing and understanding two-dimensional compositions. Concepts are introduced through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, assigned projects and critiques. The course addresses a wide variety of media, tools, techniques both traditional and technological, and theoretical concepts to facilitate skill development and experimentation with process. Visual comprehension, the ability to organize perceptions and horizontal thinking that crosses other disciplines and theories, are key foundational components to the development of problem solving skills. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum included the exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| PHAR-101 | Photographic Arts I This course will provide an immersive introduction to the field of the photographic arts. It will emphasize both craft and visual problem solving. The course will explore: seeing and appreciating the quality of light, image capture, photographic vision, historical and contemporary genres of photography, best practices and workflow as well as an introduction to the critique forum and its practices. (Co-requisites: PHPS-106 or equivalent course.) Critique 2 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| PHAR-102 | Photographic Arts II This course will reinforce and build upon the skills learned in the first semester of Photographic Arts I. It will emphasize aesthetics, craft, visual problem solving and critical thinking skills - the foundations of the Photographic Arts curriculum. In this semester, the studio will be introduced as a space that can be used to create and control light. This course's curriculum will continue to emphasize both craft and visual problem solving required in high-level photographic imaging. (Prerequisites: PHAR-101 or equivalent course.) Critique 2 (Fall, Spring). |
4 |
| PHPS-106 | Photographic Technology I (General Education) This is the first in a two-course sequence that explores the technology of photography. This course demonstrates the application of physics, mathematics and optical science to the technology of image making. The course also provides the students with the opportunity to employ statistical data analysis to identify trends through laboratory exercises utilizing principles of scientific inquiry. Among the topics explored are the optics and physics of image formation, lens evaluation, light sources, digital light-sensitive materials, digital workflows, variability, quality control and photographic effects. Lab 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHPS-107 | Photographic Technology II This is the second course in a two-semester course based in the study of the technology of photography, with emphasis on applications to real world photographic problems. Among the topics studied will include color vision, Munsell color system, CIELAB system, color theory, color management, digital color balance during post-processing, digital tone reproduction, and digital workflows. (Prerequisite: PHPS-106 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective |
||
General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective |
||
General Education – Mathematical Perspective A or B |
||
| Second Year | ||
| FDTN-141 | 4D Design 4D Design introduces students to the basic concepts of art and design in time and space. The course explores elements of moving images such as continuity, still and moving image editing, transitions and syntax, sound and image relations, and principles of movement. Computers, video, photo, sound and lighting equipment are used to create short-form time-based work relevant to students in all majors and programs required to take this course. The course addresses the both historical conventions of time in art and recent technological advances, which are redefining the fields of Fine Art and Design. In focusing on the relations between students' spacing and timing skills, 4D Design extends and supplements the other Foundation courses, and prepares students for further work with time-based media. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Lab 5 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| PHAR-201 | Elements of Fine Art Photography This course will offer students an introduction to the discipline of fine art photography. Conceptually driven projects will be investigated through a variety of photographic techniques; reading, writing and discussion about the intent and meaning of photographic imagery will be emphasized. Aspects of still photography and moving imagery as artistic choices and practices will be presented. The goal of the course is to establish theoretical, aesthetic and technical strategies for the production of photographic artwork. If you are pursing the Fine Art Photography option this course is required. (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or PHAR-161 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| PHAR-211 | Histories and Aesthetics of Photography I (General Education) The objective of this course, part one of a two semester sequence, is to present an overview of the multiple, intersecting histories and aesthetic practices of photography as utilized for fine art, snapshot, documentary, scientific, commercial and propaganda purposes in a global perspective. Course lectures include the medium's pre-history and a detailed development of the camera obscura. Students will learn about many technical processes, as well as, the multiple interpretations of notable images during the period 1800-1915. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer). |
3 |
| PHAR-212 | Histories and Aesthetics of Photography II The objective of this course, the second course of a two-semester sequence, is to present an overview of the multiple, intersecting histories and aesthetic practices of photography from the development of Modernism to the present, including the medium's transformation by digital imaging in the 21st century. Photography's applications within fine art, documentary, scientific, journalistic, commercial and vernacular practices will be investigated within a global perspective, but primary emphasis is placed upon developments and movements within the United States and Europe. Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| PHAR-202 | Elements of Advertising Photography This course will provide an introduction to the field of commercial photography, as well as encourage students to develop their own artistic vision. Students will create images from assignments that relate to projects they will encounter after graduation. They will be instructed in the basic photographic skills needed in the commercial field. Practical use of exposure metering and digital workflow will be discussed. Training will be provided in the use of professional cameras and lighting equipment, as well as developing a web presence. Portraiture and still life photography will be covered both in the studio and on location. Students will learn about career choices available in the commercial photography business. (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| PHAR-203 | Elements of Photojournalism This course will serve an introduction to visual story telling as it relates to professional photojournalism. It will provide relevant practice in basic technical, compositional and interpersonal skills necessary in all aspects of modern photography. Students will be exposed to photojournalism - documentary, editorial, narrative and editing - as well as explorations of current career possibilities. Lectures, critiques, demonstrations and assignments will provide participants the opportunity to explore the still, audio, and multimedia strategies used for story telling in this era. Students will be expected to meet tight project deadlines and participate in both class discussions, critiques and practices required to be successful in this field. If you are pursuing the Photojournalism option this course is required. (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or PHAR-161 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| PHAR-204 | Elements of Visual Media This course will provide an introduction to the professional opportunities where the fields of photography, graphic design and print media overlap. Students will develop an understanding of the working relationships between professionals involved in each of the three career areas. Successful visual media experts require a contemporary understanding of the business practices necessary to manage the workflow, financial operations and personnel necessary for success. Students in this class will experience the breadth of interactions between these three career paths, and appreciate the management necessary in their dynamic relationships. Students pursing the Visual Media option are required to take this course. (Prerequisites: PHPS-102 or PHAR-102 or PHAR-161 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
CAD Elective |
3 | |
General Education - Ethical Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – Social Perspective |
3 | |
Open Electives |
6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| PHFA-301 | Fine Art Core I This course is the first in a sequence of two principle critique and production classes for students in the fine art photography option of the BFA program. Students will undertake conceptually-driven assignments to investigate their ideas through a critical engagement with peers within the context of contemporary photographic practices. (Prerequisites: PHAR-201 or PHAR-202 or PHAR-203 or PHAR-204 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 4 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHFA-302 | Fine Art Core II This course is the second in a sequence of two principle production and critique classes for students in the fine art photography option of the BFA program. Each student will analyze, interpret and develop a meaningful practice to create personal artwork. Course emphasis requires students to produce a contemporary photographic-based independent body of work and demonstrate best practices within the fine arts. (Prerequisites: PHFA-301 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Spring). |
3 |
| PHFA-401 | Professional Development for Artists (WI-PR) This class will prepare the advanced student for a career in the arts. It will cover practical information related to required professional practices such as the creation and maintenance of a professional website, creating a portfolio, resume writing, grant writing, writing an artist's statement, researching exhibition spaces, and self-publishing. Students will undertake research and apply for professional opportunities. The course addresses the role of the artist in society, and includes visits with artists and museum and gallery professionals. (Prerequisites: (PHAR-201 and (PHAR-202 or PHAR-203 or PHAR-204)) or STAR-311 and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Art History Elective |
3 | |
Fine Art Photography Professional Elective‡ |
6 | |
CAD Elective§ |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 1 (WI-GE), 2 |
6 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| PHFA-402 | Fine Art Photography Portfolio I This course represents part one of two parts of the culmination of the studio/critique experience for students in Fine Art Photography. Having established a working artistic methodology in previous courses, students will begin to consolidate a final body of work through the critical engagement with their peers and faculty. The focus of the course is to create works for the Senior Exhibition during spring semester in the Fine Art Portfolio II course. Studio practices and extensive critique experiences are featured in this course. (Prerequisites: PHFA-302 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| PHFA-403 | Fine Art Photography Portfolio II This course represents the final culmination of the studio/critique experience for students in fine art photography. Having established a working artistic methodology in the previous fine art courses, students will consolidate a final body of work through the critical engagement with their peers and faculty. The focus of the course will lead to the senior exhibition and the completion of a printed portfolio or other final expression of their work such as video or installation. Studio practices creation of new artwork and extensive critique experiences are featured in this course. (Prerequisites: PHFA-402 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Spring). |
3 |
Fine Art Photography Professional Elective‡ |
6 | |
CAD Electives§ |
9 | |
Open Elective |
6 | |
General Education – Immersion 3 |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 |
|
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
† Please consult an adviser for a complete list of courses that fulfill the fine art photo specialization requirement.
‡ Professional Electives are Art History courses which are coded in SIS with the Art History attribute, ARTH; and are 200 level or above.
§ CAD elective refers to any course in the College Art and Design.
** Please consult an advisor for a complete list of imaging core courses.
Admissions and Financial Aid
This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Latest News
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June 5, 2023
![photographer adjusting a camera on a railing next to a canal in 19 99.]()
Willie Osterman moves on to the next adventure after nearly four decades at RIT
Professor Willie Osterman, a beloved member of RIT’s College of Art and Design and School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, has retired after 39 years with the university.
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May 9, 2023
![Headshots of Mary Barnard, Willie Osterman, Kim Sherman, and David Walter.]()
Longtime faculty/staff to retire after noteworthy careers at RIT
Mary Barnard, Willie Osterman, Kim Sherman and David Walter are retiring from RIT with a combined 117 years of experience at the university.
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February 23, 2023
![A graphic with two large hands, with the names of seven artists between the figure's fingers.]()
Fine art photography capstone exhibition opens March 2
"Sleight of Hand" features seven artists focusing on the ephemeral — dreams, nostalgia, the fluidity of memory, and the inevitability of loss.
