Northern Illinois University
School of Art and Design
College of Visual and Performing Arts

The photography program is intended for individuals who wish to explore the medium as a fine art and to prepare them for success as working artists. Students are exposed to a variety of approaches, and importance is attached to contemporary ideas in photography, individual research and mastery on techniques, both traditional and digital.

In the introductory and intermediate courses, emphasis is placed on gaining proficiency in traditional and digital image-making techniques and processes, as well as exposure to the medium’s history, contemporary practice and its place in contemporary art. Advanced courses stress experimental research with techniques and materials and focus on building a personal artistic vision through several, larger bodies of work.

The photography facilities, located on the third floor of Arends Hall, include darkrooms for black and white and color as well as some non-silver processes. A classroom/studio, used for critiques and demonstration, is equipped with both incandescent studio lights and electronic flash units. Digital workstations are equipped with Epson scanners and printers. The lab is also equipped with an Imacon film scanner and an Epson large format printer.

Courses

See a suggested photography four-year plan.

Student Work

View more photography student work.