Photography

The study of photography requires an understanding of technologies as well as critical thinking, creative problem solving, and communication skills. This kind of expertise can be applied to a range of professions, including commercial studio work, photo editing in publications, working with photography collections in museums, teaching at the high school or college level and a wide range of creative jobs.

The Photography area of study at UTA was established in 1971. With an emphasis on conceptual and technical development, the curriculum prepares students to build a strong portfolio over the course of their studies. Many classes are devoted to specific technical skills and all classes stress the development of personal expression into visual statements. In addition to coursework, we schedule a portfolio review for each student at least twice during their studies, attended by the photography faculty. These reviews provide students with an opportunity to fill a classroom with their work, and in the process see a record of their artistic development while gaining additional feedback from faculty as a group.

The Photography faculty represent a wide range of expertise and experience in the field as exhibiting artists. Our faculty are fully conversant in all aspects of digital photography while maintaining a strong commitment to traditional analog methods, which is reflected in our complete facilities for darkroom processing and digital work.

FACULTY

Bryan Florentin, Assistant Professor - Bryan Florentin’s research explores the relationship between images and objects through the use of photography, assemblage, installation, and mixed media. He is represented by Kirk Hopper Fine Art in Dallas.
Scott Hilton, Distinguished Senior Lecturer - Scott Hilton’s research and creative work focuses on the use of “alternative” hand-made photographic processes, and staged images. Project Barbatype is a collaborative project making portraits of beard and moustache competitors using the 19th century tintype process, while other works focus on photographing constructed material tableaux. His works have been exhibited in solo and group shows nationally.

VISITING ARTISTS

Many artists working primarily with photography have visited UTA to present their work, broadening student awareness of the importance of photographic education and ways to apply it. Past visiting artists include Loli Kantor, Paho Mann, Penelope Umbrico, David Levinthal, Estaban Diaz, Susan kae Grant, Misty Keasler, Carol Golemboski, Keith Johnson, Keith Carter, Leigh Merrill, Dornith Doherty, and the collaborative artists Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler.

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

UTA Photography BFA and BA graduates have put their skills to use in a range of endeavors, including:

Freelance photographer
Interior design photographer
Website designer
Photography studio manager
Digital retouch photographer
Museum collections photographer
Photography editor
Fashion photographer
Art gallery exhibition installer
Independent curator

Some of our alums have gone on to graduate school, earning an MFA in photography and related media to become more advanced practicing artists. Many of them have faculty positions at universities, private colleges, and community colleges across the country.

FACILITIES

Large darkroom with 15 enlargers and print processing sinks
4 individual darkrooms with large-format enlargers
Large alternative processes and film processing lab
Studio facility with strobe lighting equipment and large-format cameras
2 critique rooms
Digital print lab with large-format and desktop printers
Equipment checkout facility includes a variety of film and digital cameras, lighting equipment, and tripods.
Dedicated computer lab