FAQS and Useful Links
FAQS
What makes photography at Grand Valley unique?
The photography program offers high-quality, student-centered, production and theory courses aimed at developing liberally educated professionals able to thoughtfully adapt and thrive in a variety of professional and creative environments.
The B.A. and B.S. degrees prepare students to begin their careers as professional artists, work creatively in commercial advertising and portrait studios, produce compelling work as photojournalists and editorial photographers, engage graduate studies in fine art programs, or combine a knowledge of image-making with another field for a variety of interests and functions.
This dedication to the education of intelligent image-makers that is neither constrained in a vocational training program, nor a studio art emphasis alone, is what makes the photography program at Grand Valley distinct and valued in the state and region.
What classes should I take in my first semester?
Students in their first year of the photography program (without transfer credit in photography) should take PHO-170 Introduction to Photography and PHO-266 History of Photography I in the first semester (Fall), and are encouraged to take PHO-171 Darkroom Photography, and ART-149 Introduction to Visual Composition in the second semester (Winter). Students are advised to meet with their faculty advisor to determine their further course of study.
Do I need my own camera?
We currently do not require students to have a camera, however, students are strongly encouraged to purchase a digital SLR or Mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls. We have several Canon DSLR cameras, Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, medium and large format cameras, and other equipment for checkout in the equipment room. Many students find it more convenient to purchase their own camera, computer, and other equipment as they progress through the program. A laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is recommended.
Why does the program still use wet darkrooms?
Most Photography programs have agreed that learning the essential skills and theories of photography in a wet darkroom before learning the digital tools is a best practice in photography education. All of the methods and techniques in digital photography have their origin in darkroom photography, and therefore the software used in digital photography makes sense having learned the skills in the darkroom. Only programs that have technical or vocational training as their mission have done away with wet darkrooms in instruction. Knowing both traditional and digital techniques expands the possibilities for meaningful expression with the medium alone or in combination with other media.