The
Photography emphasis encourages students to explore the historical and contemporary
practice of photography, both in technique and concept. In this program, students use photography as
a form of creative expression while expanding their knowledge of the medium as
a critical dialog in contemporary culture.
From the darkroom to the digital lab, students build the technical and
conceptual skills that are necessary to produce meaningful and provocative
photographs. Discussions of the theoretical
implications of the medium strengthen students’ ability to communicate their
ideas both visually and verbally.
Students graduate from this program with a strong conceptual framework,
an ability to place their images in the context of contemporary fine art
photography, and a portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of the medium.
The
exceptional photography facilities at CU Denver include: four large wet labs,
individual color darkrooms, an RA4 color processor, an alternative process
darkroom, and a fully-outfitted digital lab with large-format Epson
printers. Throughout the curriculum
students are introduced to the full spectrum of photographic techniques that
range from traditional darkroom photography to the latest technological
advances in digital imaging.
For
more information and program details, contact:
Carol Golemboski, Associate Professor, Area Head, Photography
To
learn more about the BFA Photography emphasis program at CU Denver, view
student work and course details on our portfolio website: CAMarts.org.
Admissions and
Portfolio Requirements
Admission into the BFA Photography emphasis is by portfolio review. In November of the sophomore year, students
are required to submit a digital portfolio, a written statement, and unofficial
transcripts from CU Denver and any previous post-secondary educational institutions.
While
the Visual Arts Department accepts applications for the Spring or Summer
semester, Photography students
are strongly encouraged to apply for a Fall semester start. The majority
of Photography courses are offered in a “fall only” or “spring only” sequence and
pre-requisites are strictly enforced. Students who begin in the Spring
and Summer semesters may find that their required courses are not offered until
the Fall semester.
Photography
Admissions and Portfolio Requirements
Photography
Curriculum Advising Sheet
The Bachelor of
Fine Arts Degree…
The BFA in Fine Arts is the professional
degree in art. With a BFA, students can choose to further their education by
pursuing the terminal degree in fine arts, the MFA, or Master of Fine Arts
degree. In addition to the 12 required classes for a BFA in the Fine Art Photography emphasis, students take a standard
range of core academic and foundation art classes such as Drawing I, Two Dimensional
Design, Three Dimensional Design, Intermedia Foundations, Art History
Survey I and Art History Survey II. Additional required Visual Arts
courses include Art History Survey III: Non-Western Art, Contemporary
Art, Interdisciplinary Practices and Studio: BFA Thesis. Photography
emphasis students complete a total of 36 credits in the emphasis area.
To
learn more about the opportunities awaiting students in the Photography
program, please contact a College of Arts & Media advisor.
Educating and
Encouraging...
The
Visual Arts faculty is comprised of artists and historians who understand the
importance of artistic endeavors both inside and outside the classroom. For this reason, instructors strive to create
a bridge between students and the professional world. The encouragement
and efforts of the faculty enable students to be involved with the Denver Art
Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA Denver), the Colorado Photographic
Arts Center (CPAC), the Emmanuel Gallery, the Society for Photographic
Education and various visiting artists, galleries and arts organizations across
the Front Range.
The
faculty’s active participation in their field ensures that students receive
both a traditional and a cutting-edge education. To learn more about the Photography
program faculty, please select their name and you will be directed to their
personal web pages, or visit the faculty home page.
Carol Golemboski
Bill Adams
Patti Hallock
Going Places...
Alumni
from the Photography program explore career opportunities that are as limitless
as their motivation and imagination. Here are just a few of the options
available to this program’s graduates.
- Exhibiting in galleries and museums
- Teaching and lecturing
- Arts administration
- Gallery direction
- Freelance/commercial photography
- Editorial photography
- Public art projects/commissions
- Art cooperatives and collectives
- Framing and art handling
- Arts consulting
- Arts residencies/fellowships
- Exhibition design/installation
- Grant writing
- Artistic direction and curating
- Collections management
Transfer Students…
Students
who wish to transfer to the College of Arts & Media from another college or
school at the University of Colorado Denver must formally apply to the College
of Arts & Media. Students will be considered for admission on either
their overall GPA in applicable coursework from CU and all previous
institutions, or on their last 15 credit hours. Applicants with less than
a 2.0 GPA in related courses (from CU or other institutions) and an overall CU
GPA of less than 2.0 will be denied admission even though they may meet other
requirements for consideration.
Please contact
a College of Arts & Media advisor for more information about the Photography program,
portfolio requirements and deadlines.
Banner image: Connor Culver, 2009