Several photo portraits in a gallery space.

BFA Major in Photography

Photography

Our trans-disciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare you for a future at the forefront of contemporary photography.

REPRESENTING OUR LIVES THROUGH IMAGERY

The Photography major’s breadth of traditional and cutting-edge processes is unique to the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Students learn about 35mm, digital, medium-and large-format cameras, black and white printing, digital output, color shooting, experimental photography, and digital video. They have the opportunity to link photographic theory and practice to other artistic disciplines.

The major provides a blend of theoretical and real-world instruction that enables students to build careers as commercial photographers, professional artists, photojournalists, and professionals in other disciplines. Many alumni enroll in graduate school or pursue careers in the gallery or museum world and fields of communication or fine art photography.

AS A PHOTOGRAPHY MAJOR YOU WILL:

  • Learn about photography and the color of light in a logistical and emotional context
  • Adapt to shooting in various lighting scenarios
  • Apply advanced digital camera techniques
  • Apply advanced digital editing techniques
  • Use medium and large format film cameras
  • Show basic knowledge of scanning or printing medium and large format negatives
  • Be exposed to a range of commercial client-based applications of photography
  • Practice good management of photography shoots including model direction, location scouting, equipment set up etc.

Check out requirements, recommended courses, and more!

Change the world with your camera.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to artistically describe the world, critically examine visual culture, and express new ideas through photography. They are prepared for a creative career where ever they find resonance.
Student standing in front of photographic portraits framed in elaborate frames

Tools & Facilities

Photography provides:
  • Black box lighting studio
  • Colored backdrops & green screen
  • State of the art IFF rail lighting system
  • Darkroom suite with enlargers
  • Video editing room
  • Sound recording isolation booth

After your time at AAC, you’ll be ready to become a…​

Artist

Commercial Photographer

Food Photographer

Print Technician

ART TEACHER

CURATOR

STUDIO MANAGER

PHOTOGRAPHY SALESPERSON

MARKETING IMAGING

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

ARTS ORGANIZATION MANAGER

VISITING ARTIST

FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

PORTRAIT STUDIO ARTIST

Entrepreneur

Need help selecting the perfect programs for you? No problem.

Want to try everything? Have no idea where to start? As the newest member of our community, we’re here to help you. We’ve got years of expertise, and we’ve got your back. Reach out, and our team of experienced mentors will help you design the best academic track possible.
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Due To Inclement Weather

Classes are cancelled

January 25th, 2023

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