Photography

A student takes a picture of wildflowers at sunrise on the East River Trail.

Part of: Art Program, School of the Arts

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Related Areas of Study: Studio Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Jewelry, Painting, Ceramics

Part of: Art Program, School of the Arts

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Related Areas of Study: Studio Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Jewelry, Painting, Ceramics

The Photography Emphasis interacts with all other disciplines in the Art & Design Department. Our photography courses prepare you for professional careers by teaching a wide range of technical skills, including digital camera operation, lighting, digital printing, and post-production editing. In the program, faculty members support your experimentation and aesthetic freedom, while also teaching you the fundamental skills you’ll need to develop your professional portfolio and launch your career.

Experiential Education

Pathfinder Magazine

Students collaborate to produce a real-world magazine, gaining hands-on experience in writing and publishing.
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What You’ll Learn

As a student in the Photography Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Western Colorado University, you’ll develop a diverse range of professional photography skills that will prepare you for success in the creative industry. Graduates of the Photography BFA program will leave with expertise in both traditional and digital photography, advanced editing skills, and the ability to present a cohesive portfolio that reflects their unique artistic style.

Through hands-on coursework and real-world experience, you’ll master:

Learn to compose visually compelling photographs that tell a story, utilizing both traditional and experimental methods.

Understand how to control natural and artificial lighting to create the perfect shot, whether in the studio or on location.

Learn to use industry-standard software, such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, to edit, enhance, and perfect your images.

Build a comprehensive and polished portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and artistic vision, ready to impress potential employers and clients.

Learn how to communicate powerful messages through images, whether for commercial photography, editorial work, or personal projects.

Photography Requirements

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan