Bachelor of Art (4 years): Art (Studio Practice, emphasis in Photography
Bachelor of Fine Art (4.5 years): Art (concentration in Photography)

Download BA Photography Major Form (PDF)
Download BFA Photography Minor Form (PDF)

photo area website

One of the Photography program's primary objectives is to increase students' ability to conceptualize an idea and gain the ability to visually articulate their concepts. We encourage students to produce thoughtful artwork that deals with important issues. Although all of our classes incorporate conceptual observations, Photography 128, Image and Idea specifically requires students to conceptualize a project of their choice and work on their ideas for this project for the entire semester. An exhibition at the end of the semester reflects the diversity of ideas that flourish in this class. Students in the BA programs complement their photography studies with a minor in some other field of study. In the BFA program, photography students benefit from additional elective credits in Art and Design. Many BA Art - Photography students have minors in graphic design. This has been particularly beneficial for students following commercial or product photography interests.

Another primary objective of the Photography program is to present a full spectrum of photographic media ranging from "straight" photographs to manipulated and digitally produced imagery. Photo 40, Beginning Photography, teaches our students how to use a camera and develop their own black and white negatives and prints. Two courses in color photographic media provide the basic for understand how to make color photographs. Advanced B & W Photography teaches students to use large format cameras, the zone system, and a myriad of developers for film and print media. Two commercial lighting classes provide sophisticated lighting techniques that can be used for both commercial and fine art photography. Two levels of digital imaging courses provide exposure to Photo Shop as well as video imaging programs such as Premiere. Finally, an alternative photographic media course provides the students with turn of the century non-silver techniques which can be applied to contemporary image making practice.

A third objective is to present students with a broad spectrum of aesthetic work done by major artists from diverse settings- America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa etc. Numerous examples of these artists are shown during studio classes prior to assignments. The program also offers classes such as the History of Photography and Issues in Contemporary Photography that specifically addresses the works of major artists and movements in the past and the present in the Western and non-Western worlds.

Photography students gain an understanding of the nature of contemporary thinking on art in several ways. Almost all classes take a field trip to museums and galleries in San Jose and San Francisco where an afternoon tour connects them with national and international contemporary art. Virtually all faculty are practicing artists and expose their students to their thought processes in the classroom and at their own exhibitions which many students attend. Students are exposed to contemporary thinking on a daily basis in the classroom though slide presentations and class critiques.

The Photography program provides a diverse faculty with widely varying perspectives. The impact of the diversity in the faculty's art making practice provides a very rich environment in which students develop their own interests and participation in the world of art. The location of San Jose State University provides an extraordinary setting for students to take advantage of major museums, galleries, and exposure to artists who are recognized nationally.

The program has facilities that allow for studio work, digital work, black and white, as well as color photography. The department also has large format cameras, strobes, tripods and other equipment for student use. In terms of equipment, the program as benefited extensively through private philanthropy, grants for equipment, and the entrepreneurial efforts of faculty and students that have resulted in additional funds for equipment throughout the program.

Photography Advisors:
Robin Lasser, Program Coordinator
Reed Estabrook
Brian Taylor

For more information contact:
Gladys Crowell
Art Secretary
ART 123
School of Art and Design
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0089

Phone: (408) 924 -4340
Fax: (408) 924-4326
Email:gecrowell@email.sjsu.edu

For complete information on art and design program requirements, see the College of Humanities and the Arts, School of Art and Design in the San Jose State University catalog.