Basic photographic imaging. Assignments emphasize an artistic approach and include black-and-white materials, darkroom procedure, and color transparencies.
502 South Cooper St. #335
Box #19089
Arlington, TX 76019
The study of photography requires an understanding of certain technologies as well as critical thinking, creative problem solving and communication skills. This kind of expertise can be applied to a range of professions, including commercial studio work, photo editing in publications, working with photography collections in museums, teaching at the high school or college level and a wide range of creative jobs.
The photography program at UTA was established in 1971. The curriculum is carefully designed to prepare students to enter a career or a graduate program with a strong portfolio, self discipline, conceptual development and the needed technical skills. We believe that the best photographers are able to produce images to communicate and express ideas. With a diverse faculty, our program offers personal options of curriculum, personal approach and technology. The faculty has embraced the digital world while maintaining a strong commitment to traditional methods. We have complete facilities for both ‘wet’ darkroom processing and digital work.
The five full-time faculty in photography represent a wide range of expertise and experience in the field as exhibiting artists. Core classes are devoted to specific technical skills and all classes stress the development of personal expression into a visual statement. We schedule a portfolio review for each student at least twice during their studies, attended by the photography faculty and any other faculty in the Department invited by the student.
Our facilities include a specialized computer lab, a large format digital printing facility, a spacious black and white darkroom, a separate area dedicated to alternative processes and an area for print finishing. The area maintains a professional equipped studio with variable lighting possibilities. We also provide 35mm, medium, large format, Holga and several mid range and high-end digital cameras for checkout.
The Barnett Foundation Photography Award is a competition held each semester awarding $650 to three undergraduate students. The awards are based on a portfolio representing a body of work. Outside jurors are brought in each semester, one from the academic community and one from the gallery/museum community.
Past jurors include Missy Finger (Photographs Do Not Bend), Vance Wingate (TWU gallery director), Charles Dee Mitchell (Dallas based collector/critic); Libby Rowe (UT San Antonio), Luther Smith (TCU), Susan kae Grant (TWU), Leigh Merrill (A&M Commerce).
The Photo Faculty Scholarship is funded by tenured faculty Leighton McWilliams, Kenda North and Andrew Ortiz and given to an outstanding undergraduate student each semester. The faculty chooses a recipient who has shown growth and promise during the semester.
Professor Kenda North has taken students to Florence, Italy every two years for a = summer session trip since 2000. Students base out of the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, study the sites of Renaissance art throughout Florence and have an extended trip to the Venice Biennale.
FOCUS is the photography student organization. For more information, visit our student groups page.
The Photography program brings in speakers each semester to broaden student exposure to artists and professionals from all over the country. Past visiting artists have included Loli Kantor, Paho Mann, Penelope Umbrico, David Levinthal, Estaban Diaz, Susan kae Grant, Misty Keasler, Carol Golemboski, Keith Johnson and Keith Carter.
Current students in MFA programs are Amber Hall and Joy Ellis at TWU; Jeff Bradley at University of Houston, Annie Donovan at Florida State, Calen Barnum at UTSA, Josh Elliot at the University of Colorado.
UTA Photography graduates are making their mark on the professional world. Our BFA graduates are currently engaged in the following:
At the 2010 PIEA Awards, Associate Professor Andrew Ortiz won Grand Prize Faculty Portfolio. Aaron Whittaker won Second Prize in the Digitally Constructed Single Image category.
Basic photographic imaging. Assignments emphasize an artistic approach and include black-and-white materials, darkroom procedure, and color transparencies.
Basic course in computer imaging for art majors. Emphasis is on the introduction and use of the computer as a tool for personal expression. Fundamental principles in electronic media are explored with additional emphasis on experimental and innovative techniques. May be repeated for credit.
Methods of manipulating the photographic image. Techniques may include manipulative printing, computer imaging, cyanotype, Van Dyke prints, platinum/palladium, transfers, silkscreen, intaglio, and lithography.
Area Coordinator
Assistant Professor
Email: bryan@uta.edu
Associate Professor
Email: ortiz@uta.edu
Senior Lecturer
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