Photography Major
What is Photography?
Our photography major is unique in the United States because of our teaching approach, which blends a high degree of visual literacy with cutting-edge lessons in technology. We prepare our students for the marketplace by teaching every aspect of the medium, beginning in the darkroom, moving on to complex still digital techniques, and incorporating motion and video. These lessons coupled with the value of having a six-month Co-op in the industry and intensive coursework dedicated to photographic business practices are the foundation of our student’s success rate after graduation.
Why Study Photography at Drexel?
The Drexel University Photography program is one of the most preeminent programs in the United States. The students who have completed the Bachelor of Science Photography degree at Drexel have gone on to win The Pulitzer Prize for Photojournalism and The John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship for the arts. Their work has also been featured at AIPAD, one of the world's most prestigious annual photography events and in Times Square, New York City. In the Spring of 2020, Hannah Beier’s Senior Thesis project, “Time Apart,” was a feature story in Time Magazine, including the cover and portfolio published in the magazine.
In addition, alumni have had their work featured in the New York Times Magazine, Time Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Newsweek, and Italian Vogue. In addition to being included in these publications, our alumni have their work included in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and PAFA, as well as having monographs published of their work. The Drexel University Photography program is without peer regarding the student outcomes we have achieved.
What Skills Will You Learn in a Photography Undergraduate Program?
Students who pursue a major in Photography will learn skills such as:
- Camera Proficiency: Understanding how to use different types of cameras and mediums
- Lighting Techniques: Knowledge of natural and artificial lighting and how to use it effectively.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other editing tools.
- Composition: Understanding the rules and techniques of composition to create visually appealing images.
- Digital Imaging: Skills in developing industry-specific workflows, including RAW processing, color correction, and retouching.
- Studio and On-Location Shooting: Learning how to manage and conduct shoots in various environments and conditions.
- Artistic Vision: The ability to conceptualize and visualize the final image.
- Storytelling: Using images to tell a story or convey a message.
- Innovation: Staying current with trends and experimenting with new techniques and styles.
- Marketing and Branding: Ability to market oneself and create a strong personal brand.
- Client Relations: Strong interpersonal skills to manage client relationships and meet their needs.
- Estimating and Valuating: Understanding how to value your work and time when estimating projects; considering day or project rates, production cost, licensing, and incidentals.
- Portfolio Development: Creating and maintaining a professional portfolio to showcase work.
- Social Media Proficiency: Utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to promote and leverage work.
- Networking: Building connections within the industry to find opportunities and collaborations.
- Time Management: Handling multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt and find solutions during unforeseen circumstances during shoots.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and able to work in various genres and environments.
- Negotiation Skills: Handling contracts, pricing, and negotiations with clients.
- Project Management: Planning and executing shoots, managing teams, and ensuring projects are completed on time.
- Technical Support Knowledge: Understanding and troubleshooting camera and lighting equipment issues.
- Ethical Practices: Maintaining integrity and professionalism in all aspects of work, including respecting copyrights and client privacy.
To learn more about the skills taught throughout the Photography program, visit the course catalog.
Facilities for Photography Majors
The following is a list of equipment available to every Photography Major at Drexel.
- Canon R6 MKII Mirrorless Camera Kits (5): Powerful mirrorless cameras featuring a 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor. These cameras excel in still and video work, boasting RAW burst mode at up to 30 fps, 6K oversampled uncropped 4K video at up to 60 fps, and automatic subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles. Equipped with an in-body image stabilizer providing up to 8 stops of shake correction and UVC/UAC compatibility for Full HD live streaming, they represent the latest mirrorless technology. Paired with RF 24-70mm lenses, they are ideal for professional use.
- Canon 5Ds SLR Digital Cameras (6): These 50.6 Mega Pixel Full Frame SLRs are used in our studio and available for student use outside the lab. The camera has full HD video recording with sound. The large full-frame sensor creates exceptional, sharp files and allows for large-scale printing. Range of lenses available.
- Canon 5D Mark IV SLR Digital Cameras (5): These 30.4 Mega Pixel Full Frame SLRs are used in our studio and available for student use outside the lab. Camera has 4K video with sound. The speed and compact size make the 5D MKIV a versatile camera that creates large files and allows for large-scale printing. Range of lenses available.
- Hasselblad Medium Format Cameras (28): Each camera comes fitted with an 80mm lens and multiple accessories available to the students. These include four full extension tube sets and several lenses: 50mm, 60mm, 120mm, and 150mm.
- 4x5 Toyo Field Cameras (15) & 4x5 Shen Hao Field Cameras (16): During the Large Format Class, students receive one of the two types of field cameras for the term. These 4x5 cameras are meant for travel. Housed in a backpack, the camera allows for the crispness of a 4x5 while on the move. The program also has accessories and additional lenses: 75mm, 90mm, 125mm, 135mm, 150mm, and 210mm.
- 8x10 Large Format Cameras (2): Beautiful cameras that produce negatives that are eight inches by ten inches. Giving extreme crispness and image quality.
- Accessories: We have additional lenses, filters, and accessories for our cameras. We also have audio recording equipment for the Canon cameras.
- Dynalite Studio Series Strobe Equipment: Studio Strobes are used by both commercial and fine art photographers to control or manipulate the light on set or location. In our generous studio space, there is enough equipment for 6 people to shoot at the same time.
- Arri Hot Lights: Both commercial and fine art photographers use continuous, smooth, even field-of-light hot lights to control or manipulate the light on set.
- Accessories: The program provides all the essentials to shoot successfully in the studio, including soft boxes, umbrellas, ring flashes, beauty dishes, stands, backdrops, canvases, reflectors, and more.
- Godox Location Lighting Equipment (10): Studio quality lighting for on-location use. These kits can be powered by conventional 120v AC power and Lithium-Ion batteries, providing students with an incredibly versatile tool for location lighting where logistical concerns would prevent using conventional studio-based strobe lighting.
- Dyna Light Studio Location Kits (4): These portable lighting kits are designed for lighting outside the studio, giving students the same control over light as in the studio. Two small cases contain everything needed for location lighting.
- Vivitar 285HV Flashes (18): Flashes can be used on-camera or off-camera in multiples with the use of Pocket Wizards.
- Canon Speedlight 430EX II Flashes (6): Flashes can be used on-camera or off-camera in multiples with the use of Pocket Wizards.
- Honl Photo Flash Modifier Kits (6): Flash modifier kits contain a softbox, grid, snoot, and reflectors designed to attach to our flashes for added versatility.
- Pocket Wizard PLUS II Transceivers (26): A radio triggering system will allow students to work wirelessly with flashes and Dyna Lights.
- Lab 402: This lab is used as flex space for photo majors and the classroom for two non-major offered classes. This lab comprises 16 Apple iMacs with M1 processors and the latest software and equipment, including Adobe Creative Suite CS, Lightroom, InDesign, and Epson P900 Printers.
- Lab 404: This lab consists of 16 M1 iMac workstations with all the latest programs. Each station (16) has 8 Canon P1000 printers and one Epson V700 scanner. This lab also contains our largest-format printer, Canon P4000. It is primarily a major/ minor space for classes and open lab time.
- Lab 406 consists of 8 M1-powered Apple iMac workstations and Epson V700 scanners. It also contains a Canon P2400 large-format printer and 4 Canon P1000 printers, in addition to all the latest programs. This lab is used as an open lab space for students. Seniors can receive a key to this room for 24-hour access throughout the year.
- Studio Lab: six Intel-powered Apple iMac workstations dedicated to studio tethering with Lightroom and Capture One Pro.
The following are descriptions of all the equipment in the four labs described above.
- 24" Apple M1 iMac and Mac Mini computers (42): The program runs every industry standard program on our computers and is accessible to every photo student. Programs include Adobe Creative Cloud, Conon Print Studio Pro, and Capture One.
- Epson SC P900 Printers (8): These archival Printers (prints will last 100+ years) are designed exclusively for sheet paper, printing up to 17” across. The P900s have superior sheet handling capability and produce great color and black-and-white images.
- Canon P1000 Printers (12): These archival Printers (prints will last 100+ years) are designed for printing up to 17” across. They produce beautiful black-and-white and color images.
- Canon P2400: Archival Printers (prints will last 100+ years) are designed for roll and sheet paper and print up to 24” across at any length. They produce beautiful black and white and color images.
- Canon P4000 Printer (1): Archival Printer (prints will last 100+ years) are designed for roll and sheet paper and print up to 44” across at any length. They produce beautiful black and white and color images.
- Epson V700 (22): These Epson scanners can scan prints, transparencies, negatives, or flat objects and produce high-resolution files. They also produce beautiful image quality for images printed up to 16x20.
- Imacon Virtual Drum Scanner (2): These scanners are our solution to the costly Drum Scan. They match the high quality of a drum scan and are cost-free to our students. A trained work-study or independent study student will scan negatives for all our students.
- Critique Room: This room is for lectures and critiques. It also doubles as a workroom for print finishing and other miscellaneous items. It has excellent, even lighting, perfect for critique and print evaluation.
- Advanced Lab: This large lab consists of 5 different areas used by photo majors.
- Classroom Area: This area is used for about half of the upper-level courses. When classes are not in session, it acts as a classroom and a social space.
- Archival Wash & Developing Area: This space is used for archival processing of prints, film development, and print drying. It is also used for print flattening, shooting slides, and dry mounting.
- Advanced Darkroom: The advanced darkroom consists of 15 individual printing rooms. Each room contains one enlarger that can print 35mm, 4x5 (large format), and 120mm (medium format) black-and-white and color film. With approximately 50 students a term eligible for use, there is never a problem getting an enlarging space. The program supplies all black-and-white printing chemicals in this lab for the students.
- Non-Silver and Sheet Film Room: These rooms, each designed for their particular purpose, are used for 4x5 film development, toning, and non-silver processing (cyanotypes, tintypes, albumen, palladium, salt printing, and other non-silver processes).
- "The Cage": The cage houses all our camera equipment and enlarging accessories for checkout. It is also home to the full-time photography department staff offices and student work-studies who check out darkroom equipment to other students. The cage provides a constant presence in the lab if a student needs printing advice, technical assistance, or any other help. Most photo students with a work-study grant work in the cage.
- A generous space for students to work with natural and artificial light sources. The space is large enough for six groups of students to work on individual sets.
Career Opportunities with a Photography Degree
- Portrait Photographer
- Advertising Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Food Photographer
- Editorial Photographer
- Wedding and Event Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Wildlife Photographer
- Architectural Photographer
- Digital Imaging Technician
- Photo Editor
- Art Director
- Producer
- Videographer
- Retoucher
- Fine Art Photographer
- Museum or Gallery Curator
- Photography & Art Instruction at both primary and collegiate levels.
- Social Media Content Creator
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