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Photography

Program Highlights

PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
Choose from a wide variety of internships and studio apprenticeships in the Rochester area to gain experience.

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES
Hone your digital media art skills using our advanced media labs.

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Use the strengths of multiple programs to develop a strong and skilled visual voice.

Want more information about this program?

Download a program guide with detailed information on cost, courses, and outcomes

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Roberts has been the perfect place to merge my love for art, music, and writing. I found professors who were excited to blend my passions into my curriculum so I could excel in the things I love. I believe artistic, musical, and written works all share a narrative value. Every one of my pieces tells a story. Here at Roberts, I didn't have to choose one discipline over another.

Virginia Patrick '20 (Studio Art-Drawing/Painting & Music)

How Much Will I Pay?

two students standing in the sun

Total Program
Sticker Price:

$52,127


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$25,324

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.

Coursework

Interested in seeing what courses you can take? Check out our course catalog!

What Will I Learn?

The sequence of courses exposes you to studio/commercial, documentary, and conceptual fine-art methods and practices to refine your photographic eye as well as develop your work and portfolio.

Courses Include:

  • Introduction to B&W Photo Processes
  • Introduction to Digital Imaging/Photography
  • Intermediate Digital Photography
  • Time, Motion & Communication
  • Advanced Projects in Studio
  • Introduction to Digital Video
  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Typography
  • Senior Capstone

Career Outlook

Preparing you for the contemporary image-driven world is an essential consideration of the Visual Art Program, and students in photography are encouraged to complete a professional internship.

Whether you decide to work as a commercial and lifestyle photographer, photojournalist, photo editor, or studio artist - or pursue a career in advertising, media design, or related fields - the conceptual understanding and technical development you gain at Roberts will benefit you on your chosen path.

While many of you will choose to go right to work after graduation, others decide to build on the theoretical and practical background of the program through graduate study in photography, design, or related media.

Frequently Asked Questions

In digital imaging, printed text, artwork, and photographs are converted into digital images via digital scanners or other imaging devices.

Using a grid, pixels are mapped on a computer and saved. The tone value of each pixel determines the color or hue of an image. Binary code encodes the value as “bits”.

Computers read these "bits" of information and convert them into analog representations of images. Pixels per inch determine the resolution of an image. The following are different for each digital image:

  • Dynamic range
  • Bit depth
  • File format
  • File size
  • Compression  

Web pages, multimedia, booklets, graphic presentations, and more are all created with digital imagery.

Yes, photography is a good career, but can completely depend on your set of skills, creativity, the type of photography you opt for as a photographer, and how smartly you work.

As a photography student, you’ll have access to in-depth lessons and hours of photography knowledge.

Many photography universities offer weekly constructive critiques where you can get helpful feedback from fellow students and professors. 

Another benefit of a photography major is being exposed to many photography techniques. Many colleges will teach you about analog and digital photography. And they will also encourage you to try out and study unconventional photography techniques.

You might not end up using all the photography lessons you learn in the long run. But you’ll learn how to get out of your comfort zone and get creative with all kinds of mediums.

A degree in photography might improve your chances of getting a photography job in the following industries:

  • Photo editor: You’ll have key knowledge of photography and editing. This could make you the perfect fit for editing and retouching work. This job requires extensive knowledge of Photoshop or Lightroom. Keep in mind that you’ll probably spend more time in front of the computer than behind your camera.
  • Photography archivist: This is a history-oriented job that involves archiving and preserving photographs. Perfect for anyone who’s obsessed with art history.
  • Advertising art director: If you’re a fan of graphic design and teamwork, you’ll find this position very fulfilling. Advertising art directors are usually in charge of making advertisements look good. They might also be in charge of a team of designers, photographers, etc.

These are only a few of the many unique jobs you can pursue with a photography degree. You can also take the traditional approach and start a photography business.

A photography degree might give you more credibility as a professional photographer in the long run.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.