Photography is a contributing medium to much of the innovative work currently
being pursued in the visual arts. Studies in photography consist of a careful
balance between the development of the student's personal interests and the acquisition
of technical skills. As each student moves through the program they build a command
of technique, meet the challenges of aesthetic debate, learn about opportunities
for work after graduation and are given some of the essential business information
which will help them survive and prosper in the professional market.
Courses include: color, documentary and photojournalism, view-camera, studio
lighting, bookmaking with non-silver printing and internship with a commercial
studio or regional gallery. In addition, students will take at least one digital
imaging course. Our equipment in both traditional and digital imaging is housed
in purpose-built studios. Many students aiming for a commercial career will also
take a course in Winthrop's highly respected College of Business.
During their time in the program each student has ample opportunity to identify
the direction for their professional career. This decision is arrived at after
experiencing a broad range of studio activities, from being required to work
on highly structured projects to becoming capable of generating independent work,
all the time working closely with professionals in the field. Part-time instructors
are hired to bring commercial practice to a classroom setting.
Recent visiting lecturers have included internationally known photographers,
including 5 Guggenheim Fellows (Emmett Gown, Stuart Klipper, Paul Kwilecki,
Rob Amberg and John McWilliams). We hope to repeat our highly successful
student workshop in Great Britain in the near future.
The range of careers available with a photography degree is quite astounding,
including: Fashion, product, photojournalism, studio portraiture, architectural,
food, editorial, and television, film and video, to name but a few. Recent graduates
now work as commercial studio assistants, fine art gallery representatives, one
medical photographer, in newspapers, custom-lab printing, computer generated
imaging, and as exhibiting fine artists.
Faculty contacts:
Phil Moody
Phone: (803) 323-2667
E-mail: moodyp@winthrop.edu
Mark Hamilton
Phone: (803) 323-2671
E-mail: hamiltonm@winthrop.edu