Program Overview

Fine Art Photography Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA

Overview

The fine art photography degree prepares students for careers as visual artists, educators, editorial photographers, or freelance artists. In fine art photography, you will nurture your personal aesthetic vision through photographic expression while studying the theoretical and practical skills needed to create thought-provoking and meaningful images. This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA program.

Why Study Fine Art Photography at RIT

• Industry Exposure: The School of Photographic Arts and Sciences brings various visiting professionals, events, and talks.
• Gain Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience in the classroom and through paid work opportunities like internships and co-op.

RIT’s Fine Art Photography Degree

The fine art photography degree develops technical, conceptual, and aesthetic abilities, and furthers your skills as a contemporary image-maker. After a few foundational and specialized courses in digital imaging workflow, alternative processes, new media, history and aesthetics of photography, and exhibition display, you will be encouraged to personalize your degree. The program is flexible and the interdisciplinary curriculum enables you to explore other related fields in the fine arts, including:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Sculpture
• Graphic design
• Video
• Film
• Animation
• Printmaking and printing
• Computer graphics
• Web publishing

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Archivist
• Art Director
• Artist
• Conservator
• Content Producer
• Curator
• Curatorial Assistant
• Director of Education
• Editorial photographer
• Freelance Photographer
• Gallerist/Gallery Manager
• Lab Assistant
• Magazine Editor
• Professor/Teacher
• Studio Manager/Assistant
• Videographer

Industries

• Advertising, PR, and Marketing
• Museum
• Higher Education
• Journalism, Media, and Publishing

Cooperative Education and Internships

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Co-op in the College of Art and Design provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Fine Art Photography Internships: Students apply for internships with some of the nation’s most respected galleries, museums, artists and workshop providers. They work behind the camera in editorial, commercial, and studio environments and have the opportunity to learn from photographers, picture editors, art directors, curators and other professionals.

Career Opportunities in Fine Art Photography

Graduates find careers as exhibiting artists, photo educators, picture editors, art directors, photographers’ representatives, photographic archivists or curators, museum and gallery staff, multimedia specialists, self-employed photographers, custom-image printers, and film/video artists or animators. Many students choose to pursue graduate work and earn an MFA degree in the arts.

Featured Work and Profiles

• Alumni Profile: Sam Cannon
• Class of 2021 Reflections
• Projection Designs on Broadway
• Industry-standard Photography Equipment
• Unmatched Photo Studios
• Professional Photo Print Lab

Admissions and Financial Aid

This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid. RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs.

Faculty

• Greg Hayes - Lecturer
• Joshua Thorson - Associate Professor
• Carole Woodlock - Professor

Facilities

• Chem-Mix Room
• William Harris Gallery
• Large-Format Darkroom

Events

• Film+FotoFest@RIT'25

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