Photography Overview

Thank you for considering the Photography Program at Northern Michigan University. As a Photography Major you may work toward one of the following degrees: B.F.A., B.A., B.S., or A.S. The requirements for the different degrees vary and you should consult the current NMU Undergraduate Bulletin for clarification. Because of the high concentration in studio courses and the professional nature of the degree, most students work toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or B.F.A.

2005 marks the first year in our new building and lab/studio facility. Our Photography Program and new lab facility well supports the duality of the medium. The black and white darkroom area has 29 Beseler 45XL enlargers. All the stainless steel sinks have built-in ventilation. A large film processing area supports black and white processing and print drying. For color film and large format film processing we have two Jobo 2500 processors. Color printing is accomplished by film scanning and printing via a Fuji Pictography printer. Our photography lighting studio is equipped with professional quality ProFoto strobes, Sinar view camera, and Foba studio stands. Critique rooms are illuminated with track lighting. A separate finishing room is available for film sorting and print mounting. The general work area (normal illumination) faces an outdoor courtyard area.

Students typically shoot and use 35mm in the first two classes (AD-117 and AD-217). Many students come to the program with an older 35mm camera - that is fine. As long as the 35mm camera you have is adjustable and the light meter is accurate it will satisfy your basic camera needs. In the AD-317 students are introduced to studio lighting and the use of the 4x5 view camera. The studio view camera is provided as part of the lighting studio. Black and white work is completed using traditional silver based materials. Color film (slides and color negatives) are used for image capture in color photography using the Fuji Pictography printer for final output..

If you are interested in purchasing any new camera equipment - take a look at PhotographyReview.com for user reviews of equipment.

Professional Pursuits In Photography

Almost every facet of our society is somehow touched by the photographic medium. Photographs are used to illustrate, advertise, and communicate. Magazines and books utilize photography as visual communication and as enhancement of the written word. Professional application of photography has become an important pursuit for many students. Our curriculum allows one to study and develop skills necessary in professional photography. Our program also supports students who plan to pursue graduate studies. Students are expected to develop personal creative directions in their photographic work.