Photography

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The Photography Program at Northern Michigan University provides students with a strong foundation in technical expertise, creative exploration, and conceptual development, preparing them for success in the diverse and evolving field of photography.

Our curriculum is designed to support students at all levels, from building essential technical skills in digital and analog photography to developing a personal artistic voice through advanced coursework. Introductory classes emphasize camera operation, professional printing, studio lighting, analog practices, and post-processing techniques using industry-standard software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. As students progress, upper-level courses focus on using photography as a tool for visual communication, encouraging personal expression and research, experimentation, and portfolio development tailored to career goals in commercial, documentary, or fine art photography.

We believe that hands-on experience is essential for mastering photography. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide students with the tools to work in both digital and traditional photographic methods, including Professional Lighting Studios, Darkroom and Alternative Processes Lab, Digital Labs, and Equipment Checkout.

Whether you are passionate about visual storytelling, studio work, or alternative processes, NMU’s Photography Program provides the tools, knowledge, and creative environment to help you succeed.

Christine Lenzen

Professor

clenzen@nmu.edu
906-227-2162

Nathan Bett

Contingent Assistant Professor

nabett@nmu.edu
906-227-2223

ARTD 217 Photography: Foundations

4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, Winter

Introduction to the technical and compositional aspects of digital photography. Through creative assignments, students are encouraged to explore and develop their unique strengths and interests within the medium.

AD 317A Photography: Analog Methods

4 credit hours
Offered: Fall

Prerequisite: AD 212 or AD 217 or instructor permission.

Introduction to analog photography processes. Through creative projects, students are encouraged to explore the various qualities of analog techniques while continuing to advance their individual photographic practices.

AD 317B Photography: Digital Methods

4 credit hours
Offered: Fall, Winter

Prerequisite: AD 212 or AD 217 or instructor permission.

Students expand their knowledge of digital photography, focusing on advanced digital techniques and creative processes while developing their individual photographic practices.

AD 417A Photography: Contemporary Practices

4 credit hours
Offered: Winter, odd-numbered years

Prerequisite: AD 303 or concurrent enrollment, AD 317A or AD317B or instructor’s permission.

Design and implementation of individual advanced projects while exploring contemporary theoretical and critical photographic concepts.

AD 417B Photography: Professional Practices

4 credit hours
Offered: Winter, even-numbered years

Prerequisite: AD 303 or concurrent enrollment, AD 317A or AD317B or instructor’s permission.

Design and implementation of individual advanced projects while gaining knowledge of professional practices within the photographic field.

We believe that hands-on experience is essential for mastering photography. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide students with the tools to work in both digital and traditional photographic methods:

Professional Lighting Studios – Designed to match the standards of a professional photography studio, our lighting space is fully equipped with high-powered strobes, a variety of light modifiers, and other essential equipment. Whether students are mastering portrait lighting, experimenting with creative setups, or working on commercial projects, the studio provides the tools and flexibility needed to produce professional-quality images.
Darkroom & Alternative Processes Lab – In an era dominated by digital imagery, NMU offers students the rare opportunity to explore the magic of traditional and historic photographic techniques. Our fully equipped darkroom supports black-and-white film development and printing, while our alternative processes lab allows students to experiment with 19th-century printing methods such as cyanotype, platinum/palladium, gum bichromate, and salt printing. By blending digital negatives with hand-crafted techniques, students gain a deeper understanding of photography’s rich history while pushing creative boundaries in contemporary image-making.
Digital Labs – Our digital labs provide the tools for students to bring their creative visions to life. Equipped with industry-standard software and professional printing capabilities, these spaces enable seamless digital workflows—from advanced image editing to large-format fine-art printing. Whether perfecting color accuracy, crafting exhibition-ready prints, or experimenting with new techniques, students have access to the technology needed to push their work to the next level.
Equipment Checkout – Students have access to a robust collection of professional gear, ensuring they’re always ready to capture their next great image. From high-quality digital and film cameras to tripods, lighting equipment, and portable strobes, our lending service allows students to experiment with new tools and techniques without the burden of personal equipment costs. Whether shooting in the studio or on location, NMU photographers have the resources to turn their creative ideas into reality.

Students can also integrate their photography studies with related disciplines, such as Graphic Design and Digital Cinema, broadening their creative skill set.

Photography FAQ

The answer to this depends on individual student goals and interests. Most photography students pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a professionally focused degree that emphasizes hands-on experience and skill development in a specific artistic field. BFA students spend a significant portion of their time in the studio, working closely with faculty and exploring materials, techniques, and creative processes. It’s an intensive program designed for students who want to fully immerse themselves in their studio practice.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) offers greater flexibility, allowing students to include 34-44 open elective course credits. This can be a great option for students with interdisciplinary interests. For example, students interested in freelancing or starting a creative business might choose a minor in marketing or entrepreneurship. Those drawn to photojournalism might combine their art coursework with a minor in journalism. The BS allows you to shape a degree path that supports both your artistic development and your broader career goals.

If you're not sure which path is right for you, your advisor or faculty mentor will be happy to help you explore your options.

Students should have access to a digital camera with manual controls and the ability to shoot in RAW format. Our program is built around the Canon R100, an entry-level mirrorless camera that provides a solid foundation for learning essential skills. Students interested in more advanced features might consider the Canon R8, a full-frame camera available to rent in upper-level courses.

We recommend choosing a mirrorless camera, as this system has become the industry standard and most manufacturers have phased out DSLRs. Our courses and equipment checkout system are aligned with this shift.

While there are several high-quality camera brands, Canon is the standard brand used across the School of Art & Design, including Photography and Digital Cinema. Choosing a Canon mirrorless camera ensures compatibility with classroom instruction and university equipment.

Not ready to purchase a camera? High-quality mirrorless cameras are available for short-term loan through the School of Art & Design, allowing students to try one before committing.

Upper-level courses also explore analog film photography. The university provides access to film cameras, but students may use their own if they have one.

If you are accepted into the University, you can pursue a degree within the School of Art & Design. Although there is no required portfolio review to enter the program, Art and Design majors participate in a faculty portfolio review (AD303: Individual Art Review). This review usually occurs during a student’s junior year.

Each year, the school offers an Incoming Freshman Scholarship (six $ 1,500 awards) to high school seniors planning to attend the School of Art & Design. Scholarship applications are typically due in January-February. See the Scholarships section of this site for eligibility and application requirements. School of Art & Design Scholarships Link

The photography program emphasizes visual communication, helping students express ideas, emotions, and stories through images. While each course teaches specific technical and compositional skills, the curriculum is flexible enough to support individual exploration and creative growth.

Photography is a kind of visual language. Just like learning to write, you begin by understanding the basic tools: how to use your camera, control exposure, and compose an image. As you develop fluency, you start forming more complex “sentences”—using color, light, sequence, and form to build meaning. Eventually, you’ll create cohesive bodies of work that reflect your unique voice and vision.

The program begins with digital photography and image editing, then expands into color photography, lighting, and printing. As you move into upper-level coursework, you’ll explore film-based photography, darkroom printing, studio lighting, and alternative processes, all while refining your ideas and working toward a personal or professional direction.

Whether your interests lie in fine art, commercial work, or somewhere in between, our program is designed to give you the tools to communicate powerfully—and creatively—with images.

While we do not track every graduate, many of our alumni who stay in touch have successfully found employment in photography or related creative fields. Our curriculum combines training in current digital technologies with traditional processes, providing students with a strong technical and conceptual foundation that prepares them for a wide range of career paths.

Graduates from our program have gone on to work professionally in areas such as portraiture, fashion, food, product, editorial, photojournalism, and corporate photography, as well as fine art and arts administration. Others have pursued roles in education, digital marketing, and creative direction, or continued on to graduate study in photography and related disciplines.

Yes! In fact, you are encouraged to explore other media areas. The Art & Design curriculum is designed to give students the flexibility to study across multiple media. In addition to the required foundation courses, several open Art & Design electives are required to complete the various degree programs. You should consult with your advisor for specific details. All foundation-level studio courses are open to any student and require no prerequisites.

Note: An interdisciplinary emphasis may be selected for AD 303 Individual Art Review (for example, Ceramics+Photography). Students in the BS/BA degree program will have open electives, offering a wider range of course options.

Photography

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