Our Photography program focuses on rigorous critical discussion, technical mastery and creative exploration supported by facilities, equipment and opportunities that promote and engage learning. Nearly 4000 square feet of photography facilities include digital labs, silver and non-silver darkrooms, a lighting studio, and student exhibition space. You will experience print viewing and close interaction with the extensive photography collection, visiting artists, and staff at the Sheldon Museum of Art adjacent to Woods Art Building.
Patrons look at photos posted on a gallery wall.

Program Features

BA/BFA
The Photography program offers a range of studio courses in darkroom and digital photography that focus on technical, conceptual and aesthetic aspects of the medium as well as photography theory, history, criticism and contemporary practice. These courses are designed to provide a foundation for independent artists who use photography as a medium of expression.

As a studio art major with an emphasis in photography, you can take up to six regular courses in the area as well as special topics courses and independent study hours.

MFA
Our three-year, 60-credit MFA in Art offers:

  • Graduate-only analog darkroom, digital darkroom, and generous studio space
  • 24-hour access to all facilities
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships & tuition fellowships
  • School of Art, Art History & Design annual awards
  • Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts awards, presentation travel and research grants
  • One-on-one studio visits with Hixson-Lied Visiting Artists & Scholars
  • Opportunities to work with faculty across all studio areas and art history
  • Opportunities to take courses across campus in other disciplines
  • Close proximity and dialog with MFA students in all studio areas, and with MA students in Art History
  • Extensive collection of photobooks in UNL’s Love Library
  • Solo MFA thesis exhibitions
  • Opportunities to exhibit work in the many galleries and alternative spaces in Lincoln
  • A Residency Prize for one graduating student from the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts’ internationally renowned artist residency program

Comprehensive Facilities & Equipment
There are nearly 4,000 square feet of photography facilities, including darkrooms, film labs, lighting studios, private studio spaces and a host of traditional and modern resources for all modes of photographic practices.

Our extensive equipment inventory includes Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras and kits, 35mm and Medium Format film cameras, 4x5 large format cameras with an extensive selection of lenses ranging from 75mm to 300mm, tripods lighting equipment and much more.

Renowned Visiting Artist Lectures and Exhibitions
The School of Art, Art History & Design’s Hixson-Lied Visiting Artists & Scholars program and Sheldon Museum of Art bring prominent photographers, scholars, curators, and industry professionals to campus for lectures, demonstrations, and graduate studio visits.

Study Around the World
Take classes around the world taught by our School of Art faculty. Previous faculty-led trips included London, Paris, Tokyo, Italy and Greece.

Notable Courses

Beginning Digital Photography (PHOT 261)

Introduction to digital photographic processes for artists including camera operations, image editing and printing as well as seeing and expressing ideas photographically.

Beginning Photography-Wet Darkroom (PHOT 262)

 Introduction to traditional photographic processes using black and white film and the wet darkroom with an emphasis on technical and conceptual development.

Studio Photography (PHOT 263)

Introduction to studio lighting for photography, digital asset management, and post-production, with an emphasis on technical and conceptual development.

Special Topics: Environment/Landscape/Photography Seminar (ARTS 498A/898A)

Topical reading, discussion, and presentations culminate in a student-curated photography exhibition from the Sheldon Museum of Art’s collection.

Special Topics: Photography Bookmaking (ARTS 498A/898A)

Introduction to photographic book history, ideation, editing, and production including traditional bookbinding.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Heartwood Mountain Sanctuary
  • Mendocino Art Center
  • American Museum of Ceramic Art

Careers

  • Forensic photographer
  • Advertising photographer
  • Art Instructor
  • Gallery Manager
  • Museum Worker
  • Photojournalist

Graduate Schools

  • University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Pratt Institute School of Art
  • Cranbrook Academy of Art
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Photography, contact us.

Chris Watson portrait
Contact Name
Chris Watson
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Director of Recruitment
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