Photography
Majors and Programs | Instructors
Program Contact:
Rich Bergeman
The Photography program at LBCC offers a series of foundation courses for students interested in transferring to a four-year college or university. It includes courses in the fundamentals of photography as well as lab classes in black and white printing, digital photography, documentary photography, color photography and alternative processes.
Students can specialize in photography under either one of LBCCís two transfer degrees: the Associate of Arts (Oregon Transfer) degree or the Associate of Science degree. Students who plan to transfer to Oregon State University to pursue a photography degree in OSUís Department of Art are advised to take the Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Art at LBCC and follow the Photography Concentration (see details under "Art").
Students planning to transfer to the University of Oregon or other four-year college in the state are advised to take the Associate of Arts (Oregon Transfer) degree and to follow the recommended course curriculum outlined below. Both degree programs are designed to help students study photography as a medium of expression rather than as a commercial enterprise.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students in this program will demonstrate:
- an understanding and appreciation of the role and significance of photography in the history and development of Western art.
- technical and aesthetic competence in the creation of imagery in black-and-white, digital, and color media.
- technical and aesthetic competence in at least two specialized forms of photography, including documentary, digital imaging, alternative processes, and/or fine art gelatin silver printing.
Career Information
Students interested in careers in commercial, advertising and industrial photography should consider a photo trade school following graduation from LBCC. For careers in the entrepreneurial field, such as studio photography, students should consider combining studies in business and marketing with photography at LBCC.
For careers in the editorial and photojournalism fields, students should get involved with student publications and seek out internships to get their work published while they are still in college. Those interested in careers as educators should plan to transfer to a reputable university to seek an MA or MFA.
For more information on this and related careers, plus the current employment outlook, access the Oregon Career Information System (CIS) located in the Career Center, Takena Hall 101.
Program Requirements
The Photography program welcomes students of all skill levels to its introductory course (ART 261). However, space is limited in the subsequent lab classes and they are open only to students who have completed the introductory course with a grade of B or better. Qualifying students will be admitted to the lab classes on a first-come, first-served basis; consequently, students may have to wait until their sophomore year to gain admittance to some classes. Expenses for supplies will vary depending on the specific course, but can be $100 or more.
Facilities
The department supports its photography classes with both traditional wet darkrooms and digital imaging studios. A limited number of cameras and other equipment are available for short-term checkout from the lab by students enrolled in photo classes; however, students who advance beyond the introductory course should expect to have their own 35 mm or medium-format camera. Because of limited staffing, access to the photo lab is restricted to currently enrolled photography and journalism students who have completed an orientation in lab procedures and safety.
Dual Enrollment at LBCC and Oregon State University
The LBCC-OSU Degree Partnership Program makes it possible for you to complete a single application process, be admitted to, and simultaneously enroll in courses at both institutions. The program is open to students in all transfer programs at LBCC and all undergraduate programs at OSU. Students in the program can combine the credit hours enrolled at both institutions to meet full-time enrollment status for financial aid purposes. The cost of services at the institution where you currently are enrolled is included in your tuition and enrollment fees; in addition, you can purchase services at the partner institution to use that institutionís health services, cafeterias, recreation facilities, student housing, etc.
For further information about co-admission, contact the Admissions Office at either LBCC: (541)917-4811 or OSU: (541)737-2626.
