PHOTOGRAPHY
Overview
The photography program at JMU encourages an experimental and interdisciplinary approach to image making. The curriculum reflects a commitment to traditional photography, (including 35mm manual camera basics, black and white darkroom skills using silver gelatin-based film and printing paper), yet also embraces advances in digital imaging and emerging technologies.
We emphasize the interplay between craft, material and content.
Students are encouraged to take risk while developing ideas based on personal, historical and theoretical perspectives. We offer a variety of courses at intermediate and advanced levels each semester; students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to explore their emerging ideas in the context of contemporary art practice.
We believe that making art generates expansive thinking and promotes a deeper understanding of the environment we live in. We seek to enable students to be skilled both technically and conceptually and to truly engage with the world.
Facilities
The photo facilities are located in Memorial Hall Arts Complex, completed in 2010. The studios are well equipped to support a varied and creative approach to the use of photographic processes, including digital, traditional, and alternative process photography, photographic mixed media, lens-less photography, and lens-based media such as video.
There is a black and white darkroom for traditional, experimental and large format photography; an exposing and printing space for alternative processes; a digital lab with photo and video editing software, scanners and large format printers; and, a finishing room with mat cutters and a drymount press.
A general classroom provides group learning and critique space. A variety of cameras, including large format, digital and toy cameras, lighting units, and other equipment is available for checkout.
Hardware and Software Requirements
SADAH's programs require all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running any necessary software. SADAH considers a laptop an essential tool for total participation in classes and content. Read more about SADAH's hardware and software requirements.
Suggested Specifications
Operating System (OS)
MacOS
Storage (GB)
512GB
Screen Size (IN)
13”
Random Access Memory (RAM)
32GB
Graphics Memory (VRAM)
6GB
Processor (CPU)
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i7 / i9
Required Specifications
Operating System (OS)
MacOS or Windows 11
Storage (GB)
512GB
Screen Size (IN)
13”
Random Access Memory (RAM)
16GB
Graphics Memory (VRAM)
4GB
Processor (CPU)
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i5
Required Software
Microsoft 365*
Zoom*
*Provided by JMU
Corinne Diop
Graduate Director for Art, Photography Area Coordinator, Coordinator of Art Minor, Professor of Art
Rebecca Silberman
Professor of Art, Photography
