With a focus on developing individual expression, the photography and digital studio program at Oregon State University embraces a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to photography. Students learn to use traditional darkroom techniques as well as the latest concepts and technologies in digital photography, digital printing, exhibition techniques, studio lighting, and video-art. Students have access to digital computer labs with up-to-date imaging software, wide-format digital printers, a dedicated darkroom, and a lighting studio.

With an emphasis on inclusion, diversity and equity, our program seeks to challenge our students to confront and respond to critical issues, such as the environment, identity and social justice and other topical concerns that face our society. Students are encouraged to use their mastery of technical skills and aesthetics to develop their own visual “voice” - creating and framing their personal and professional work within the historical, theoretical and ethical contexts of the medium. Collaborative image-making is encouraged linking photography to other creative practices such as the moving image, sound, sensor-technologies, social media, book-making, installation art, design-fields and with other university programs. Developing curiosity and embracing a flexible approach to the evolving field of photography enables students to gain the critical thinking skills that will serve them in a number of creative professions.

Note: 

For the digital photography classes, students should have access to a digital camera with adjustable exposure controls – most suitable is a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR). These cameras are also available for loan at media services. For the darkroom classes, a working 35 mm film camera is required.

Our noteworthy Visiting Artists program provides students personal interactions and critiques with world-renowned artists including Marina Abramovic, Alice Aycock, Ann Hamilton, Wangechi Mutu, Philip Pearlstein, Do Ho Suh, and Bill Viola.

To learn more about the program or to arrange a visit, please contact Felix Oliveros, Academic Advisor.

Faculty Focus

Evan Baden preaches the power of photography: Acclaimed photographer encourages students to look deeper at imagery

There’s a quote in “The Things They Carried,” Tim O’Brien’s classic novel about the Vietnam War, that Evan Baden likes very much, in part because it says something important about Baden’s photography.

Here’s the quote: "Fiction is the lie that helps us understand the truth."

Read More >

Program Tabs

Note: 

For the digital photography classes, students should have access to a digital camera with adjustable exposure controls – most suitable is a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR). These cameras are also available for loan at media services. For the darkroom classes, a working 35 mm film camera is required.