Photography and Documentary Studies

The photography concentration builds a strong foundation of technical skills in exposure, intentional image-making, darkroom practice, and digital workflow. Students have opportunities to explore a range of emerging and traditional technologies while developing personal interests and professional skills.

How to Apply

Admissions Requirements for Photography and Documentary Studies

Assessment & Roadmap

Photography and Documentary Studies Concentrations

Art and Design (B.F.A.) - Photography and Documentary Studies Concentration

Photography Minor

About the Concentration

The concentration focuses on include studio lighting, portraiture, still life, visual storytelling, community-based projects, partnerships in ecology and sustainability, color photography, digital imaging, photogrammetry (3D photography), photo-collage, non-silver processes, contemporary art practice, bookmaking, and media.

Oppoortunities also include internships, paid opportunities, and professional pathways, which enhance the qualifications of students who wish to pursue graduate work.

A final thesis project results in exhibition, an artist’s book, and portfolio.

Career Possibilities

Photography business
Auction house
Media organization
Nongovernmental agency
Research foundation
Museum
Publishing venture
Aid organization
Real-estate company
Fashion label
Public-relations firm
Design studio, or gallery
Colleges or Universities
Start your own business

Graduate School and Other Paths

Many students continue on to graduate school in visual arts, emerging media, or documentary film.

Many fields align closely with the practice of photography. Often, the modes of creativity, critical inquiry, discipline, collaboration, technical skill, community engagement, generosity and ethics acquired at Buffalo State will take you on other paths, while guiding you as a thinker, doer, maker.

Student Galleries

Student Work (Photo 1) Student Work (Advanced)

Facilities and Equipment

Classrooms and facilities* are accessed through the basement of Upton Hall, either from the side of the Science Building, or from Upton’s front entrance.

Darkroom: Upton 109 | Classroom and digital lab: Upton 112-113

Mac and PC computer lab equipped with photo-editing software
Small- and large-format digital printing (up to 44” wide)
Gang black- and-white darkroom with 14 enlargers, for printing up to 4x5" negatives
Black-and-white film processing area and photo finishing area
Non-silver processes area
View camera film developing area
Shooting studio, equipped with lighting and backdrops
Studio for film and print scanning
Photobook production facilities
Photography art and technical resource library
Exhibition area

*Lab fees cover the cost of all chemistry/darkroom facilities, small-scale digital printing, and some course expenses.

Intro-level students (FAR 220) work with both 35mm and digital cameras. A limited number of 35mm film cameras are available for loan.

Darkroom Information

Hours

The darkroom is kept open during lab hours (posted on the bulletin board outside of Upton 109). Otherwise, darkroom and lab access is available for registered students, provided a class is not meeting at the time.

Student Monitors

Student monitors mix chemicals, answer questions, and keep the facility clean.

Interested in Becoming a Student Monitor?
Monitors have access to the darkroom even though they may not be taking a photography class that semester.

Contact:

Zachary Hellwig, Digital Photography Research Assistant

Ross Simpson, Photography Research Assistant