Lesley University Art & Design Programs

The Photography Program at Lesley University’s College of Art and Design offers a dynamic and comprehensive education that prepares students for meaningful careers in the visual arts. Rooted in both tradition and innovation, the program encourages photographers to think critically about the medium’s role in contemporary culture while mastering its technical and aesthetic dimensions. Students are guided to explore their creative vision, develop technical expertise, and build a professional practice that reflects both individuality and adaptability in an ever-evolving creative industry.

From the very first year, undergraduate photography students engage deeply in foundational studies that introduce them to the essential tools of the craft. Courses in photographic history, theory, and image-making cultivate an understanding of photography’s power as both a documentary and expressive medium. Students work with analog and digital processes, gaining fluency in darkroom techniques, digital editing, and post-production. This early immersion in both traditional and modern photographic methods lays the groundwork for advanced creative exploration in later years.

As students progress, the curriculum expands to include specialized courses in studio lighting, portraiture, photojournalism, and conceptual photography. The emphasis on experimentation allows students to discover new ways of seeing and communicating through imagery. Faculty members, who are active artists and professionals, offer close mentorship, encouraging students to develop a distinctive artistic voice while learning how to navigate the practical realities of a photographic career.

With access to state-of-the-art labs, studios, and exhibition spaces, Lesley photography students benefit from an environment designed for collaboration and innovation. By the time they graduate, they possess not only a strong technical foundation and refined creative vision but also the professional skills necessary to succeed in today’s visual arts landscape—whether as fine art photographers, documentary storytellers, or creative industry professionals.