Bloomington - Fine Arts Building 132 1201 E. Seventh Street - IN 47405
The Photography Program at Indiana University Bloomington offers students a comprehensive education in the art and craft of photographic image-making, encouraging both creative exploration and technical mastery. Housed within the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, the program emphasizes the development of personal vision while fostering an understanding of photography’s place in contemporary culture and visual communication. Students are guided to think critically about images and their impact, while building a solid foundation in both traditional and digital techniques.
The curriculum introduces students to a broad range of photographic practices, from black-and-white darkroom processes and alternative techniques to advanced digital imaging, studio lighting, and large-format photography. Early courses focus on camera operation, exposure, and composition, while upper-level classes emphasize conceptual development, narrative construction, and professional presentation. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to experiment, blending technical skill with creative risk-taking to develop a distinctive photographic voice.
Indiana University’s facilities are among the best in the region, offering fully equipped darkrooms, professional lighting studios, and high-end digital labs. Students also have access to large-format printers, scanners, and a comprehensive photo equipment checkout system. The program maintains an active exhibition culture, with opportunities for students to display their work in campus galleries and participate in juried shows, critiques, and portfolio reviews.
Faculty members are practicing artists and photographers who bring professional experience and a diverse range of perspectives to the classroom. Their mentorship helps students bridge the gap between academic study and real-world practice. Graduates of the program pursue careers as fine art photographers, photojournalists, commercial image-makers, educators, and curators, or continue their studies at the graduate level. The Photography Program at Indiana University Bloomington remains committed to nurturing curiosity, technical fluency, and artistic integrity—qualities essential for success in the ever-evolving field of photography.
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