UCLA Department of Art

The UCLA Department of Art offers one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking photography programs in the country, built upon a tradition of both experimental and classical approaches to lens-based media. The Photography Area emphasizes photography as a multifaceted art form that can exist as a print, an installation, or within video and digital contexts. Students are encouraged to critically investigate the history and materiality of the medium while developing their own perspectives through technical practice and conceptual exploration.

At the core of the program is a commitment to helping students find their individual voice. Courses combine rigorous critique with hands-on training, allowing for a balance between technical mastery and conceptual innovation. Facilities include a black-and-white group darkroom, computer labs with professional editing software, film and digital cameras ranging from 35mm to large-format, and Epson printers capable of producing large-scale works. These resources provide students with the tools necessary to explore photography in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

The program’s graduate-level focus attracts a diverse cohort of artists who learn not only from distinguished faculty but also from each other. Catherine Opie and Rodrigo Valenzuela, both internationally recognized artists, serve as primary advisors and bring unique perspectives to the program. Students also benefit from interdisciplinary opportunities, working with faculty across other areas of art or even outside the department, which fosters a broader approach to artistic practice.

Graduate students have access to the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios in Culver City. These facilities include individual studio spaces, shared labs, and open areas for critiques, exhibitions, and lectures. The studios remain open year-round, offering students the time and space to deepen their practice. With its combination of renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and an experimental spirit, the UCLA photography program provides a fertile environment for pushing the boundaries of contemporary image-making.