The minor in Photography provides hands-on training in visual storytelling and technical proficiency through foundational and advanced coursework in both analog and digital photography. Students master camera operations, lighting, composition, darkroom techniques, and digital editing while developing a professional portfolio. Electives allow specialization in areas such as photojournalism, digital photography, and advanced studio techniques, with emphasis on analyzing photography’s impact on diverse communities. This minor pairs well with majors in journalism, communications, art and media design, education, or any field where visual communication strengthens professional practice. Students develop skills valued across diverse careers including media production, documentary work, marketing, and creative industries.
Program at a Glance
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On campus
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
Required pre-minor courses 12 credits
Students formally apply to the minor program upon completion of these courses.
This course is designed to assist the student in a visual understanding of the art of the past and present. The Western tradition is analyzed, with emphasis upon art forms such as architecture, painting, and sculpture. The course highlights the major art periods starting with prehistory and ending with the modern era. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Pre- or co-requisite: ENG 102 or the equivalent, and ASL 125
An introduction to the language of art and design (space, line, shape, value, texture and color) and the principle of composition for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. A series of hands-on projects will reinforce these concepts. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
This course introduces students to the Macintosh computer system, digital camera basics, and Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Digital imaging, illustration, layout, and other digital art techniques will be introduced. This course is intended to prepare students for intermediate classes in graphic design, web design, photography, and digital art.
A foundation course in drawing. An introduction to principles and procedures of drawing in various media. Lectures and studio work. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Required art courses 9 credits
Choose three courses:
In this hands-on course students will learn the fundamentals of photography, including how to use 35 mm manual and SLR cameras, and how ISO, shutter speed, film, light, and composition affect the outcome of an image. Students will also learn a range of photographic processing techniques, Photoshop, and printing processes in the development of a print portfolio.
This photography track course includes a study of advanced camera and darkroom techniques, including developing and printing of color photographs and an advanced analysis of styles in photography emphasizing a student portfolio. The impact on the deaf community and culturally diverse populations is discussed through viewing photographs.
ART 131 or permission of the department chair.
This course introduces students to digital photography and digital camera operations, covering lighting, composition, exposure, and the fundamentals of traditional photographic concepts. Photographing two- and three-dimensional objects and optimizing photos for a digital workflow are skills developed in this course. The history and technology of photography will be discussed.
ART 160
This course will emphasize the fundamentals of photojournalism. Students will act as reporters with a camera, learning how to use images to tell a story while developing a personal vision. Students will gain experience thinking fast in order to quickly capture and record decisive moments. Students will also analyze the role of photography in mass communication with an emphasis on the photographic essay. The legal aspects of news photography along with the ethics of the profession are important components of this course.
This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of a specific area of the photography discipline. Each time course is offered, the materials, equipment, artistic concepts and techniques related to the medium will be identified by the instructor, e.g. studio lighting, large format, alternative processing, pinhole, color photography.
ART 131, 232; and permission of the instructor
Job Outlook
Photographer
The employment of Photographers is expected to grow at a 2% rate from 2024-2034, and has an average annual salary of $42,520. Learn more here.
Admissions
Learn about Gallaudet’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
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Contact
- Minor in Photography
- scott.carollo@gallaudet.edu
